11th Circuit Denies Arguments Against Jones Act Arbitration and Removal

The Eleventh Circuit issued an unpublished Jones Act decision discussing–albeit briefly–removal and arbitration.  Plaintiff argued against removal and arbitration.  The Eleventh Circuit disagreed, saying:... More

“Flotilla Doctrine” Applied and the Court Granted Claimant’s Motion to Increase Security in a Limitation Action

The flotilla doctrine applies where vessels are owned by the same person, engaged in a common enterprise, and under a single command.  The flotilla... More

Failure to Disclose Prior Accidents Results in Dismissal

Claimant was employed as a maintenance mechanic for Employer when he injured his shoulder while pushing a drum across a grate to weigh it.... More

One More Thing To Consider Before Voluntary Retirement…

In this decision presented to the Benefits Review Board, Claimant appeals, and Employer and Carrier cross-appeal, the Decision and Order of Administrative Law Judge... More

Defense Base Act Resolution and the Direct Payment of Future Benefits

When a Defense Base Act (DBA) injury is caused by a “war-risk hazard,” then both the Defense Base Act and the War Hazards Compensation... More

Do You Need a Medicare Set Aside for Your Longshore or Defense Base Act Settlement?

In every case where a Longshore worker or Defense Base Act (DBA) contractor agrees to close or limit their right to future medical benefits,... More

The Effect of Section 905(b) on the Parties’ Agreement to Indemnify

U.S. United Ocean Services, LLC (“United”) entered into a General Services Agreement (“the Agreement”) with Buck Kreihs Company, Inc. (“BK”) whereby BK would perform... More

Defense Base Act Claimant’s Temporary Job Was Not Suitable Alternative Employment

When an injured Longshore or Defense Base Act claimant cannot return to their usual work, an employer must demonstrate the availability of suitable alternative... More

Jones Act Employees Could Not Sue a Dual-Listed Company

On August 12, 2014, the Eleventh Circuit published a decision discussing jurisdiction and business entity structure in the context of a Jones Act lawsuit. ... More

It’s Our Settlement and We Can Cry If We Want To: Limited Powers of ALJs

In a decision dated July 28, 2014, the Benefits Review Board defined, or rather, clarified, the limited circumstances in which an administrative law judge... More