The Institute for Continuing Legal Education at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor, is proud to present the 2018 Annual Longshore Conference, a two-day program for maritime practitioners and industry professionals seeking proficiency in the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), Defense Base Act (DBA), and other “extension” acts. Topics include: recent judicial decisions under the Act; how to properly adjust claims; sequential injuries and the Section 20(a) presumption; and a discussion on Section 10(i), delayed onset, traumatic injuries and occupational diseases; and are Article I Judges Constitutional? 

Participants have the opportunity to hear from Douglas Fitzgerald, Director of the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation, and Kristina Hall, Acting Branch Chief of Policy, Regulations and Procedures, and a number of District Directors, in an overview session on the operations of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.

Additionally a number of District Chief Judges, including the Associate Chief Judge – Honorable Paul Almanza, will be discussing litigating claims before the Office of Administrative Law Judges. Hear from the Chair, Vice Chair, Associate General Counsel and Clerk of the Benefits Review Board on various issues.

Thursday afternoon is spent delving into emerging trends in the medical field. Discussion points include administering medical care through the OWCP, "tele-medicine" and the future of health care, the rise of compound medications and increasing medical costs, and the legal and practical impact on claims handling and litigation of medical issues. This session will be followed by the ever popular “Longshore Jeopardy.” 

This year’s program addresses several other timely topics of interest to Longshore and DBA practitioners. Novices will have the chance to seek a better understanding of the Acts and seasoned practitioners will benefit from more advanced presentations. This conference provides both a great learning platform and networking opportunity for both attorneys and claims professionals.