February 2015

Important Unemployment Decision!

A recent decision out of Orange County is noteworthy and a must read. A merchant seaman who was injured while working for APL applied for California SDI benefits. His claim was denied because APL reported his wages in Arizona, instead of California. Therefore, when he applied for benefits it appeared that he had not made any contributions, despite it being docked from his paychecks. The judge held that he was entitled to benefits and that the amounts of his wages needed to be recalculated to reflect the wages reported in Arizona. Additionally, an investigation into the practices of APL was opened because the judge acknowledged that there were probably many others who were similarly situated and had been wrongfully denied benefits due to the actions of APL.

Question From The Bridge

I was injured while working for APL. I live in California and applied for CA SDI. My claim was denied. What should I do?
Bill H. Long Beach, CA .

Answer:
Appeal immediately. APL has been incorrectly reporting worker’s income in Arizona, resulting in California’s workers being incorrectly denied benefits. A recent decision by an administrative law judge holds that APL cannot continue to do this and an investigation has begun. Even if you have not been injured and you live in California, you should demand that CA SDI be taken out of your wages.

About Our Law Firm

For more than four decades, merchant mariners, longshoremen, fishermen and harbor workers plying their trades at sea, on the docks, on our U.S. coastal waters and inland waterways have turned to the maritime law firm of Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates in Oakland. Today, we are proud to be recognized as one of the preeminent maritime law firms serving injured marine workers nationwide, as well as one of the most successful personal injury litigation firms serving victims of negligence in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the West Coast.

Team Approach To Every Personal Injury And Jones Act Claim

When you retain Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates for a Jones Act injury claim; or personal injury claim, you don’t get just one attorney, you get our entire team of dedicated professionals. Our attorneys offer more than 150 combined years of courtroom and negotiated claims settlement experience. We will represent your interests with unwavering dedication, speed and expertise.