About Us

Although the Longshore Act is 90 years old, claims handling has changed dramatically since its original enactment. The fault line was 1972 when Congress overhauled the Act from benefit levels to adjudication. Bob Brahm, a claims examiner with the San Francisco Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, understood the difficulty adjusters, lawyers, and others handling and supervising Longshore claims had adjusted the “new” Act’s procedures. He started what is now known as the Longshore Institute in 1986, and for over 30 years we have dedicated our work to teaching the LHWCA and its extensions (Defense Base Act [DBA], Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act [OCLSA], Non-appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act [NAF], and the District of Columbia Compensation Act [DC]).

The two-day seminar (soon to be offered online) consists of a thorough introduction to the LHWCA dealing with the law as written and as practiced. This includes the definitions, presumptions, jurisdiction, and claims handling. Materials include a written outline of the Act, extensive slides, and personal explanation. Ample time for questions is incorporated into the program. Reporting claims, the filing of forms, the informal claims process, and rules for and strategies for handling trials (formal hearings) and appeals are all discussed. A detailed discussion of compensation rates, disability calculation and entitlement, and medical benefits are also covered. Strategy for both claimant and defense sides are taught. Overall the court emphasis is on correctly evaluating and settling claims. The impact of third-party suits and settlement and legal implications of mishandling those situations is clearly explained. Particular issues such as vocational rehabilitation, death claims, and attorneys fees are also fully explored. There is no other program like this. Participants continually rate it as one of the best continuing education presentations they have ever attended. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best longshore educator in the country.