The U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation services to employees who are disabled as a result of on-the-job injuries that occur on navigable waters of the United States or in adjacent areas commonly used in the loading, unloading, repairing, or building of a vessel. Occupational diseases, hearing loss, and ailments stemming from the job get included in the phrase “injury.” if a job injury causes or contributes to an employee’s death, the LHWCA allows for the provision of survivor benefits to dependents. Typically, the self-insured employer or a private insurance firm pays these benefits on the employer’s behalf.

In addition to providing your employer with a Notice of Injury, you must file a written claim with the OWCP within one year of the date of injury; or, if your employer has been voluntarily paying compensation benefits, you must file a written claim within one year of the last payment of compensation. Should you become incapacitated due to the injury and fail to make a formal claim with OWCP within the appropriate timeframe, your employer may protest and refuse compensation payments.

If your disease gets caused by on-the-job exposure to hazardous circumstances or chemicals, you may be eligible for compensation and medical benefits. Even if your symptoms or handicap do not appear until after you retire, you may be eligible for compensation for an occupational condition.