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.

Latti & Anderson LLP, a New England firm focusing on admiralty and maritime law, has a 45-year record of accomplishment helping maritime employees seek compensation under the Longshore Act. If you have been injured while doing maritime work, and are not a member of a crew of a vessel, or you are unsure of your status, contact the maritime law firm of Latti & Anderson LLP for information about the Longshore Act. We have the knowledge, the investigators, and the experience to advise you about your best course of action after an injury. We can advise you about not just your rights under the Longshore Act, but also any rights that you may have to bring a “third party” case against the negligent person or entity.