Posted by : attorney stevelee

Maritime Law Provides Protection for Workers Injured in Port and Pier Accidents

Ports, piers, dry docks, wharves and shipping terminals can be hectic, dangerous workplaces for harbor workers, shipyard workers, longshoremen and other maritime laborers. Explosions, falls, fires, falling objects, drowning, slips and falls, electrocutions, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and crane, forklift and other heavy equipment accidents are just a few of the many hazards that maritime workers who load, unload or repair docked vessels can face on a daily basis.

These workers are at risk for a number of very severe injuries, including:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Broken bones
  • Crushed limbs
  • Amputations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Slipped, herniated, ruptured or bulging discs
  • Lacerations
  • Torn ligaments
  • Muscle strains or tears
  • And other injuries.

Fortunately, maritime law offers protections for stevedores and other workers injured while loading, unloading or repairing ships that are docked. While the Jones Act gives seamen (those who spend at least 30 percent of their time working aboard an operable vessel in navigable waters) the right to sue for on-the-job injuries that occur as the result of an employer’s negligence, those who don’t qualify under the Jones Act may be protected by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

A federal law administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, the LHWCA protects non-seamen maritime workers injured on the job, providing compensation for damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and more; it also provides benefits for the families of workers killed in maritime workplace accidents.

Were You Injured in a Port or Pier Accident?

If you or someone you love were injured in a port or pier accident that occurred while loading, unloading or repairing a docked ship, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Steve Lee today to schedule a free, no-obligation review of your case. Our experienced maritime attorneys are ready to help you fight for the financial award you need and deserve after an on-the-job injury.

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