Longshore and
Harbor Worker Injuries

What is the LHWCA?

 

Longshoremen, Harbor Workers, Shipyard employees and other non-seaman marine workers are maritime employees and when they’re injured on the job or develop work related illnesses they are entitled to compensation under the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Otherwise known as the LHWCA, the  Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is a federal statutory compromise between employer and employee, where in exchange for the employer being released from their legal exposure to employees’ personal injury claims, employees receive compensation for an injury or illness even where there is no fault of the employer. 

 

What types of workers are covered under the LHWCA?

 

The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides protection to maritime workers who are not covered under the Jones Act. In general, these maritime workers have a connection to either the loading/unloading of a vessel, or to ship building, repair or breaking. These maritime employees work in harbors, shipyards, terminals and drydocks; they work on piers, marine railways, oil rigs and offshore facilities. When these maritime workers are injured on navigable waters, or in areas or facilities located in close proximity to navigable waters they most likely qualify for compensation to pay for medical costs, recovery from injuries or illness, and lost wages.