PARKER WAICHMAN ALONSO LLP

Help for Longshoremen

Workers who load cargo, work in a shipyard or fixed platform, or otherwise work in the maritime industry without working on an actual vessel are often referred to as "longshoremen" or "harbor workers." Longshoremen typically work in highly physical jobs, and thus the risk for injury is very high. However, if you are a longshoreman and have suffered injury at work, there are very specific laws that govern how you may receive compensation – and a qualified maritime attorney can help you recover the damages you deserve.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been successfully helping maritime injury victims for more than 20 years. Our attorneys have represented many longshoremen injury claims, and we understand the applicable laws that apply to your case. Longshoremen are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). This act provides compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries or death, similar to Worker's Compensation, including the following provisions:

• Longshoremen are entitled to collect benefits for on-the-job injuries regardless of fault.
• Employers must pay for lost wages and medical expenses.
• Longshoremen may file negligence claims against any third parties responsible for injuries (such as an equipment manufacturer) or they may file a negligence claim against the employer if the employer owned the vessel that played a role in the injuries.
• Longshoremen may not bring Jones Act or General Maritime Law claims against employers, however. The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Acts are considered to be mutually exclusive.
  
  

Working long hours in a shipyard takes a toll; longshoremen often suffer serious back and spine trauma, broken bones and other severe injuries – and those injuries can often limit your ability to continue working or resume your normal life. However, in order to receive the damages you may be entitled to, you need an experienced maritime attorney on your side. At Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, our most important goal is to help you get your life back on track – and we have a 20-year track record of success to help make that happen.

If you have suffered injury while working as a longshoreman, please submit our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case. We handle maritime law claims from port cities along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville FL, Fort Lauderdale FL and Miami.