Workers Compensation Claims for Ship and Vessel Workers

Workers’ compensation claims with respect to maritime workers are governed by a series of federal statutes that establish compensation programs specific to the maritime industry.  Generally, employees of maritime operations, as well as U.S. government contractors working overseas, must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. 

Compensation for Ship and Vessel Workers Injury

The two major relevant federal statutes are the Defense Base Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  Regulations regarding these workers’ compensation programs are also contained within the Federal Acquisition Regulation.  There are very specific requirements for the types of employees, and the industries in which they work, in order for them to qualify for workers’ compensation coverage under these programs.  If employees are eligible for coverage under either of these Acts, they are eligible for virtually identical benefits, with only a few exceptions.  Both programs provide extensive workers’ compensation benefits for employees who are injured or killed in the course of employment, including medical coverage, disability benefits, and death benefits for a covered employee’s dependents.  These benefits may be based on partial or complete and total disability, and may continue for life, subject to annual cost of living increases.  Both programs are administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Talk to a Maritime Lawyer

If you are covered employee who has been injured, or if you have lost a loved one who was a covered employee, you may be eligible for benefits under one of the above described programs.  The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs may be able to assist you in filing for compensation under the appropriate program.