The maritime industry is one of the major employers in Florida, partially because of the extensive coastline throughout the state. For individuals who work on or near the water, but not far enough to be classified as seamen, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) can offer crucial protections if an injury occurs while they’re working.
This act provides specific compensation, including medical benefits, if these workers are injured while they’re working on navigable waters within the United States or the areas adjoining them, such as piers, docks, shipyards and terminals. Some of the workers who are covered include cargo handlers, ship builders, longshore workers and harbor construction crews.
The act offers federal protections
Many workers in Florida count on the state’s workers’ compensation laws, but that’s not always possible for these workers. The LHWCA provides federal protections for maritime workers who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for benefits under the state workers’ compensation law.
The LHWCA offers a host of benefits for covered workers who are injured on the job:
- Medical care for treatment related to the injury or illness
- Wage replacement benefits
- Permanent disability compensation if the injury leads to lasting impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation services in cases where the worker can’t return to their original job
Benefits may also extend to survivors if a work-related injury results in death. Understanding the way this act applies to specific cases can be challenging, so it may be beneficial for workers who are injured or the loved ones of a worker who died to seek out the assistance of someone familiar with these matters.