New York City Longshore and Harbor Worker Injury Lawyers
Injured on the Job as a Longshore or Harbor Worker in NYC?
If you work as a longshoreman or harbor worker, you know that your job can be dangerous. Unfortunately, injuries on the job are all too common in this line of work. If you've been injured on the job, you need an experienced New York City harbor worker injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Longshoremen and harbor workers are responsible for loading and unloading ships at docks and ports. This work can be very physically demanding, and injuries are not uncommon. Common injuries include sprains, strains, and back injuries. If you've been injured on the job, don't try to handle everything on your own. Harbor workers and longshoreman cases can become highly complex and involve maritime laws and matters that must be handled by an experienced injury attorney. Without legal help, insurance adjusters often take advantage of the injured worker and he or she never sees the compensation they are due. Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to speak with an experienced New York City personal injury attorney.
Common Accidents for Longshoreman and Harbor Workers
Some common accidents that longshoremen and other dock workers may be susceptible to include:
- Slips and trips
- Falls from a height
- Accidents involving falling objects
- Crushed by a heavy object
- Amputations
- Drowning
Who is at Fault for Longshoreman and Harbor Worker Accidents?
In many cases, it is the employer who is responsible for providing a safe work environment. There are also laws in place to protect workers, such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. This act provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job, regardless of who is at fault.
If you are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Who is Covered Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides benefits to workers who are injured while working in maritime or longshore settings. The LHWCA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). The LHWCA covers a wide range of workers, including:
- Longshore workers who load and unload ships
- Shipbuilders and ship repairers
- Dockworkers and pier side workers
- People who work on offshore oil rigs
To be covered under the LHWCA, a worker must be engaged in maritime employment, which is defined as any work “performed on navigable waters or adjoining areas customarily used by ships.”
Types of Compensation Available
The LHWCA provides benefits for:
- Lost wages
- Medical care costs
- Vocational rehabilitation services
This coverage can help you if you're injured while working on the navigable waters of the United States or if you contract an occupational disease.
Other Locations We Serve in New York
Why Hire a NYC Injury Attorney from Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP?
There are many good reasons to hire an experienced NYC attorney from Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP if you have been injured in an accident that may involve the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). We have a proven track record of success in handling these types of claims, and our attorneys have been rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability. With over 50 years of collective experience, our attorneys have won hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
If you have been injured while working on the docks, in a shipyard, or in any other maritime environment, you may be entitled to benefits, however, obtaining these benefits can be difficult, as insurance companies and employers often try to minimize or deny claims. That's where we come in. Our experienced lawyers will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (212) 986-7353, so we can help you better understand your best course of action.
