Medical benefits provide the treatment necessary to recuperate and return to gainful employment when timely provided. A primary function of the Longshore compensation program is to act as a mediator in resolving disputed claims. By means of an informal conference claimants and their employers discuss the issues and voluntarily resolve their disputes. Lacking this informal mechanism for resolving controversies, the parties must request a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This can result in delays before a decision is issued.
Injured workers entitled to benefits are then without income for extended periods of time.
Likewise, employers experience significant increases in litigation costs. In addition, the government realizes substantial savings each time the conference produces an agreement. During FY 1998 over 3,000 informal conferences were conducted in disputed claims. The Longshore Program has the fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the amounts posted are adequate to secure the payment of benefits which requres constant auditing and adjustment.