Department of Labor increases penalties under LHWCA
The Department of Labor issued an interim final rule increasing penalties assessed by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs under the LHWCA. The new rules increase penalties for:
- Failure to file first report of injury or filing a false statement or misrepresentation in first report increased from maximum of $11,000 to $22,587
- Failure to report termination of payments increase from $110 to $275
- Discrimination against employees who claim compensation increase from the current minimum of $1,100 to a minimum of $2,259 and increase from the current maximum of $5,500 to a maximum of $$1,293
A copy of the interim final rules can be found here.
An interim final rule goes into effect as soon as it is published but the Department of Labor is accepting comments on the rule until August 15, 2016. The Department may alter the interim rule if warranted by public comment. To comment on the rule click here.
If you have any questions regarding the penalty increases or other LHWCA issues please contact me at
