Texas Longshoreman Rights Lawyer

Maritime Law and Longshoreman Rights

Longshoremen are exposed to unique hazards every day on the job. While their duties typically focus on loading and unloading cargo from vessels, they can also be assigned to any job that is requested of them by the terminal operator. Longshoremen work in high-traffic marine terminals alongside cranes, forklifts, tractors and heavy cargo containers. Surrounded by huge machinery and heavy containers, longshoremen are at high risk for accidents every day.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that an injured worker cannot be a Jones Act seaman and a longshoreman at the same time. As a result, longshoremen are not entitled to bring General Maritime Law or Jones Act claims against their employer. In order to protect the rights of the marine cargo handling industry, the United Sates Department of Labor passed the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act (LHWCA). This act represents the rights of workers who are hurt or fall ill while working on the navigable waters of the United States, protecting them from work-related injury and occupational diseases. Regardless of fault, longshoremen are entitled to collect benefits if they were injured in the course of their employment. Workers who are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act include longshore workers, ship repairers, harbor construction workers, shipbuilders, shipbreakers, and other persons working for longshore operations.

Attorney for LHWCA Claims in Texas

If you have suffered from a maritime illness or injury, you may be able to seek compensation through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The maritime lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have a proven track record with marine-related cases and they understand how the LHWCA can benefit your situation. If someone you love has been killed as a result of a maritime injury, the LHWCA may provide benefits to the survivors.

By talking to a Texas maritime injury lawyer at our firm, you can learn more about your legal rights as a longshoreman. Benefits provided by the LHWCA include medical and disability payments, wrongful death benefits for survivors of maritime workers who die in a work related accident, rehabilitation services, medical benefits for occupational disease that arise naturally out of maritime employment and vocational rehabilitation. Our skilled team of professional lawyers is waiting to help you file your claim for benefits under the LHWCA. With answers to your tough questions and a determination to succeed on your behalf, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Act now and contact a Texas maritime injury attorney to discuss your longshoreman rights.