Expert Testimony in Federal Workers’ Comp Cases: Why Your Evidence Needs to Be Built to Last

At Porter Investigative Resources, we believe every case file should be built like it’s going to court—because one day, it just might.

Years ago, I had the rare opportunity to testify under oath as an expert witness in a Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation case at the John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston. The hearing, held through the U.S. Department of Labor, wasn’t just another assignment - it was a defining moment in my career.

This wasn’t state-level workers’ comp. It was federal, complex, and high-stakes, governed by one of the most rigorous compensation systems in the country and I was ready for it.

What Makes the Longshore Act So Complex?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) comes with a unique set of challenges. It’s a federally administered program that covers maritime workers who don’t qualify under state workers’ comp systems. With overlapping jurisdiction, serious financial exposure, and precedent-heavy case law, these claims demand an exceptionally high standard of investigative integrity.

In court, there’s no room for “close enough.” Your evidence is either airtight… or it’s not admissible.

Testifying as an Expert Witness for Workers' Comp: What It Takes

That day in federal court didn’t just test my knowledge - it tested everything about the way I investigate and informed everything about the way I operate at Porter Investigative Resources.

Here’s what qualified me to sit in that witness chair:

• A deep understanding of the Longshore Act and its investigative implications

• The ability to explain surveillance methodology and findings in clear, neutral terms

• The credibility to stand up to cross-examination under federal scrutiny

• The trust of legal teams who relied on my findings to make or break their case

It’s not enough to gather video or write a clean report. When you're testifying in a case with millions of dollars at stake, every word, timestamp, and professional judgment call matters.

Why This Matters for Every Case

Most investigations won’t make it to a federal courtroom. But some will. And when they do, your entire case file becomes evidence.

That’s why at Porter Investigative Resources, we build every file as if it will go to hearing, from the very first minute. It’s the difference between surface-level surveillance and litigation-ready investigation. And it’s how we protect your clients, your company, and your credibility.

When You Need Experience That Stands Up in Court

Whether you’re dealing with a complex Longshore claim, a contested workers’ comp case, or simply want to ensure your evidence can withstand scrutiny, our team brings both investigative depth and professional precision to every assignment.

If you ever find yourself in that courtroom, or even headed that way, know that we’ll be right there with you. Ready to raise our right hand. Ready to stand behind the work.