What is the ‘Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act’ and how does it affect my claim?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides benefits to people who have been injured in maritime workplaces such as ports, docks, wharves, and terminals. It applies to anyone who works on the waterfront in a maritime-related job. In cases of injury due to workplace conditions, the LHWCA provides compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and rehabilitation. The LHWCA covers a range of maritime injuries from lacerations to amputations, and provides benefits for permanent disability and death. The LHWCA also sets forth a framework for an injured party’s claim, specifying how long the claimant has to report their injury and how the claim should be filed. It also establishes a procedure for resolving disputes between the claimant and the employer, such as whether the claim should be paid or denied. In most cases, if the employer is found to be responsible for the injury, the employer can be liable for additional damages. If you are injured in a maritime incident in California and meet the requirements of the LHWCA, it can affect your claim by granting you certain benefits that you would not be able to pursue without the act. It is important for you to determine whether your injury is covered under the act and to seek the assistance of a qualified maritime injury lawyer to explore the potential of filing a claim.
Related FAQs
What if my employer does not provide compensation for my maritime injury?What if my employer is located in a different state than where I was injured?
What if I develop an illness due to my job on a vessel?
What type of compensation am I entitled to receive for a permanent injury?
What if my employer tries to deny my claim for maritime compensation?
What is the Jones Act and how does it affect my claim?
What issues should I consider when choosing a lawyer to handle my maritime injury case?
How do I make a claim for an injury I suffered at sea?
What kind of compensation can I receive for a maritime injury?
What if I am injured while working on a cargo vessel?
Related Blog Posts
Understand Maritime Injury Law: A Legal Overview - July 31, 2023What is a Jones Act Seaman and the Rights that Come with It - August 7, 2023
What is Unseaworthiness and How Does it Affect Maritime Injury Law - August 14, 2023
Who Covers Medical Expenses for Maritime Injury? - August 21, 2023
An Overview of Offshore Drilling Injury Claims - August 28, 2023