U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Insurance South Carolina

Specialized coverage for South Carolina's maritime workers, ensuring compliance and protection in the Palmetto State's bustling ports and waterways.
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Custom-tailored policies for South Carolina specific risks

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Why Us?

Why Choose TWFG Commercial in South Carolina?

Your South Carolina maritime business deserves a partner who understands local waterfront risks and federal regulations.

• Deep understanding of South Carolina's maritime industry and USL&H requirements
• Expert knowledge of federal regulations and state-specific maritime laws
• Customized coverage for South Carolina's unique coastal and inland waterway risks

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Local Expertise
Serving South Carolina's maritime businesses since 2001, our local insurance experts understand the intricacies of USL&H coverage in the Palmetto State. We deliver tailored insurance solutions that fully comply with federal regulations while addressing specific risks faced by South Carolina's maritime workers. Our roots in major port cities like Charleston and Georgetown enable us to provide dedicated support that truly protects your business.
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Industry Expertise
Our licensed insurance professionals specialize in USL&H coverage for South Carolina's diverse maritime industries, including shipbuilding, stevedoring, and marine construction. We maintain up-to-date certifications and continuously track emerging risks in the maritime sector. This ensures your USL&H policy provides comprehensive protection against industry-specific claims unique to South Carolina's waterfront operations.
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Beyond Basic Coverage

We go beyond basic USL&H coverage with premium risk management services tailored for South Carolina's maritime sector. Our enhanced coverage options include quarterly safety assessments and specialized endorsements customized for your specific maritime operations. This proactive approach helps prevent claims while ensuring complete protection for your South Carolina waterfront workforce.

Ideal For

Who needs U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Insurance in South Carolina?

• Port Operations: Stevedoring companies, longshoremen, and harbor workers in Charleston, Georgetown, and Port Royal need comprehensive USL&H coverage for loading/unloading operations and related risks.
• Shipyards: South Carolina's shipbuilding and repair facilities, particularly in North Charleston and Yonges Island, require robust USL&H protection for workers involved in vessel construction and maintenance.
• Marine Construction: Companies engaged in pier, wharf, and dock construction along South Carolina's coast and inland waterways need USL&H coverage for their employees working over or adjacent to navigable waters.
• Offshore Operations: Businesses involved in offshore wind energy projects or other maritime activities off South Carolina's coast must secure USL&H insurance for workers on platforms or vessels.

In South Carolina's dynamic maritime environment, businesses operating on or near navigable waters face unique workers' compensation challenges. USL&H insurance provides essential protection for employees working in maritime-related occupations, ensuring compliance with federal law and safeguarding against workplace injuries. For example, stevedoring companies at the Port of Charleston, handling over 2.4 million TEUs annually, must maintain USL&H coverage for their longshoremen. Similarly, shipyards in North Charleston, contributing to South Carolina's $400 million shipbuilding industry, require comprehensive USL&H protection for their workforce. Securing proper USL&H insurance isn't just about legal compliance—it's crucial for protecting your South Carolina maritime business and employees against unexpected accidents and injuries. Contact our Charleston office today for customized USL&H coverage options tailored to your specific maritime operations in the Palmetto State.
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Get Personalised Advice from South Carolina Insurance Experts

Let our local experts analyze your current coverage and identify potential gaps or savings for your business.

U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Insurance Coverage Details

Comprehensive protection for South Carolina's maritime workers, addressing both federal requirements and local industry risks.

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Comprehensive USL&H Coverage Explained

Our South Carolina USL&H insurance provides robust protection for maritime employees working on or adjacent to navigable waters. Coverage includes:

Medical Benefits: Full coverage for work-related injury treatments, including specialized care at facilities like MUSC Health in Charleston
• Disability Compensation: Temporary and permanent disability benefits based on South Carolina's average weekly wage ($1,012 as of 2023)
• Rehabilitation Services: Vocational rehabilitation to help injured workers return to the maritime workforce
• Death Benefits: Compensation for dependents in case of work-related fatalities

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Industry-Specific Risks in South Carolina

South Carolina's maritime sector faces unique risks requiring specialized coverage:

• Port-Related Injuries: Protection against accidents during container handling and cargo operations in busy ports like Charleston
• Shipyard Hazards: Coverage for injuries related to welding, painting, and heavy machinery use in shipyards
• Marine Construction Risks: Protection for workers building and repairing South Carolina's coastal infrastructure
• Offshore Wind Energy Hazards: Coverage for emerging risks associated with offshore wind projects along SC's coast

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Federal and South Carolina USL&H Requirements

USL&H insurance in South Carolina must comply with both federal and state regulations:

• Federal Requirements: Mandatory coverage for maritime workers as per the USL&H Act
• South Carolina Additions: Compliance with SC Workers' Compensation Commission guidelines for USL&H claims
• Reporting Obligations: Adherence to strict incident reporting timelines set by federal and state authorities
• Coverage Limits: Ensuring policy limits meet or exceed federal minimums and industry standards

