The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or LHWCA, is a federal law. It provides workers’ compensation benefits to certain maritime employees. These workers include longshoremen, harbor workers, and shipyard employees.
The law covers injuries that occur on navigable waters of the United States. It also covers adjoining areas such as piers, docks, terminals, and wharves. In Texas, this includes major facilities like the Port of Houston and other Gulf Coast ports.
Workers who qualify under the LHWCA can receive important benefits. These benefits include payment for medical treatment. They also cover temporary or permanent disability compensation. In some cases, vocational rehabilitation support becomes available.
The LHWCA does not cover every maritime worker. Seamen who work on vessels usually fall under the Jones Act instead. Office staff and certain other employees may also remain outside the law’s protection.
In Texas, many workers at ports and shipyards file LHWCA claims each year. Employers or their insurance carriers must provide the required benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees these claims.
Injured workers must report their injury promptly. They should also seek medical care and file the necessary claim forms. Timely action helps protect their rights under the law.
Disputes sometimes arise over coverage or benefit amounts. In such cases, workers may request a formal hearing. An administrative law judge then reviews the evidence.
The LHWCA plays a key role in protecting maritime workers across Texas. It offers a structured system of benefits for those injured on the job in harbor and longshore operations.