Longshore Act

Longshore and Harbor Workers

There are several laws that maritime workers who are not on board ship can use to claim compensation for accidents and injuries. Consequently, it is important to consult with an attorney if you are injured while engaging in a maritime occupation on shore. Filing suit using the correct laws and procedures can speed the resolution of your claim.

Longshore Act

The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides compensation for lost wages, medical benefits, and rehabilitation services to approximately 500,000 workers nationwide who are not members of a crew of a vessel (i.e., seamen) and who are injured or contract occupational diseases on the navigable waters of the United States or in adjoining waterfront areas such as docks, piers, marine terminals, or marinas.  The Longshore Act covers longshoremen and dock workers, as well as most other workers on the waterfront, including marina workers, bridge builders, ship builders, ship repairmen, lumpers, and most persons doing construction on the waterfront.  As in state workers' compensation laws, an injured employee who qualifies for benefits under the Longshore Act will receive benefits regardless of fault.

If you are covered under the Longshore Act, you should receive 2/3 of your average weekly wages for as long as you are totally disabled.  You may also be entitled to receive certain payments for permanent partial disability if you do not recover fully from your injury.  Workers who receive benefits under the Longshore Act also have the right to file a lawsuit against the person or company that caused their injuries if that person or company was someone other than their co-workers or employer. 

Experienced lawyers helping injured maritime workers

At the law firm of Latti & Anderson, our attorneys have been helping injured maritime workers on sea and on land for more than 45 years. We understand the various laws under which employees can obtain payment for their injuries. If you have been hurt in the shipyard, on the dock, or on a pier, we can help. Contact Latti & Anderson today to learn about your options. Call 1-800-392-6072 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Obtaining compensation for harbor workers and shipbuilding industry employees

We have secured compensation for onshore maritime workers under the Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act, a federal law that provides replacement income, payment for medical expenses, and therapy after an on-the-job injury. Our clients have included:

• Harbor workers
• Crane operators
• Longshoremen
• Dock workers
• Stevedores
• Shipbuilders

Several laws may govern compensation for onshore maritime workers

The Longshore Act allows claims up to a year after the accident that caused the injury, making it important to seek legal advice and representation promptly. Some onshore workers may be covered by the Jones Act. It is important to determine which laws apply to your situation so that you can begin the legal process to obtain compensation. Some onshore maritime workers may qualify for state workers’ compensation benefits. In all cases, having an attorney who understands the different requirements of the three laws can mean the difference between having a claim delayed or denied and receiving full and fair compensation in a timely way.

If you have been injured in a mishap while working in a dry dock, suffered a crane accident while unloading a container ship, or hurt while employed in the shipbuilding industry, you may qualify for compensation under the Longshore Act. Contact us to learn about your rights under the law. Call the attorneys at Latti & Anderson.

Free initial consultation - Most cases handled on a contingency basis