Roberts v. Sea-Land Services, Inc.

Summary

The Court held that under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, an employee is “newly awarded compensation” when they first become disabled and statutorily entitled to benefits, regardless of when a formal compensation order issues. This interpretation ensures the statutory cap applies consistently to voluntary payments and avoids gamesmanship. Justice Ginsburg concurred in part and dissented in part, arguing the term refers to when voluntary payment begins or an order issues.