Hello all:
Our Longshore and Defense Base Act community has a large presence in Houston and surrounding areas. The devastation and flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey has taken its toll on both litigants and colleagues. In consideration of the unprecedented flooding, the Office of Administrative Law Judge has rightfully issued the following Administrative Order:
POSTPONEMENT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES, U.S. DEPARTMENTOF LABOR, SCHEDULED FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBERAND OCTOBER, 2017
Hurricane Harvey has forced the extended evacuation of the Houston, Texas area and surrounding environs. In consideration of the extraordinary circumstances occasioned by this natural disaster, IT IS ORDERED that:
All OALJ proceedings, including formal hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and pre-hearing conferences, scheduled to take place in and within 150 miles of Houston, Texas during the months of September and October 2017 are POSTPONED until further notice. All associated hearing-related deadlines, such as pre-hearing exchanges, discovery deadlines, post-hearing briefs and similar matters, are hereby TOLLED until subsequent order.
All OALJ proceedings, including formal hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and pre-hearing conferences, scheduled anywhere in the United States during the months of September and October 2017, involving any party, attorney, or law firm located in or within 150 miles of Houston, Texas are also POSTPONED until further notice. All associated hearing-related deadlines, such as pre-hearing exchanges, discovery deadlines, post-hearing briefs and similar matters, are hereby TOLLED until subsequent order.
Any other attorneys or parties with cases pending before the Office of Administrative Law Judges that maybe affected by Hurricane Harvey should contact the Covington, Louisiana District Office, Office of Administrative Law Judges at 985-809-5173 to reschedule hearings or otherwise modify existing deadlines. If the presiding administrative law judge is not assigned to the Covington, Louisiana District Office, attorneys or parties should contact that administrative law judge’s office directly.
SO ORDERED.
STEPHEN R. HENLEY
Chief Administrative Law Judge
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs has issued a similar statement. The Houston District Office is closed this week. It will reopen as quickly as possible. If necessary, please contact the other district offices.
Finally, if you can donate time or money, please do so. Here is a list of organizations that are safe for donations. The list includes foundations designed to help citizens (and their pets) in the south Texas area.
