If you get hurt while working at a Tampa dock, your claim may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This law covers many maritime workers who assist with commercial vessel operations along navigable waters.
You may qualify under the LHWCA if you perform one of the following jobs:
- Loading or unloading cargo as a longshore worker
- Repairing vessels at the dock
- Assisting with operations aboard docked ships
- Operating machinery that moves freight between ships and land
To qualify, your injury must happen on a pier, wharf, dock or marine terminal. Your job must also involve physical tasks that directly support commercial vessel operations. If both apply, your case may fall under the LHWCA rather than Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
Understand your claim deadlines
You have 30 days from the date of the injury to notify your employer. After, you must submit Form LS-203 to the U.S. Department of Labor within one year of the injury or the last benefit payment. Missing either step may prevent your claim from moving forward.
Follow these steps after your injury
To keep your claim process on track and avoid delays after an injury at a Tampa port, you may take these steps right away:
- Inform your supervisor in writing on the same day the injury happens
- Visit a doctor who is approved to handle LHWCA-related cases
- Write down the exact date, time, location and cause of the incident
- Reach out to a legal professional who understands maritime injury claims
Taking these actions will help you stay organized, avoid mistakes and protect your eligibility for benefits.
Know why following the process matters
The LHWCA has its own procedures, separate from Florida’s standard workers’ comp system. You must use the correct forms, meet federal deadlines and follow each step carefully. If you file with the wrong agency or miss a deadline, you may lose access to the compensation you deserve. Before proceeding, ensure that your job duties and injury location fall within LHWCA coverage.