The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) was first created to protect workers who focus on loading and unloading vessels, repairing vessels, and building ships or vessels. With one addition, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), additional workers who work in federal waters, such as those on oil platforms, are also covered.
With the LHWCA and OCSLA, those who are injured while working in the maritime industry are able to seek compensation for any workplace injuries that occur. Since maritime cases can be trickier than others, it’s important to look into ways to learn more about the laws, so you can understand what to expect as you begin your case.
Who can qualify for coverage under the LHWCA or OCSLA?
There are many people who will qualify for coverage under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These people may include:
- Ship builders or repairmen
- Dock workers who load or unload vessels
- Workers on oil platforms in federal waters
As well as these individuals, their surviving spouses may also be able to collect compensation if a death occurs.
Who won’t be able to seek coverage under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
It would be unlikely for certain people, such as government employees, state workers and crew members, to qualify under the LHWCA. There are exceptions, though, which is why it’s important to have a good understanding of the laws that apply to your specific case. You could have a right to coverage under the LHWCA, Jones Act or state workers’ compensation. The one that your case falls under will have an impact on how much you can recover.
You deserve support after an injury
After any kind of workplace injury, you do deserve support. Your health and wellbeing must come first.
It’s necessary to learn more about the claims process and to have good legal analysis of your case. That way, you can be sure that you’re seeking compensation under the correct laws and have taken the steps you need to for the best chance at appropriate compensation for what you’ve been through.