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Enhanced Coverage Options for SC Maritime Employers

Enhance your USL&H coverage with these critical additions for South Carolina maritime employers:

• Jones Act Coverage: Protection for seamen working on vessels in South Carolina waters
• Maritime Employer's Liability: Additional coverage for non-USL&H maritime claims
• Terrorism Risk Insurance: Protection against terrorist acts impacting SC ports and maritime facilities
• Pollution Liability: Coverage for environmental incidents in South Carolina's sensitive coastal areas

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Considerations for Local Businesses in South Carolina

South Carolina's maritime industry operates under a complex regulatory environment, with USL&H requirements overlapping state workers' compensation laws. The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission provides additional oversight for USL&H claims. In 2022, South Carolina ports handled over 2.8 million TEUs, with related USL&H claims primarily involving back injuries (30%), slips and falls (25%), and equipment-related accidents (20%). The state's maritime sector employs over 25,000 workers, with an average injury rate of 2.3 per 100 full-time employees. Charleston's port expansion and the development of inland ports in Greer and Dillon have increased demand for USL&H coverage. Coastal areas face hurricane risks, with potential business interruptions averaging 7-10 days per major storm event. The emerging offshore wind energy sector off South Carolina's coast presents new USL&H challenges, with projects expected to create 3,000 jobs by 2030.
Expertise

How much does U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Insurance cost in South Carolina?

USL&H insurance in South Carolina typically costs between $20 to $35 per $100 of payroll. However, individual premiums vary based on several factors:

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Type of Maritime Operation
Stevedoring operations in Charleston may face higher rates due to increased risk compared to administrative roles in inland ports like Greer.
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Safety Record
Companies with strong safety programs and low claim histories in SC ports may enjoy lower premiums.
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Payroll Size
Larger maritime employers in South Carolina often benefit from economies of scale in USL&H coverage.
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Job Classifications
Rates vary by specific job roles, with underwater welders in SC shipyards facing higher premiums than dock supervisors.
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Location-Specific Risks

Coastal operations in areas like Charleston or Georgetown may see higher rates due to increased hurricane and flooding risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us here.

What is the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) in South Carolina?
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The LHWCA is a federal law that provides compensation and medical care to maritime workers injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas in South Carolina. It covers longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees working on docks, piers, and terminals along South Carolina's coast, including major ports like Charleston and Georgetown. This act ensures broader coverage than standard workers' compensation for maritime-related injuries.

Who needs LHWCA insurance coverage in South Carolina?
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In South Carolina, employers engaged in maritime activities on or near navigable waters need LHWCA insurance. This includes companies involved in loading/unloading vessels, ship repair, shipbuilding, and offshore operations. Specific businesses requiring coverage are stevedoring companies, marine terminals, and shipyards in areas like Port Royal, North Charleston, and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Even some non-maritime employers working near water may need this coverage.

How does LHWCA insurance differ from standard workers' compensation in South Carolina?
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LHWCA insurance in South Carolina offers more comprehensive benefits than standard workers' compensation. It provides higher compensation rates, unlimited medical benefits, and vocational rehabilitation services. Unlike state workers' comp, LHWCA is a federal program with consistent benefits across states. It also covers a broader range of maritime-related injuries and occupational diseases specific to port and shipyard environments in South Carolina.

What benefits does LHWCA insurance provide to injured workers in South Carolina?
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LHWCA insurance in South Carolina provides extensive benefits to injured maritime workers. These include medical treatment coverage with no time or monetary limits, disability compensation at 66.67% of the worker's average weekly wage, vocational rehabilitation services, and death benefits for surviving dependents. For South Carolina's maritime workers, this can mean access to specialized medical care in cities like Charleston or even out-of-state if necessary.

How do I obtain LHWCA insurance for my South Carolina maritime business?
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To obtain LHWCA insurance in South Carolina, contact an insurance provider specializing in maritime coverage. Many major insurers offer LHWCA policies, as do some South Carolina-based agencies familiar with local maritime industries. You'll need to provide details about your business operations, number of employees, and payroll. Rates may vary based on your company's safety record and the specific risks associated with South Carolina's ports and waterways.

What are the penalties for not having LHWCA insurance in South Carolina?
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Penalties for lacking LHWCA insurance in South Carolina can be severe. Employers may face fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both. They're also liable for a civil penalty of $1,000 per day of noncompliance. Additionally, non-compliant employers lose common law defenses in lawsuits and may be subject to employee lawsuits with no liability caps. In South Carolina's busy maritime sector, these penalties can quickly become financially devastating for businesses.

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For over a decade, TWFG Khan Insurance Services has been the trusted partner for businesses across Texas and neighboring states. We specialize in complex insurance solutions for maritime, oil & gas, and construction industries where standard coverage isn't enough.

Don't let gaps in coverage put your business at risk. Our team of specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive protection plan that keeps your business secure and compliant.



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