Longshore Accidents

Have You Been in an Longshore Accident In New Orleans?

The Longshore Act covers many different types of workers on the waterfront who have been injured in an accident. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Louisiana attorney.

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Protection for Injured Waterfront and Longshore Employees

If you were injured while working on a fixed platform or near navigable waters, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (Longshore Act) is a law that may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries. This law gives injured workers the right to bring a claim against the employer to receive appropriate compensation.

The Longshore Act divides an injured worker’s injury into one of two categories:

Scheduled Injuries:

Generally considered less serious, and will have a set payment amount based upon a schedule of payments.

Non-Scheduled Injuries

Injuries that have a much more generous compensation policy, guaranteeing two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage for life, or until they can return to work in full or partial capacity.

What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act?

Simply put, this act was passed in order to offer seamen hurt on the job compensation while they recover. Used by many Jones Act lawyer firms, this act guarantees hurt workers compensation for the injuries they sustain. If an employer does not abide by the regulations set forth in this act, you will need to contact a Jones Act lawyer for help. When a seaman is unable to go back to work following an injury at sea, this law says they need to be given disability benefits.

The amount of compensation and disability allotted to a seaman will depend solely on the severity of their injuries. In order to find out how much compensation you are entitled to, you will need to contact a Jones Act attorney for help. They will be able to advise you on what your best course of action is and will help you file a claim if needed.

Who is Entitled to the Benefits in this Act?

Another common question people have regarding this law is who is entitled to the benefits it lays out. People who contribute to the maintenance, construction, or loading and unloading of a seafaring vessel are usually entitled to these benefits.

Here are some of the jobs at sea that have the most injuries associated with them:

Winch operator
Hold men
Dock men
Forklift operators
Warehousemen
Shipbuilders
Pile driver
Workers on construction piers
Ship repairmen

If you hold one of these jobs and have been injured, you will need to reach out to a lawyer to find out what your rights are.

There are countless other workers on the waterfront who are covered by the Longshore Act. If you are wondering if the Longshore Act applies to you, please call Cueria Law Firm at 1-800-899-7102. It is important to call as soon as possible, as the law puts certain time restraints on filing your claim.