Hitchcock Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act Lawyer

If you are a dock employee, ship repairman, mechanic, or other maritime worker and are hurt on the job, you may be eligible for compensation. The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides vital resources such as payment of medical expenses for qualified workers who experience a job-related injury or illness. When you are in this position, you may benefit from working with a knowledgeable maritime injury attorney who defends your claim.

Many maritime employees have successfully worked with a Hitchcock Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act lawyer on our team. We take a personalized and strategic approach to help our clients feel supported during this process. Our reputable lawyers could investigate your case and help you meet your filing deadlines so you can focus on recovering.

What Is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

Under 33 United States Code §§ 901-950, the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act empowers maritime employees to seek compensation when they are hurt on the job. Eligible workers include longshoremen, dock workers, shipbuilders, ship repairmen, and others who help with the operation, manufacture, repair, or loading of large maritime vessels. If a seafaring worker (such as a marina or clerical employee) qualifies for state workers’ compensation, they may not be eligible for LHWCA benefits.

Some categories of government workers may also be ineligible for damages under LHWCA. To bring a claim, the employee may not have to prove their employer made a mistake (i.e., negligence). However, the worker does have to establish other things, such as their condition is job-related, they qualify for benefits, and they did not intentionally cause their injury.

The employee must also bring their claim within the required window under the LHWCA, something an experienced attorney in Hitchcock could help them accomplish. In most cases, the worker should notify their employer within 30 days of when the injury occurs. They might also need to file a separate compensation claim within one year. That said, there are situations in which the worker may have additional time beyond these deadlines.

What Compensation Could Someone Get for an LHWCA Work Injury?

Maritime employees hurt in an accident may qualify for benefits to compensate them for their losses. While individual results may vary from one situation to the next, a settlement might include wage replacement benefits. Additionally, the worker may receive compensation to cover related medical expenses, such as occupational therapy, hearing aids, medications, and doctor’s office visits.

Under 33 U.S.C. § 908, how much the worker receives in benefits (and for how long) depends on their disability rating. Someone with a permanent total disability could receive a different amount than someone with a temporary partial disability. If the worker dies because of their injuries, their eligible surviving family members may receive a settlement.

Understanding who qualifies for benefits and how to get those under the LHWCA can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are healing. Hitchcock attorneys who handle Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims provide vital assistance so injured people can confidently move through the legal system.

Call a Hitchcock Attorney to File a Case Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

You may be entitled to benefits if you are a maritime worker injured while loading or unloading a dock, repairing a ship, or doing another employment-related activity. Consider freeing up your time and energy by entrusting the legal matters to a qualified personal injury attorney.

Our experienced team has helped many injured workers get their lives back after a job-related accident or illness prevented them from earning a living. Contact a Hitchcock Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act lawyer to schedule a consultation.