If you were hurt working on the Jacksonville waterfront, such as loading or unloading vessels at a JAXPORT terminal, repairing ships, or working on a pier or dock, your injury may be covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), not Florida’s state workers’ comp. Under the Longshore Act, you have the right to choose your attending physician from among those authorized by the Director of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Changing doctors after that first choice generally needs consent, so the first choice matters.
This guide explains how medical care works for Longshore injuries in Jacksonville and what to do after you are hurt. It is general information, not legal advice. Coverage questions under the Longshore Act can be complex, so talk to an attorney about your claim.
Key facts
- Under 20 CFR 702.403, a Longshore employee has the right to choose an attending physician from among those authorized by the Director of OWCP; about 25 miles from the place of injury or home is generally a reasonable distance.
- After the initial free choice, changing physicians generally requires prior written consent of the employer or carrier, or the district director (20 CFR 702.406).
- Under 20 CFR 702.404, a chiropractor counts as a physician only for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation shown by X-ray or clinical findings.
- The Defense Base Act extends Longshore Act coverage to employees of U.S. government contractors working overseas.
- The Longshore Act is separate from both Florida workers’ compensation (Chapter 440) and the federal employee program (FECA).
Who the Longshore Act covers
The Longshore Act covers maritime workers injured on navigable waters of the United States or on adjoining areas used for loading, unloading, repairing or building vessels. That often includes:
- longshore workers and stevedores
- crane and equipment operators, checkers and other terminal workers
- ship repair and shipbuilding workers
- harbor construction workers
The Defense Base Act extends the same benefits to employees of U.S. government contractors working overseas, which matters in a city with a large defense-contractor workforce. Whether a specific job and injury location fall under the Longshore Act, state workers’ comp or another system can be a legal question, and an attorney can help sort it out.
Longshore, state workers’ comp and FECA: how they differ
| Longshore Act (LHWCA) | Florida workers’ comp | Federal employees (FECA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Maritime workers on navigable waters and adjoining areas | Most private and public employees in Florida | Federal civilian employees |
| Who picks the doctor | You, among physicians authorized by OWCP | The carrier, with one change on written request | You |
| Chiropractic | Spinal manipulation for subluxation shown by X-ray or clinical findings | 24 treatments or 12 weeks unless authorized or catastrophic | Spinal manipulation for subluxation shown on X-ray |
Choosing your doctor under the Longshore Act
Federal rules at 20 CFR 702.403 give you the right to choose your attending physician from among those authorized by the Director of OWCP. A physician about 25 miles from where you were injured or where you live is generally considered a reasonable distance.
Because changing doctors later generally needs written consent from the employer or carrier, or the district director, it is worth choosing a provider who can handle the full range of care your injury may need. That is different from Florida workers’ comp, where the carrier usually picks your doctor. Consent should be given when your first choice was not a specialist whose services you need.
The LS-1 and your first visit
For Longshore claims, the employer or carrier typically issues Form LS-1, a request for examination and/or treatment, to the provider. Ask your employer or the carrier’s adjuster for it and bring it to your first visit, along with:
- your employer’s name and the carrier and claim number, if you have them
- the date, place and a description of how the injury happened
- any ER or urgent care records and imaging reports
- a list of medications and prior injuries
Report the injury to your employer promptly and in writing. The Longshore Act has its own notice and claim deadlines, so confirm them with the Department of Labor or an attorney rather than guessing.
What care is covered, and the chiropractic limit
Longshore medical benefits cover medically necessary treatment for the work injury, supervised by OWCP’s district director, who can require periodic reports. Specialist consultations and procedures may need authorization, so providers coordinate with the carrier.
Chiropractic care has a specific limit. Under 20 CFR 702.404, a chiropractor counts as a physician only for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation shown by X-ray or clinical findings. That differs from the federal employee program, where only an X-ray counts. Other care, such as physical therapy or pain management, comes through physicians on the case.
Common dock and terminal injuries
Port work is physical. Common injuries in maritime and terminal work include:
- low back injuries from lifting, lashing and awkward positions
- shoulder and knee injuries from climbing, pulling and uneven surfaces
- neck injuries from impacts or equipment jolts
- crush and impact injuries
- repetitive strain from long shifts operating equipment
Longshore care near JAXPORT in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s maritime work centers on JAXPORT’s Blount Island, Dames Point and Talleyrand terminals, along with ship repair at Mayport and on the St. Johns River. Our North Jacksonville clinic on N Main St is north of I-295, on the Northside near the Dames Point and Blount Island areas, and our Southside clinic is near JTB and I-295.
At East Coast Injury Clinic, our medical doctors, advanced practice nurses, chiropractic team and physical therapists work from one record, and our team handles the Longshore paperwork on the clinic side, so you do not have to figure out the forms alone. Learn more about our Longshore injury care in Jacksonville.
Our two Jacksonville clinics
Call with your employer, carrier and claim number, and our front desk will coordinate authorization. You can be seen at our Southside clinic at 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd, Suite 609 (32256), near JTB and I-295, or at our North Jacksonville clinic at 13453 N Main St, Suite 302 (32218), north of I-295. Both clinics offer the same services and the same hours, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Call (904) 513-3954 or request an appointment online.
Every Longshore claim is different, and recovery from a physical injury can take time. We will tell you honestly what we can treat and when another specialist would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own doctor after a Longshore injury?
Yes. Under 20 CFR 702.403, you may choose your attending physician from among those authorized by the Director of OWCP. About 25 miles from the place of injury or your home is generally a reasonable distance.
Can I change doctors under the Longshore Act?
After your initial free choice, a change generally requires prior written consent of the employer or carrier, or the district director (20 CFR 702.406). Consent should be given when the first choice was not a specialist you need.
Is a JAXPORT injury covered by Florida workers’ comp or the Longshore Act?
Many injuries to maritime workers on navigable waters or adjoining loading and repair areas fall under the federal Longshore Act rather than Florida workers’ comp. Coverage depends on your job and where the injury happened, so ask an attorney if you are unsure.
Does the Longshore Act cover chiropractic care?
Only in a limited way. Under 20 CFR 702.404, a chiropractor counts as a physician only for manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation shown by X-ray or clinical findings.
What is an LS-1 form?
The LS-1 is a request for examination and/or treatment that the employer or carrier typically issues to the medical provider in a Longshore claim. Ask for it and bring it to your first visit.
What is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act extends Longshore Act benefits to employees of U.S. government contractors working overseas.
How is Longshore injury care paid for?
Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.
