LHWCA Maritime Law

Maritime Law Provides Protection To Workers. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act or LHWCA provides protection to maritime workers who are injured on navigable waters. This act was created to fill the gap between the Jones Act and state worker’s compensation laws.

While the Jones Act provides protection to seamen and state workers’ compensation laws only apply to injuries that occur in a particular state, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides protection to non-seamen who are injured on navigable water.

Injured Workers Qualify For Coverage

Compensation for injuries covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is administered by the Federal Department of Labor. Injured workers who qualify for coverage under LHWCA are entitled to disability benefits.

Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act an injured person’s right to benefits is not contingent on proving the employer was at fault for the employee’s injuries. This differs from the Jones Act which requires the injured seaman to prove negligence or fault.

Need Legal Help Regarding Maritime Law?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Our Maritime Accident attorney is here to help you when you need it the most.