Maritime Information

What Our Clients Say

View All

Disclaimer

We designed this website to provide information to consumers, injured people, and their families. Our goal is to level the playing field between consumers and insurance companies and expose the tricks, traps, and techniques they use to cheat injured people out of their legal rights. We also let consumers know about legal news, including verdicts and settlements and other interesting legal information.

But please understand that nothing on this website is meant to provide legal information about your specific case, create an attorney-client relationship, or imply that the results of your legal case will be the same as some other case.

Find Answers to Your Question By Searching Here

Longshore Harbor Workers Injury Claims - The Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act

If you are a Longshoreman or Harbor worker who has been injured during your employment,Shipyard workers face dangers on a regular basis. the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act provides for your medical care and a percentage of your average weekly wages during your disability.

The Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides medical and wage loss benefits to injured dock workers, longshoremen, habor workers, and others who qualify for its protections. 

Who Qualifies Under THE LHWCA?

An injured worker qualifies to bring claims under the LHWCA if he or she is a "longshoreman," "stevedore," or "harbor worker." 

Generally, such workers load and unload cargo from ships, boats, and other vessels.  Also, shipbuilders may qualify under the LHWCA.

Click here to read the "Coverage" part of the federal Longshore Act.
Who Does Not Qualify Under the LHWCA?

The LHWCA specifically excludes the following:

Masters or members of the crew of any vessel (covered by the Jones Act instead)
Employees whose injuries were caused soley by their intoxication
Employees who intentionally injure themselves;
Clerical and administrative workers;
Marina workers not engaged in construction, replacement or expansion of a marina;
Employees of the U.S. or a foreign government.
What If Another Company (Not My Employer) Caused My Injuries?

If you were injured as a Longshoreman, dock worker, or harbor worker, but the injuries were caused by someone other than your employer (specifically, the vessel owner), you are allowed to bring a legal claim for damages under Section 905(b) of the LHWCA. 

If you were injured by a defective product, you may have what is a called a "Product Liability Claim" against the manufacturer of the product. 

Claims against companies other than your employer are very important because in serious injury cases this may be the only way for you to recover full compensation for your injuries.

Legal claims under Section 905(b), products liability claims, and other third-party claims are extremely complicated.  They require the assistance of an experienced maritime attorney.
Where I Can I Find Out More About The LHWCA

The Department of Labor has a helpful website for injured Longshoremen.  You can find the website by clicking here.

One of the best information documents on the Department of Labor website is the "Longshore FAQs." 

You can also read the entire LWHCA at the Cornell Law School website by clicking here.

Blog for Longshoreman Claims

Library for Longshoreman Claims:

  • Langfitt v. Federal Marine Terminals, Inc. [PDF]   
    A federal appeals court ruled on the exclusivity clause of the LHWCA.
  • Unique facts about the Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act [PDF]   
    Though longshoremen and seafarers both work on and around the water, there are notable distinctions for each. This article by Glenn M. Giles JD titled "The ABC’s of the LHWCA
    (Plus 20 Things You Need To Know)" takes a look at the longshore side of the ledger.
    (Courtesy of: http://risksavers.com/Articles/A_0104.pdf)
  • Federal court upholds injured longshoreman’s right to attorney fees   
    Under a recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, it was upheld that a longshoreman had been improperly denied recovery of his attorney’s fees.
  • Questions about Obtaining LHWCA Benefits? We Have Your Answers   
    If you have been hurt as a longshoreman, shipbuilder or other worker, you need to have your questions answered. This article answers the most common questions asked regarding LHWCA benefits. Read this article for valuable insight and be sure to order a FREE copy of maritime attorney Brian Beckcom’s book, How to Hire the Best Maritime Attorney for Your Case.
  • Will My Employer Fire Me For Pursuing LHWCA Benefits?   
    Are you worried that your employer will fire you for filing a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act? If so, you need to read this article to learn your rights. For more information, contact an experienced Houston maritime attorney today. Also, be sure to order a FREE copy of maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, How to Hire the Best Maritime Attorney for Your Case.
  • Seven Common Types of Longshoreman Accidents   
    Accidents are bound to happen. If you or a family member is a longshoreman, you need to read this article to learn about the most common types of accidents. To learn your legal rights following an accident, contact an experienced maritime attorney at our office. Be sure to order a free copy of the book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.
  • Who Is Watching Out for Injured Longshoremen?   
    Wondering if compensation is available following a maritime accident? Read this article to learn what benefits are offered under the Longshore Act. While you are on our website, be sure to order a free copy of maritime attorney Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.
  • The impact of Entergy upon Texas workers’ rights   
    Whether you’re a seaman near the Texas shores or an industrial worker in the Lone Star State, you should be aware that there are efforts to right the infringement perpetrated by the State Supreme Court upon your ability to receive justice for a work place injury.
  • State Workers Compensation Law v. the Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act   
    There is often confusion regarding what coverage applies when someone who works near the waterfront is injured. Read this article to learn about cases that address this very issue. If you are a longshoreman, harbor worker, stevedore or other maritime worker and have been injured on the job, you should contact a maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800.
  • Full Text of Longshore Harbor Worker's Compensation Act   
    Read the complete, full text of the Longshore Harbor Worker's Compensation Act on the Internet's best website for maritime injury research.
  • Changes to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act   
    An amendment was made to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which can impact your ability to recover compensation under this law. If you have been injured in a maritime accident and are employed as a stevedore or longshoreman, then you need to read this article.

View All

Frequent Questions for Longshoreman Claims:

Jones Act Maritime | Jones Act Lawyer | Jones Act Attorney | Maritime Attorney | Maritime Lawyer | Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer | Diving Accident | Maritime Injury | Maritime Death | Death On The High Seas Act | Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act