Longshoremen Have Rights Too

Even though longshoremen are generally not protected under the Jones Act, there are laws that protect them.  If you are a longshoreman or stevedore and have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).  If your injuries were the result of a third party's negligence (someone other than your employer), you may be able to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation.

The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act allows injured longshoremen and other qualifying workers, to obtain benefits.  Basically, to qualify you need to have a maritime occupation and your injuries must have happened on navigable waters in the United States or on a pier, dock, terminal, wharf or other area where ship cargo is loaded and unloaded.

Benefits under the LHWCA include medical care and financial compensation.  The law provides that your employer pays for your medical treatment, including medical supplies and services.  You also are entitled to financial benefits that are supposed to offset your lost wages during your recovery.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you should contact a maritime injury attorney at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713-224-7800 or 877-724-7800.  It can be confusing understanding your rights following a maritime injury, but an experienced attorney will be able to help you.