Houston’s bustling ports keep America moving, but injuries on the docks can upend lives in seconds. Stephen Goldenzweig, Houston LHWCA claims lawyer, and the maritime injury team at Goldenzweig Law Group fight to secure every benefit longshore workers deserve.
What Is the LHWCA and Who Does It Cover?
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal, no-fault benefits law for maritime workers hurt on or near navigable waters. It protects longshoremen, dockhands, shipbuilders, and harbor construction crews working at places like Barbours Cut or the Bayport Container Terminal.
Seamen assigned permanently to a vessel are excluded and must file under the Jones Act instead.
Why this matters: The statute ensures medical care and wage support without you having to prove your employer’s fault.
Who Qualifies for LHWCA Benefits in Houston?
Eligibility follows two simple rules:
- Status test – Your job must involve maritime duties such as loading, repairing, or building vessels.
- Situs test – The injury must occur on navigable waters or an adjoining area such as a pier, wharf, or terminal on the Houston Ship Channel.
Working cargo on I-10’s wharves, repairing hulls in Galena Park, or operating cranes along Hwy 225 generally satisfies both tests. Government employees, clerical staff, or full-time crew members are not covered, but Stephen Goldenzweig, maritime injury lawyer, can quickly confirm where you stand.
Your path to recovery begins with a free consultation and no attorney’s fees unless we win. Call 713-561-5003—our dedicated team is available 24/7 to protect your rights under the LHWCA.
Common Longshore Injuries Covered by the LHWCA
Dock work is dangerous. The Act covers sudden trauma and occupational disease:
- Falls from gangways or container stacks
- Crush injuries and amputations from cargo mishaps
- Electrocutions and severe burns from equipment failure
- Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage
- Uncommon exposures: mesothelioma, chronic hearing loss, toxic-fume cancers, repetitive-stress disorders, PTSD from catastrophic events
Filing an LHWCA Claim in Houston
A claim begins with prompt notice. You must tell your employer within 30 days of the accident (or within 30 days of discovering an occupational illness). Then you file Form LS-203 with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. Medical evidence, wage statements, and witness details accompany the packet.
Missing a deadline invites denial, so Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig gathers records, prepares forms, and meets every procedural rule while you focus on healing.
What Benefits Can a Longshore Worker Receive?
- All reasonable medical expenses with your free choice of physician
- Temporary total disability: roughly two-thirds of average weekly wages during recovery
- Permanent disability payments if injuries never fully heal
- Vocational rehabilitation or retraining if you cannot return to dock work
- Death benefits for surviving spouses and children
These benefits replace lost income and secure your family’s future while you recover.
LHWCA vs. Other Maritime Laws – Quick Answers
- Am I covered by the Jones Act or the LHWCA? Seamen who spend 30%+ of their time on a vessel sue under the Jones Act. Longshore and dock workers rely on the LHWCA.
- Can state workers’ comp apply instead? Texas comp covers purely land-based roles; maritime status and situs trump state law.
- May I sue a negligent third party? Yes. You can pursue a separate negligence claim against equipment makers or contractors while still collecting LHWCA benefits.
- Does the Act reach offshore rigs? The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act extends LHWCA protections to many Gulf platform workers.
What to Do Immediately After a Longshore Injury
- Report the accident to your supervisor before leaving the site.
- Seek medical care and state the injury is work-related.
- Document everything: photos, witness names, accident logs.
- Avoid early settlements or recorded insurer statements.
- Call the Houston LHWCA claims attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group to guard your rights.
Delays and paperwork errors cost benefits—our team prevents those mistakes.
Houston-Area Maritime Hot Spots & Local Risks
Port of Houston terminals along I-45, Beltway 8, and Hwy 225 process millions of tons yearly. Galveston Bay shipyards, Baytown petrochemical docks, and Channelview barge fleeting areas all present heavy-equipment hazards. Stephen Goldenzweig of Goldenzweig Law Group knows these worksites and the unique safety issues each one poses.
Why Choose Goldenzweig Law Group for Your LHWCA Claim
Stephen Goldenzweig, Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorney
With two decades of trial success and millions recovered, he brings focused maritime injury insight to every LHWCA file.
Personal advocacy
Stephen handles your case personally, returns calls promptly, and treats clients like family.
Local and accessible
Our Bellaire office off Loop 610 is minutes from the Ship Channel, and we meet injured workers at home or in hospital.
No Fee Promise
We advance all costs and charge nothing unless we recover compensation.
Client Testimonials
“If you’re looking for a great attorney with experience please don’t hesitate to call. These attorneys know what they’re doing. I was involved in an accident, where the other driver rear ended me on 610. Initially, the insurance did not want to accept responsibility but after I hired this firm, they immediately fought for me and they accepted liability. After my treatment, my case settled and I am very pleased with my settlement. Call them! You won’t regret it” – Rosalinda D.
“It was difficult to find a good lawyer that specialized specifically in federal government law which was important to me given the differences with private sector employment laws. Incredibly efficient, easy to communicate with and professional, he helped sort everything out resulting in a settlement agreement between the Department and myself. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience working with Stephen.” – Anna K.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I qualify if I was injured unloading containers in Pasadena?\
Yes, Pasadena’s location near navigable waters typically meets the LHWCA’s “situs” test, meaning you likely qualify for benefits.
How long do I have to file Form LS-203?
You must file Form LS-203 within one year of your injury or diagnosis, after notifying your employer within 30 days of the incident.
Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?
Absolutely—the LHWCA allows you to select any qualified physician you trust to manage your care.
What happens if my employer disputes my claim?
If your claim is disputed, we’ll first request an informal conference with the OWCP. If necessary, we’ll escalate your case to a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
Is there a cap on weekly LHWCA benefits?
Yes, the LHWCA establishes maximum and minimum weekly benefit rates, adjusted annually based on federal guidelines.
Contact Us Today
Your recovery starts with a free consultation and zero attorney’s fees unless we win.
Call 713-561-5003 or visit us at 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401. Our team is on standby 24/7 to protect your rights under the LHWCA.