Longshoreman Rights Attorney
Nationwide Representation for Injured Longshoremen
Longshoremen's duties focus on loading and unloading cargo from vessels. Their tasks can change often and they can be assigned to any job that is requested of them by the terminal operator including operating equipment, rigging cargo and carrying heavy loads. Marine terminals are high traffic areas with cranes, tractors, forklifts and heavy cargo containers in motion requiring constant vigil of all employees in the area. Although terminal areas have many safety regulations that must be followed, the possibility of a serious accident is high.
Longshoremen have specific rights when employed by United States companies, and at Arnold & Itkin LLP we are dedicated to protecting these rights. An experienced maritime injury lawyer at our firm can provide you with a free consultation to talk about what occurred and what right you may have to seek financial compensation for medical care and possibly much more. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and are prepared to see how we can recover maximum compensation in your case.
Maritime Law and Longshoremen's Rights
Due to the unique hazards of the maritime industry, the National Maritime Safety Administration was formed to represent the marine cargo handling industry in the United States in safety and to "aid, advance, assist, encourage, promote and support safety in marine cargo handling operations." In alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the organizations work together to provide those in the marine cargo handling industry with "information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety."
If you suffered a serious injury while performing your longshore duties it is your right to seek compensation from your employer to protect your family and your livelihood. If a loved one died while involved in the operation of loading or unloading cargo from a vessel you may also be able to file a claim. Our maritime attorneys are experienced and have a successful track record with marine-related cases. We represent workers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and all along the Gulf Coast as well as in all other states in the U.S. and we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides employment-injury and occupational-disease protection to both longshoreman and harbor workers on the navigable waters of the United States. Longshoremen are protected by the Act when injured in areas used in loading, unloading, repairing, or building certain vessels. If the worker's injury results in death, the LHWCA may also provide benefits to the survivors.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act is similar to many state workers' compensation laws in that it does not require that a worker's employer be found at fault for the worker's injury. Financial compensation provided by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act may include: medical and disability payments, rehabilitation services or wrongful death benefits. Employees may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation.
Safety Precautions for a Longshoreman
Ensuring that you have a safe working environment is your employer's job, but you can take precautions to avoid injury while working as a longshoreman. Keep the following in mind when working on the docks:
- Stay alert,
- Scan the environment for hazards,
- Be mindful of others,
- Do not become complacent, and
- Always follow safety guidelines.
Irrespective of fault, an injured worker may be entitled to receive compensation from the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. However, if you have been injured due to the negligence and carelessness of another you may be eligible to file a claim for additional damages.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured while performing your longshore duties, time is of the essence when initiating a claim for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. An injured employee must notify their employer of the injury within 30 days of its occurrence, and a formal claim for benefits must be filed within one year following the date of the injury.
Our firm serves longshoremen throughout the United States, representing their legal rights under maritime law in order to help them recover the full benefits to which they are rightfully entitled. We work hard to maximize our clients' recoveries and approach trials and negotiations alike with confidence in our ability to win.
Contact a maritime injury attorney at our law firm today to learn more about how we can protect your rights as a longshoreman.
