Chris Mann, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, authored the article “The Basics of Workers’ Compensation Fraud in Louisiana” published in the Louisiana Associated General Contractor’s News to Build On newsletter. Chris highlights legal and practical impacts of workers’ compensation fraud, statutory and regulatory systems in place to address fraud, and proactive steps employers can take to avoid these scenarios.
Adams and Bremenstul Quoted in HRLaws.com Article on a US Fifth Circuit Ruling on Racial Discrimination Claim
Mark Adams, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Minia Bremenstul, an associate in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, were quoted in the HRLaws.com article “5th Circuit: Doctor on Contract Can’t Sue Hospital for Bias.”
Adams and Pritt Quoted in HRLaws.com Article on Fifth Circuit Rejecting a Disability Claim
Mark Adams, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Jacob Pritt, an associate in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, were quoted in the HRLaws.com article “5th Circuit Rejects Disability Claim Based on Alcoholism.”
Lewis, Brechtel, and Heidingsfelder Present on Changes Affecting HR Professionals Under Biden Administration
Sid Lewis and Jane Heidingsfelder, partners in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Tim Brechtel, a partner in the Tax Practice Group, presented the virtual webinar “What the New Administration Means for HR” to the Louisiana Society for Human Resource Management on March 31, 2021.
DOL Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Claims Handling under LHWCA
Several questions have arisen on how to make claims and handle worker compensation claims arising from COVID under the LHWCA , 33 USC 901 et seq. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the following guidance to employees and guidance to employers and insurance carriers on how to handle claims
Adams Quoted in HR Daily Advisor Article on What to Expect with Newly Appointed DOL Secretary Walsh
Mark Adams, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group in the New Orleans office, was quoted in the HR Daily Advisor article “Walsh’s DOL Expected to Chart More Employee-Friendly Course.”
Coast Guard Issues Changes to Maritime Transportation COVID-19 Safety Requirements
On March 22, 2021, the US Coast Guard released a change notice to its COVID-19 guidance in Marine Safety Information Bulletin Number 02-21. This change includes sea ports (maritime transportation hubs), provides additional information on applicability for mask wear in the marine transportation system, and includes links to Coast Guard
Maritime Workers Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine in Louisiana
As of March 22, 2021, all energy and transportation workers, including river pilots, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana.
Apple Sues Former High-Level Employee for Trade Secret Use, Disclosure
Earlier this month, Apple filed suit in federal court in San Jose against its former employee, Simon Lancaster, for trade secret theft. The lawsuit alleges that Lancaster worked for Apple until November 1, 2019, as an Advanced Materials Lead and Product Design Architect, which is described as a “senior role” with the company. In this role, Apple claims Lancaster was tasked with “evaluating materials and prototyping innovations to enable future generations of products.”
Latest Stimulus Package Provides Additional Funding, Expanded Eligibility Under the Soon-to-End Paycheck Protection Program
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) that was enacted on March 11, 2021, includes additional modifications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Unlike previous legislative amendments, the changes to the PPP under the ARP are relatively minor, as summarized below.
The American Rescue Plan Act Provides a Flood of Funding for Industry-Specific Programs, Includes Significant Tax and Labor and Employment Changes for Businesses
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) into law. Among the various types of funding, the latest stimulus package provides industry-specific funding for (i) small businesses, (ii) healthcare, (iii) transportation, and (iv) agriculture. In addition, the ARP includes various tax and labor and employment changes for businesses.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans Disaster-Related Relief
In response to last year’s devastating hurricane season and other natural disasters, the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act, which is a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the Act), included various relief provisions (similar to those under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2021 (CARES Act)), designed to assist individuals who suffered an economic loss as a result of these disasters.
“COVID-19 Conundrum: Unexpected State Tax Consequences of a Remote Workforce,” Louisiana CPA’s Lagniappe Magazine
Andre Burvant, a partner in the Tax Practice Group in the New Orleans office, was featured on the cover of Louisiana CPA’s Lagniappe magazine.
Spell Quoted on COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccinations Article in Greater Baton Rouge Business Report
Maggie Spell, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, was recently quoted in the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report article “Mandate or Not? The Question Vexing Employers Over COVID-19 Vaccine.”
DOL Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Deadline Extensions for Benefit Plan Participants and Plan Sponsors
In accordance with emergency powers granted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS and DOL extended a number of benefit plan–related deadlines and provided other relief for participants and plan sponsors. The Jones Walker May 22, 2020, Employee Benefits Client Alert provided a summary of the guidance.
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