Long Island Longshore and Harbor Workers Accident Lawyer

If you work in the maritime industry but spend the bulk of your working hours loading and unloading cargo, maintaining vessels, or performing other tasks on land in harbors or docks, you still have unique protections under federal law, just like seamen who spend most of their working hours out on the water do. However, the specific piece of federal legislation providing you with those protections is not the same as the Jones Act, which applies to seamen, which means it can be trickier to seek benefits after a work-related accident than you might expect.

If you suffered harm on the job while performing maritime work on dry land, you should consider contacting a Long Island longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer at our firm for guidance with financial recovery. Our maritime injury attorneys have years of experience handling claims under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and we could use that experience to pursue the compensation the law allows.

Who Does the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Cover?

The LHWCA provides benefits to maritime workers other than crew members of an active vessel who suffer injuries or illnesses during employment. To qualify for LHWCA benefits, you must pass what the law refers to as a status test and a situs test.

Put simply, this just means you have to show your job primarily has to do with maintaining and/or facilitating the operation of commercial maritime vessels, and that your injury occurred while you were on navigable waters or in a place on land dedicated primarily to maritime operations, such as a dry dock or a wharf. Under this definition, people performing administrative tasks for maritime companies or driving land-based vehicles to deliver cargo are not eligible for LHWCA benefits, although one of our Long Island attorneys can provide clarity about what other recovery options might be available to you after your accident. 

Disability Benefits Available Under the LHWCA

In addition to reimbursement for reasonably necessary medical expenses, you may seek disability benefits through a LHWCA claim to offset any loss of working income resulting from a work-related injury or illness. These benefits could be structured as partial or total, depending on whether you can perform some of your normal job duties, and they could apply on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the length of your recovery.

Generally, LHWCA disability benefits equate to about two-thirds of your average pre-injury weekly wage, paid out on a weekly basis. However, various circumstances could adjust this baseline amount to account for your unique situation, and one of our Long Island longshore and harbor worker injury lawyers could explain this in further detail.

Speak with a Long Island Longshore and Harbor Workers Accident Attorney Today

Harbor work can be just as dangerous—and sometimes even life-threatening—as work aboard an active commercial vessel. Federal law provides a form of workers’ compensation coverage that could help stabilize your finances and ensure you receive necessary medical care if you suffer harm while performing this type of work.

Assistance from a Long Island longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer could be crucial in maximizing your Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claim, regardless of the severity of your injury or how long it affects your daily life.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.