The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides for the payment of compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation services to employees disabled from on the job injuries that occur on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas customarily used in the loading, unloading, repairing, or building of a vessel. The LHWCA also provides for payment of survivor benefits to dependents if the work injury causes, or contributes to, the employee's death. These benefits are typically paid by the self-insured employer or by a private insurance company on the employer's behalf. The term "injury" includes occupational diseases, hearing loss and illnesses arising out of employment.
Injuries and illnesses covered by the LHWCA are extremely broad and the Act is to supposed to be liberally construed to the benefit of the claimant; however, the LHWCA is also incredibly complex and the claims process contains numerous pitfalls that can result in denial of a claim.
If you or your loved one have been injured or suffered an illness while working on or near the navigable waters of the United States, you may be entitled to medical and compensation benefits. In most cases, our fees are paid by the insurance carrier. Please contact me immediately for a free case assessment.
