The United States Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to help injured maritime workers receive fair compensation and coverage of their expenses due to a work-related injury. Injured workers who do not qualify for workers’ compensation or the Jones Act might still receive financial settlements or awards that will help them recover.

This guide will help you understand how this federal law protects those who don’t qualify as ‘seamen’ under maritime law, and whether you should work with a Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act attorney to file a claim. To qualify, the injured worker would need to meet both a status and a situs test. The details, benefits, and next steps to filing your claim are included in the graphic below.

You have only a limited time to report your injuries and file a claim under the LHWCA, so it is essential to take action as soon as you realize that your injury is serious and might affect your long-term health and earning potential. Let’s review the details and explain how you might qualify for compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one in the maritime industry.