Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Doctor in Buffalo, NY
Maritime workers face unique hazards due to their unique work environment. They often work on wet and slippery surfaces, handle heavy and hazardous materials, and operate complex machinery. Workers are also exposed to extreme weather conditions and face the risk of drowning. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program Act addresses these distinct risks and needs. It ensures maritime workers receive the compensation and specialized medical care they require. If you are looking for an LHWCA doctor in Buffalo, NY, we can help!
At Medical Care of WNY, we provide high-quality healthcare through a comprehensive range of treatments and rehabilitation services. We understand that when you’re sick or injured, the last thing you want to worry about is billing. There’s no need to worry—We’ll handle the billing paperwork and administrative details so you can focus on your recovery.
What Is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program Act (LHWCA)?
Established in 1927, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program Act aimed to provide financial and medical benefits to maritime employees who were injured as a result of their work environment. It covers injuries that occur on navigable U.S. waters and the areas used for building, preparing, loading, and unloading a vessel.
The program ensures that longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees receive necessary medical treatment and financial compensation for work-related injuries and diseases. It also offers benefits to dependents of workers who died due to an occupational injury.
At a Glance:
- Target audience: Employees working on navigable waters of the U.S. or in adjoining areas (e.g., longshoremen, harbor workers)
- Coverage: Provides compensation for injuries and occupational diseases occurring on navigable waters or related areas
- Benefits: Covers medical treatment, compensation for disability, and benefits for dependents in case of work-related death
- Administration: Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor
- Unique feature: Specifically tailored for maritime employees working in or around water
What Injuries and Illnesses Do Maritime Workers Experience?
Maritime workers face various hazards in their daily routines, primarily due to the challenging environment they work in. Wet and slippery surfaces on ships, docks, and piers often lead to slips, trips, and falls. Uneven surfaces, ropes, cargo, and equipment create additional tripping hazards.
Machinery and equipment pose another significant risk, as workers may get struck or caught in moving parts. Loud noises from machines can cause hearing loss, while constant vibration may lead to other injuries. Certain materials can also be hazardous, including those that are flammable or toxic. Handling toxic substances increases the risk of burns, inhalation injuries, and long-term health problems.
Fatigue from long work hours often contributes to workplace accidents, and extreme weather, biohazard exposure, and high stress further contribute to injuries and illnesses. On top of this, working near or on water introduces a constant risk of falling overboard, possibly leading to drowning.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Medical Benefits
The LHWCA provides medical benefits for a wide range of illnesses and injuries that can occur while working in the maritime industry or as a result of long-term employment in the field. Here are just some of the conditions covered:
- Traumatic injuries, like broken bones, lacerations, concussions, and back and spinal cord injuries
- Occupational illnesses, such as respiratory conditions, skin conditions, and hearing loss
- Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and bursitis
- Musculoskeletal disorders, like chronic back pain or neck and shoulder injuries
- Exposure-related illnesses, such as chemical burns and injections from biohazard exposure
- Psychological disorders, like stress-related disorders and traumatic workplace incidents
- Chronic conditions, such as joint degeneration and arthritis
The program offers compensation for treating these conditions, including doctor visits and hospital stays, surgeries and medical procedures, medications, devices and equipment necessary for recovery, and travel expenses.
Who Is Eligible for LHWCA Benefits?
The LHWCA was established to specifically address the compensation needs of workers in the maritime industry. Those who work on navigable U.S. waters or in areas like docks, wharves, terminals, and shipyards. These include:
Longshoremen- Harbor workers
- Shipbuilders
- Ship repairers
- Shipbreakers
- Harbor construction workers
- Waterfront crane operators
- Certain oil rig and offshore facility workers on the Outer Continental Shelf
- Certain other maritime workers
The LHWCA provides coverage to these workers to ensure that they receive appropriate medical benefits and compensation. Occupations not covered include U.S. government employees or seamen (if you are a seaman, you may be covered under the Jones Act). Additionally, employees who were injured while intoxicated or who intentionally caused an injury are not covered.
How To File a Claim
If you were injured or became sick on the job as a maritime employee, here’s a breakdown of how to file your claim and receive benefits under the LHWCA:
- Report your injury or illness: If you were injured or became ill while working as an LHWCA-covered employee, you need to notify your supervisor immediately and complete Form LS-201 within 30 days of the injury or when you became aware of the injury or illness.
- Ensure your employer submits Form LS-202: Your employer must submit the “Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Illness” form within 10 days of your notification. We recommend checking in with your employer to ensure they submitted this document.
- Seek medical care: If you need medical attention, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Under the LHWCA, you can select your doctor. Your employer should provide you with Form LS-1, which authorizes your medical treatment and choice of physician. However, in emergencies, you can seek treatment first and complete the form later.
- File a compensation claim: Complete Form LS-203 and submit it to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) within one year of the injury or illness.
- OWCP reviews your claim: When reviewing your claim, the OWCP may ask for additional documentation or information. It’s important to keep all your medical records and documentation related to your injury or illness.
When your claim is approved, you will receive all your entitled benefits, including compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and rehab services. Your employer or their insurance carrier is responsible for paying for these benefits.
Why Choose Medical Care of WNY as Your Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Doctor?
The LHWCA allows you to choose your own doctor, so why should you choose Medical Care of WNY? Our practice is “where healing happens!” Our slogan reflects our dedication to supporting you throughout your treatment and recovery. We understand that injuries can be overwhelming, especially when they happen on the job. Occupational injuries or illnesses often require multiple specialists. Our goal is to simplify your recovery. To that end, we offer a wide range of medical and rehabilitative services, all at a single convenient location.
Our dedicated team is always here to support and educate you and serve as partners in your healing journey. We use a holistic care model for accident and injury rehab, employing the most natural and least invasive treatments.
We realize that navigating the complexities of worker’s compensation can be frustrating. With our extensive knowledge of worker’s comp guidelines and experience helping individuals like you, we coordinate seamlessly with the parties involved in your claim. It’s our goal to make your experience with us stress-free!
Medical Care of WNY: Your Trusted LHWCA Doctor
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides essential benefits for maritime workers who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. The program ensures you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve. It also allows you to choose your own doctor so that you have control over your treatment.
At Medical Care of WNY, we truly care about your health and well-being. We handle all billing on your behalf so that you can get the treatment you need without worrying about reimbursement paperwork. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step towards comprehensive, compassionate care.