Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

Albany, New York LHWCA Defense Firm

The attorneys at Walsh & Hacker represent employers in connection with workers’ compensation claims filed under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). (33 USC 901 et. Seq.) According to the Department of Labor, the LHWCA provides compensation as well as medical care to employees who are disabled from injuries incurred on the navigable waters of the United States, or in adjoining areas customarily used in loading, unloading, repairing, or building a vessel, such as waterfront areas and docks.

Some examples of the types of employees who might be covered under the LHWCA include longshoremen or other persons in longshoring operations, and all harbor workers, including ship-repairmen, ship-builders and ship-breakers.

The following similar Acts covers other employees:

• Defense Base Act
• Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
• Non-appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act
• District of Columbia Workers’ Compensation Act

Some Labor Statistics

U.S. Department of Labor statistics reveal that in fiscal year 2000, more than $670 million was paid out in compensation and medical benefits in approximately 72,000 cases covered under these compensation acts. The amounts of compensation pending for fiscal year 2004 may be higher still.

If you are an employer, or an insurer facing a claim for benefits under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or similar acts, you should contact Walsh & Hacker immediately for information and assistance. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Given the exorbitant costs facing employers and insurers in Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims for monetary compensation and medical benefits, the defense attorneys at Walsh & Hacker are willing to pursue any available for option that will ensure clients a prompt and successful resolution of these claims.

One such option is alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The LHWCA compensation program acts as a mediator in resolving these types of claims between employers and claimants. According to the Department of Labor, the cost of an informal conference was estimated at $300 in FY 2000, while formal hearings in front of an Administrative Law Judge cost significantly higher, averaging around $2000.00 in FY 2000.

Contact Walsh & Hacker for more information on how to save on expensive litigation costs through their innovative risk management program. Call today to arrange for a confidential consultation and risk assessment with an experienced attorney. The lawyers at Walsh & Hacker has served clients in upstate New York since 1967, including communities in Columbia County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Warren County and Essex County.

Expertise, Knowledge and Experience With Proven Results Since 1967

Walsh & Hacker
Albany New York Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Attorneys
18 Corporate Woods Boulevard
Albany, New York 1211
Telephone: 518-463-1269
Facsimile: 518-432-1218