No vessel in the maritime industry would be able to operate efficiently—or, in most cases, at all—without the support of hundreds of longshoremen and other workers performing vital tasks on land. Unfortunately, as anyone who has spent a lot of time working around watercraft could tell you, injuries are far from uncommon on docks, in harbors, and everywhere else a maritime vessel may need to be other than out at sea.
If you have been hurt while working on or around ships and spend most of your working time on land, you likely have some unique options for financial recovery that a Beaumont dock worker accident lawyer could help with. From establishing strong evidence-based grounds for your claim to ensuring you get every cent of compensation you are entitled to by law, your dedicated maritime injury attorney could be an ally throughout every stage of the recovery process.
Common Causes of Injuries for Beaumont Dock Workers
Dock work can be risky even if everyone on site follows safety procedures, wears appropriate safety gears, and acts carefully and responsibly at all times on the job. Anything from a malfunctioning piece of equipment to a misplaced step, to even a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to an accident with life-altering repercussions. This includes incidents like:
- Slips and falls over standing water, ice, or buildup of industrial substances like oil or fuel
- Falls from docks or bays into the water
- Impacts from falling objects, particularly unsecured cargo being loaded onto or off of docked ships
- Fires and/or explosions
- Toxic fume and/or chemical exposure
- Motor vehicle accidents, including accidents involving improper use of a forklift
Whether an accident along these lines results in a relatively minor injury that will heal over time, or a debilitating injury resulting in permanent disfigurement or disability, a Beaumont dock worker attorney can help pursue fair financial restitution through all available avenues.
Seeking Benefits Under the LHWCA
The most common source of financial compensation for dock workers who get hurt on the job in Texas is the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This Act provides a rough equivalent of state-level workers’ compensation coverage to all employees in the maritime industry who work primarily on land at a dock, terminal, wharf, or other area that directly services active commercial maritime vessels. There are limited exceptions for workers who primarily perform administrative work and other categories of workers, which a lawyer can go into more detail about as needed.
Dock workers in Beaumont who get hurt in work-related actions and who are covered under the LHWCA can seek reimbursement for all medical expenses related to their injury. It also includes two-thirds of their average pre-injury weekly wage as disability benefits if their injury prevents them from returning to work for a period of time. Depending on the circumstances, the LHWCA also provides vocational rehabilitation benefits, permanent disability benefits, and death benefits to qualifying applicants and/or their families.
Get Help from a Beaumont Dock Worker Accident Attorney Today
Getting hurt while working on a dock or in a harbor can alter the course of your life at a moment’s notice and leave you with expenses you were not prepared for. Furthermore, while you likely have access to financial support through the federal government in the wake of an injury like this, filing a successful claim to pursue those benefits can be far from a simple process.
Representation from a Beaumont dock worker accident lawyer can be vital to understanding and utilizing every recovery option available to you. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
