"MUST READING" for seriously injured Longshore workers. If you only read one web page on the Longshore Act - This should be it. 15 tips that will help you win your Longshore claim. Best Rated Longshore Act Lawyer: We understand that you and your family’s future is can be riding on the outcome of your case. We fight hard to protect your rights to maximum financial compensation and needed health care. Call us at 619-234-2833 or toll free at 866-963-0540.

14 Essential Tips For Longshore Act Claims


"MUST READING" for seriously injured Longshore workers.

If you only read one web page on the Longshore Act - This should be it.

14 tips that will help you win your Longshore claim.

Best Rated Longshore Act Lawyer:

We understand that you and your family's future is can be riding on the outcome of your case. We fight hard to protect your rights to maximum financial compensation and needed health care.

Call us at 619-234-2833 or toll free at 866-963-0540.



San Diego Longshore Attorney
14 Essential Tips For Longshore Act Claims

Longshore Act Essentials


1. Report your injury immediately.


Be sure to report it to someone in a position above yours at the company. Confirm the reporting with an e-mail and send a copy to yourself. Be sure to keep the email copy.


2. Don't give a recorded statement or a written statement.


It will only be used to deny your claim. If the adjuster tells you they need your statement in order to provide you with medical treatment or weekly compensation benefits, call a Longshore lawyer. Immediately. But don't give a statement.


3. Don't sign any medical releases or employment releases.


If the LHWCA adjuster tells you they need you to sign authorizations in order to provide your LHWCA benefits, call a Longshore attorney.


4. Document your wages


Document all your Longshore wages, overtime, bonuses, etc. Keep all pay stubs and W-2's. You money benefits are directly tied to your earnings. You need to prove as much earnings as possible to maximize your money benefits.


5. You and the L&H Insurance Adjuster


Don't blow your relationship with the LHWCA insurance adjuster. Don't be gabby, but don't be rude. You must be polite. Only say as much as is necessary. The last thing you want to do is motivate the insurance adjuster against you and your claim. On the other hand, don't get all chatty with the LHWCA insurance adjuster. Remember, it is just like criminal law: everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Depend on it. This is anther reason to get a seasoned LHWCA lawyer.


6. Keep medical records


Keep records of all medical treatment. Get names, addresses and e-mail address for all medical providers.


7. Witnesses


Get names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail address of all witnesses to your injury incident.


8. A photo is worth 1000 words.


Literally. Try and get photos of the scene of the injury. Whip out your cell phones ans snap a few. Or have a co-worker document the scene. As soon after your injury as possible. If you are injured on a ship and it was caused by an unsafe condition on the vessel, take photographs. And lots of them.


8. Always tell the truth.


If the Judge sees you have lied to them you will have lost your case. You only get one chance and one case. Don't lose your case by fudging, exaggerating or lying.


9. Prior injuries and claims


Don't lie about or hide previous injuries, conditions and/or claims. There is no apportionment under the Longshore Act. Meaning, you can have 95% pre-existing condition and 5% caused by the LHWCA injury and it is all compensable. With computer data bases available to the insurance comapies today, you will get nailed if you try and hide a prior claim or injury.


10. Free Choice Physician


Don't blow your free choice of physician. You get one free choice physician under the LHWCA. Don't select the wrong doctor. Never, ever chose a doctor suggested by the LHWCA insurance adjuster.


11. You do difficult work


Be sure to explain to your doctor the work you do. Explain the lifting requirements, how much you have to climb ladders, carry tools, lashing, etc. Don't assume your doctor knows how rigorous your job is. Tell them. It is important for your doctor to understand the rigors working as a longshoreman, harbor worker, shipyard worker, etc.


12. Nurse Case Managers


Don't allow the insurance company nurse case manager to go into the examination room with your doctor. Politely ask them to wait in the waiting room. The nurse case manager's job is to save the insurance company money - - not help you.


13. Third Party Cases

If a defective product was involved in your injury, get photographs of the product. Write down and try to document with photos, the make, model, serial number of the defective product. Try and find our who owns or leases the product. Get any identifying numbers for the product.


14. Getting legal advice from the enemy


Don't take legal advice from the Longshore adjuster. You are at war with the insurance company. They are trained to be nice to you so you will trust them. The adjuster will sweet talk you while they take your money. Happens all the time. Don't ever hire a lawyer suggested to you by the LHWCA adjuster or nurse case manager. They want you to hire someone they can "work with." Guess who will get "worked over" if you do?


Call 619-234-2833 or 866-963-0540 Or email us.

Se habla español.


State Wide Practice

We are asked by injured Longshore and Harbor Workers across California to represent them. We have a State wide practice. We represent injured Longshore Act workers that live across California. We are the number one Longshore Act Law Firm in California. We can help you and your family too.


Research Your Longshore Act Case

This website provides information for persons involved in Longshore Act injuries. We provide vital information so you can make informed decisions regarding your LHWCA case.

We have the most comprehensive Longshore Act website in California.

Call us toll free at 866-963-0540 or email us.


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Speaker at 2011 Maritime Injury Seminar - Spoke on Longshore Act Claims




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The Turley Law Firm
626 Broadway, Suite 625
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-2833
Fax: (619) 234-4048
Toll Free: 866-963-0540


The San Diego, California personal injury law firm of The Turley Law Firm serves clients across  Southern California area. We give you straight talk about your legal options. We have handled cases from San Diego to Imperial Beach to Oceanside to Escondido to El Cajon, everywhere in between, such as: Alpine, Camp Pendleton, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado,  Del Mar, Eastlake, Encinitas, La Mesa, La Costa, La Jolla, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Mission Bay, NAS San Diego, National City, Naval Station San Diego, North Island, North County, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Port of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, San Diego Harbor, Santee, Solana Beach, South Bay, Spring Valley, Vista.

We handle cases across California, including: Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, Imperial County, Los Angeles County, and Ventura County, Colorado River, Mexico, Cabo, Pacific Ocean and all the Oceans and waterways across California and the World.


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William Turley

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