LS‑202 Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Illness

The LS‑202 is the first report which will be completed by your employer under the LHWCA when you sustain an accident or injury at work as a longshoreman.  The LS‑202 constitutes your employer’s notice to the United States Department of Labor that you have suffered an injury or illness under the Longshore Act.  Once your employer files an LS‑202, the one year statute of limitations begins to run in connection with your collection of compensation and/or medical benefits.  If your employer files an LS‑202 you will receive written notice from the Department of Labor that your employer has filed a First Report of Injury.  This notice from the Department of Labor is sent in the form of a lengthy letter to you documenting your rights and putting you on notice that your employer has filed an LS‑202.  It is usually best to contact an attorney when you receive such notification from the Department of Labor.