The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that benefits injured workers working on the United States’ navigable waters or in an adjoining area customarily used in the loading, unloading, repairing or building of a vessel.
If you are a longshore or harbor worker injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation under the LHWCA. This blog will discuss what you need to know about making a claim under the LHWCA.
What is the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that benefits workers injured while working on the waterfront. The LHWCA is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) and covers a variety of maritime workers, including longshoremen, harbor workers, shipyard workers, and more.
If you are injured while working on the waterfront, you may be eligible for benefits under the LHWCA. Benefits can include medical expenses, wage replacement, and more. To learn more about the LHWCA and how it can help you, contact a workers’ compensation attorney today.
Who is covered under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides medical benefits and wage replacement for injured workers working on the navigable waters of the United States or in an adjoining area customarily used in the loading, unloading, repairing, or building of a vessel.
To be covered under the LHWCA, a worker must be engaged in maritime employment, defined as:
- Loading, unloading, repairing, dismantling, or building any vessel, or
- Working on any vessel in navigable waters of the United States, or
- Working on any wharf, dock, terminal, or other maritime installation, or
- Transporting passengers or property in interstate or foreign commerce on the navigable waters of the United States as a vessel crew member.
What benefits are available under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
If you are covered under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), you may be eligible for medical benefits and wage replacement.
Medical Benefits
If you are injured while working on the waterfront, you may be entitled to medical benefits under the LHWCA. Benefits can include hospitalization, surgery, physician’s visits, and more. You must have a valid workers’ compensation claim to receive medical benefits.
Wage Replacement
If you cannot work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to wage replacement under the LHWCA. Wage replacement benefits can provide up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages. You must have a valid workers’ compensation claim to receive wage replacement benefits.
How do I file a claim under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
If you have been injured while working on the waterfront, you may be entitled to benefits under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Filing a claim can be complex, but an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the process and get the benefits you deserve.
Here are five steps to filing a claim under the LHWCA:
- Report your injury to your employer.
- See a physician and get medical treatment for your injuries.
- File a Notice of Claim with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
- Attend a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
- Appeal your claim if necessary.
Contact and Visit Us at Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law
Here at Gaylord and Nantais, we are well-versed in the LHWCA and can help you if you have been injured. Contact us today at (562) 561-2669 for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you get the benefits you deserve.
