Maritime workers face unique challenges when injured on the job. Among the most consequential is a strict timeline that can determine the entire outcome of their case.
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), injured workers must notify their employer within 30 days of becoming aware of their injury. This requirement serves as a fundamental threshold for protecting your legal rights.
The notice must include specific information about the injury, how it occurred, and when it happened. Verbal notification is technically permitted, but written documentation creates a verifiable record that can prevent disputes later.
Failing to provide timely notice can result in the complete dismissal of valid claims unless exceptional circumstances exist. The law recognizes only limited exceptions, such as when employers had actual knowledge of the injury or when a physical or mental incapacity prevented timely reporting.
Even in cases where an injury seems minor initially, prudent workers should file notice. Many maritime injuries develop gradually or worsen over time, and establishing the timeline from the outset preserves crucial legal options.
The complexities of maritime law demand precision and expertise. Workers navigating these requirements should understand that this 30-day window represents just one of many critical procedural requirements under the LHWCA.
Protecting your rights begins with understanding these fundamental timelines. The difference between securing rightful compensation and losing access to benefits often comes down to actions taken within those first 30 days after an injury occurs.
