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Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is an important way for injured maritime workers to get the compensation they need when injured on the job. It also compensates the families of maritime workers who have died from a work-related accident, illness or injury.

If you are eligible for these benefits, you may benefit from the representation of an attorney to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. For a free case evaluation, please call our experienced Louisville and Jeffersonville Longshore Act lawyers at (502) 222-2222 or toll-free at 812-282-8500.

Help for Injured Maritime Workers

The LHWCA provides the following:

  • Medical benefits
  • Compensation for lost wages
  • Compensation for rehabilitation services

Longshore Act benefits are important because it covers workers who are not covered under the Jones Act or state workers’ compensation law.

The benefits cover injury, occupational disease and death. If you were injured or developed a disease as a result of your employment, then your benefits should provide you with compensation and medical care, as well as occupational rehabilitation if needed. If you lost a loved one because of a work-related injury or illness, then you are entitled to compensatory benefits.

When you choose our experienced lawyers to represent you, we can make sure all of your paperwork and other filing matters are completed correctly so that you get the benefits to which you are entitled as soon as possible.

If you believe that your injury or illness was the result of third-party negligence, such as the carelessness of a manufacturer whose defective equipment or tools you used, then we may be able to pursue compensation in a lawsuit instead of through your insurance benefits. You cannot sue your employer if they offer Longshore Act coverage, but you may be able to make a claim against certain types of third parties.

Eligibility for Longshore Act Benefits

If your employer is required to carry this type of insurance coverage, then you are probably eligible for benefits. Some of the employees typically eligible for this coverage include:

  • Longshoremen
  • Harbor workers
  • Ship builders
  • Ship repairmen
  • Other maritime workers

The Longshore Act covers workers “on the navigable waters of the US or in adjoining waterfront areas,” whereas the Jones Act applies only to those professions that spend at least 30 percent of their time on a water vessel in navigable waters. The Longshore Act is important because it extends coverage to men and women involved in ship loading, repairing, building and other employment that doesn’t necessarily take place on the water. Certain types of positions are excluded from Longshore Act coverage and you should check with your employer to determine if you are entitled to benefits.

If you are searching for an experienced Louisville or Jeffersonville Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act attorney, please call the Karl Truman Law Office at (502) 222-2222 or toll-free at 812-282-8500 to schedule a free case evaluation.