Frequently Asked Questions

  • The LHWCA provides medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits to maritime workers injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas such as docks, piers, terminals, and shipyards.

    Learn at: Claimant/Injured Worker Page | U.S. Department of Labor

  • Dockworkers, longshoremen, shipbuilders, ship repairers, harbor workers, and certain maritime employees qualify. Coverage depends on both status (type of work) and situs (location of injury).

  • Benefits include medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability payments, vocational rehabilitation, and survivor benefits for families of deceased workers.

  • You must report the injury to your employer, seek medical treatment, and file Form LS‑203 with the Department of Labor. Insurance carriers must also file required reports. Missing deadlines can affect your benefits.

    Learn at: Longshore Forms | U.S. Department of Labor

  • You can request an informal conference with the OWCP and, if necessary, proceed to a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

  • The DBA extends LHWCA protections to civilian contractors working overseas on U.S. military bases, public works projects, or government contracts. It provides medical care, disability benefits, and wage replacement for injured contractors.

    Learn at: Claimant/Injured Worker Page | U.S. Department of Labor

  • Civilian contractors working in war zones, military bases, embassies, reconstruction projects, and other overseas government‑related operations are typically covered.

  • You must report the injury to your employer, obtain medical treatment, and file Form LS‑203 with the Department of Labor. The employer and insurer must also submit required forms. Early legal guidance is crucial.

    Learn at: Longshore Forms | U.S. Department of Labor

  • Common reasons include disputes over whether the injury is work‑related, challenges to medical treatment, wage calculation disagreements, or attempts to minimize disability ratings. A denial does not end your legal options.

  • Benefits include medical treatment, lost wage compensation, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and death benefits for surviving family members. Benefits are paid by the employer’s DBA insurance carrier.

  • Yes. Injured contractors have the right to choose their own physician. Insurance companies may try to direct you to their doctors, but you are not required to accept their choice.

  • You can still file a DBA claim. Many contractors begin treatment overseas and continue care in the U.S. or their home country.

  • Seek medical attention right away, report the incident, document the scene if possible, and avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Early documentation protects your rights.

  • You may have a case if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence—such as in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace incident, or defective product. An attorney can evaluate liability, damages, and available insurance coverage.

  • Case value depends on medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, long‑term disability, and liability factors. No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.

  • Most personal injury cases settle, but some require litigation if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Your attorney will guide you through each step.