The maritime industry can be dangerous even if you do not work at sea. You face the risk of sustaining life-altering injuries whenever you work on a dock or at a harbor. Workplace accidents in these locations could lead to costly medical bills and impact your ability to earn a living.
If you sustained injuries while loading or unloading a ship’s cargo, a Houston longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas can help you. We often go to trial on our clients’ behalf. We understand how to handle cases involving federal laws and can work hard to obtain fair compensation for you. You can start by discussing your legal options with one of our dedicated maritime injury attorneys.
Common Harbor Accidents
Longshore workers face numerous hazards that could lead to devastating injuries. This dangerous line of work can become even riskier in situations in which negligence occurs. Some common examples of harbor accidents include:
- Slips and falls
- Toxic exposure
- Vehicle collisions
- Fires and explosions
- Heavy machinery mishaps
- Injuries from falling objects
You have the right to pursue compensation if you sustained injuries in one of these incidents, and you do not have to act alone. A longshore and harbor workers accident attorney from our Houston office can guide you through the legal process after you were injured while loading or unloading a ship’s cargo.
What Is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that enables maritime workers to seek compensation when they sustain injuries on the job. Claims for damages are possible following accidents in ports, shipyards, and harbors. Due to the dangerous nature of maritime industries, this act’s purpose is to ensure that injured workers have the ability to cover their medical bills, replace their lost wages, and deal with their other injury-related losses.
The LHWCA establishes a framework for recovering benefits for maritime laborers’ medical treatment, rehabilitation, and wage replacement following workplace injuries. The law also includes provisions that provide vital financial support for the surviving relatives of workers who die on the job. As our attorneys can tell you, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act plays a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of longshore and harbor laborers who face daily accident risks in Houston’s busy port.
Eligibility Under the LHWCA
To qualify for benefits under the LHWCA, you must meet both status and situs tests. The status test applies to the type of work you perform. Typically, you can qualify for LHWCA benefits if you engage in maritime activities that include loading, unloading, or building vessels. The act applies to the following workers:
- Shipbuilders
- Ship repairers
- Harbor workers
- Longshore workers
- Other maritime professionals
The situs test relates to the location where you were working when your injury occurred. To be eligible, you must have sustained your injury when you were on the United States’ navigable waters or in an adjoining area, such as a dock or shipyard. This ensures that employees working directly in maritime industries receive protection under the LHWCA even if they are not necessarily working aboard a vessel.
Certain groups are excluded from coverage, such as sailors who are covered by a statute known as the Jones Act, clerical staff, and employees of small vessel builders. Those who qualify for benefits under the LHWCA could be eligible for financial compensation that could restore their financial health after serious injuries. One of our Houston attorneys can answer your questions about your longshore and harbor workers’ compensation eligibility if you suffered injuries while loading or unloading a ship’s cargo.
Call a Houston Attorney After an Accident While Serving as a Longshore Worker
If you suffered injuries while serving as a longshore worker, it may be time to discuss your legal options with one of our attorneys. A successful claim under the LHWCA could provide you with the compensation you deserve. Call a Houston longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas today to schedule a free consultation.