Outer Continental

Shelf Lands Act

OCSLA applies to:

Employees injured while working offshore
Employees who develop occupational diseases related to offshore work
Surviving dependents of employees who die because of offshore injuries

Covered benefits include:

• Medical treatment
• Wage replacement
• Death benefits

Claims under OCSLA are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, in accordance with procedures established under the Longshore Act.

Although OCSLA is a federal statute, jurisdictional questions may arise depending on the location of the accident. In some cases, state workers’ compensation laws may apply if the incident occurs within territorial waters or near a state boundary. Determining the appropriate legal framework requires careful analysis of the facts and applicable law.

Although OCSLA is a federal statute, jurisdictional questions may arise depending on the location of the accident. In some cases, state workers’ compensation laws may apply if the incident occurs within territorial waters or near a state boundary. Determining the appropriate legal framework requires careful analysis of the facts and applicable law.
Navigating OCSLA claims can be complex, particularly when jurisdictional issues or disputes over coverage arise. The attorneys at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. have extensive experience handling offshore injury claims nationwide. We understand the nuances of federal maritime compensation law and are committed to securing the benefits injured offshore workers and their families deserve.

Suffering a serious work-related injury offshore can be life-altering. Navigating the legal and administrative complexities of a compensation claim should not add to that burden. The attorneys at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. have extensive experience handling claims under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and are committed to guiding injured workers and their families through the process with clarity and care.

Suffering a serious work-related injury offshore can be life-altering. Navigating the legal and administrative complexities of a compensation claim should not add to that burden. The attorneys at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. have extensive experience handling claims under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and are committed to guiding injured workers and their families through the process with clarity and care.

By extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, OCSLA provides comprehensive medical benefits for employment-related injuries. These include:

•  Hospital and physician care
•  Surgical procedures
•  Prescription medications
•  Medical devices and supplies
•  Diagnostic testing and rehabilitation services
•  Reimbursement for travel and mileage related to medical treatment

Injured employees may select their own treating physician, provided the physician is approved by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

In the event of a fatal work-related injury, surviving dependents may be entitled to compensation, including:

•  Funeral Expenses: Up to $3,000 in reasonable funeral costs.
•  Survivor Compensation: A surviving spouse may receive 50% of the employee’s average weekly wage for life or until remarriage.
•  Dependent children may receive an additional 16⅔%.
•  If children are the sole survivors, they may receive 50%, with a maximum of 66⅔% if more than one child is eligible.

Timeliness is critical. Injured employees or surviving dependents must:

•  Provide written notice of injury or death within 30 days of the incident.
•  File a claim for compensation with OWCP within one year of the injury or death.

Failure to meet these deadlines may jeopardize eligibility for benefits.

Determining eligibility under OCSLA can be complex, especially when jurisdictional questions arise or when employers and carriers dispute claims. Our attorneys understand the nuances of federal maritime compensation law and are prepared to advocate for your rights.

If you or a loved one has suffered an offshore injury, contact Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. for a thorough evaluation of your claim.