Helping Injured Maritime Workers Obtain The Compensation They Need
Generally, seamen and women injured while working on ships, boats and oil rigs are covered by the benefits and protections of the Jones Act. Workers who are injured in or near waterfronts, or who are injured in the offshore exploration or production business, though, are still eligible to sue for work-related injuries under maritime law.
Injuries sustained by maritime workers who are not classified as seamen are typically covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This federal law provides important protections and benefits for those injured while working on or near navigable waters, including dockworkers, shipbuilders, harbor workers, and those assigned to fixed platforms. Under the LHWCA, there are two primary avenues for recovering compensation. First, injured maritime workers can receive workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical care, rehabilitation, and disability benefits if they are unable to return to work due to their injuries. Second, the LHWCA allows injured workers to file a negligence claim against a vessel or another responsible party other than their direct employer if that party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
If you are a longshoreman, a worker assigned to fixed drilling or production platforms, or someone serving in a shipyard or repair facility, and you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to these important benefits and legal recourse. Additionally, if you were dispatched to a ship to perform service or repair work and were injured while performing those duties, you may be eligible to pursue compensation under the LHWCA. Navigating the complexities of this law and determining whether you can file a negligence claim or pursue workers’ compensation benefits requires careful analysis of your situation.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing injured maritime workers, including longshoremen, dockworkers, and those working on fixed platforms or in shipyards. Our Houston-based maritime injury lawyers have successfully handled numerous cases involving accidents occurring on or near ships, harbors, and rivers in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and throughout the Gulf Coast. Whether your injury occurred on a vessel or at a port facility, our team is ready to help you understand your rights under the LHWCA and fight to secure the compensation you need to recover. We are committed to ensuring that injured maritime workers receive the full benefits they are entitled to and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery.
Maritime workers or their families who are faced with a claim should ensure they select counsel who is both knowledgeable and experienced in maritime matters, including experience with the LHWCA. We are skilled at investigating claims, negotiating and litigating against insurers. To speak with an attorney, please contact us online or by calling 713-804-9306.