The Longshore Harbor Workers Act - 33 U.S.C. § 90, LSHWA

The Longshore Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federally administered program that provides wage compensation and medical benefits to employees who sustain injury or contract an occupational illness or disease.

While the Jones Act covers those employed on a ship or vessel, the LHWCA covers those who are employed by occupations such as:

• Longshore Operations
• Harbor Work
• Stevedoring
• Loading and Offloading of Vessels
• Loading and Offloading of products transported by vessels
• Ship Repair
• Ship Construction
• General Maritime Construction

Occupations in which employees are not eligible for LHWCA coverage are:

• Master or member of a crew of any vessel
• Persons involved in the loading or unloading of any small vessel (under 18 tons)
• Persons involved in the repair of any small vessel (under 18 tons)
• U.S. Government Employees
• Clerical, Secretarial, Security, Data Processing Staff
• Marina Employees who are not engaged in construction or expansion of the marine
• Persons temporarily working on the premises of a maritime employer

If you are injured while performing your employee duties and are employed in any of the above qualifying occupations, you are eligible for compensation. The LHWCA provides compensation for disabilities in four different categories:

• Permanent Total Disability
• Temporary Total Disability
• Permanent Partial Disability
• Temporary Partial Disability

The LHWCA entitles the injured worker to reasonable and necessary medical treatment, supplies and services related to the injury and reimbursement of any travel costs that are related to the treatment. You also have the right to be treated by the physician of your choice.

In the event of death on the job, surviving spouse and dependants' benefits are paid. Other relatives may also be eligible for death benefits, if they can prove financial dependence on the deceased employee. The Act may also cover funeral expenses for up to $3,000. If you have lost a loved one who was employed in the maritime industry, please contact Joseph Low for your free consultation. The Law Offices of Joseph Low understands that this is a very difficult time for everyone involved. The peace of mind of having a strong Maritime Attorney on your side will help you move forward.

If you have been injured on the job, it is important that you contact The Law Offices of Joseph Low to help you. The laws surrounding the maritime industry can be very complicated. By having a strong attorney on your side you will be able to recover the maximum compensation owed to you, either under the Longshore Harbor Workers' Act or otherwise. Please call us for a free consultation.

THE RIGHT MARITIME ATTORNEY MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR YOUR INJURIES!