Galveston Dock Worker Accident Lawyer

Working on a commercial or industrial dock can be very dangerous even if everyone on site acts responsibly and follows safety regulations, and just one small mistake can lead to an accident with long-lasting and even life-altering repercussions.

As a worker in the maritime industry, you have access to special federal protections in the event of a work-related accident that a skilled maritime injury attorney could help you make the most of. No matter how you got hurt or what losses you need to seek reimbursement for, a knowledgeable Galveston dock worker accident lawyer could help you get the best case result possible.

Common Causes and Effects of Dock Worker Accidents

Docks have some unique hazards that can make them unsafe places to work, including wet walking surfaces and cluttered walkways that can cause a slip and fall, cargo or machinery that could shift unexpectedly and lead to a potential crushing accidents, and the potential for fires and explosions. In the long term, exposure to toxic industrial chemicals and other dangerous substances can damage a dock worker’s health, especially when their employer does not provide them with proper protective equipment.

These environments can lead to a variety of catastrophic injuries and illnesses for dock workers, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Second and third-degree burns
• Spinal cord damage causing permanent paralysis
• Drowning from a fall off the dock and into the water
• Soft-tissue injuries like ligament tears and muscle strains
• Lacerations that need stitches or cause permanent scarring
• Diseases caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials
• Crushing injuries, including some that may lead to amputation or loss of a limb

A dock worker accident attorney in Galveston could discuss whether your specific injury or illness could allow for a claim during a private initial consultation.

Getting Paid Fairly for Dock Work Injuries

People who get injured while working on a dock can seek compensation for the effects of their injury through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which serves as the federal equivalent of traditional workers’ comp for maritime workers. It allows eligible workers to get reimbursement for medical bills, a significant portion of lost wages, and potential long-term wage loss and other harm in the form of temporary or permanent disability benefits.

Additionally, when a third party – for example, a manufacturer that sold a faulty piece of machinery – is partially or primarily at fault for a Galveston dock worker’s injury, the worker could file a civil lawsuit against them and seek restitution for other accident-related losses, including physical pain and lost overall quality of life. Guidance from a lawyer in Galveston who is familiar with dock worker accidents could be vital to understanding and making effective use of every possible option for financial recovery.

Call a Galveston Dock Worker Accident Attorney for Help

Dock workers like you make the entire maritime industry work, and you deserve to be fairly reimbursed for any injuries you sustain on the job. In practice, getting the benefits you should be entitled to can be trickier than you might expect, especially if you have no past experience navigating the confusing mix of state and federal laws that might apply to your claim for compensation.

Help is available from start to finish of the claims process from a seasoned Galveston dock worker accident lawyer with years of experience helping people just like you get paid what they need. Call today to schedule a meeting.