Longshore & Maritime (LHWCA) Injury Care — San Diego
Board-certified orthopedic care for federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act injuries — with the documentation LHWCA claims require.
Overview
A closer look
Longshore, dock, shipyard, and harbor workers operate in some of the most physically demanding environments in Southern California. When an injury occurs on navigable waters or on the adjoining piers, terminals, and shipyards, coverage typically falls under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) rather than California workers' comp. LHWCA claims have their own reporting rules, forms, and evidentiary expectations. Dr. Sidney H. Levine has decades of experience evaluating and treating orthopedic injuries in longshore and maritime workers throughout San Diego County — from lumbar strain and rotator cuff injury to multi-joint trauma — and produces the clear, defensible reporting that LHWCA claims examiners, employers, and attorneys expect.
Conditions we treat
What we see most often
Treatment options
Surgical and non-surgical care
Non-surgical options
- On-site X-ray imaging
- Diagnostic injections
- PRP and regenerative options where appropriate
- Bracing and physical therapy coordination
- Formal work-capacity evaluation reporting
Surgical options
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
- Knee arthroscopy and meniscus repair
- Carpal tunnel release
- Fracture reduction and fixation
What to expect
Your first visit
Bring your LHWCA claim information — date and location of injury, employer, claims adjuster, and attorney (if any). Dr. Levine will perform a detailed orthopedic examination, obtain and review on-site imaging, and issue an LHWCA-appropriate report. Because LHWCA claims frequently proceed to formal proceedings, documentation is written to withstand scrutiny — objective findings, causation analysis, and clear treatment recommendations.
Recovery
What healing looks like
Return-to-work depends on the injury and the physical demands of the position. Longshore work is typically classified as very heavy; light-duty transitional roles may be limited. Dr. Levine coordinates conservative and surgical care, monitors recovery objectively, and documents work-capacity milestones so employers, adjusters, and attorneys can plan accordingly.
Insurance & coverage
Getting you seen
We work with LHWCA claims and can coordinate with your employer, insurance carrier, and legal counsel. Please have your claim number, date of injury, and adjuster contact ready when you schedule.
FAQ
Frequently asked
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Ready to get answers?
Request an appointment or call the office directly.