Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act – Maritime Workers Compensation

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation for workers who are injured while at work in maritime industries that require use of the waters of the United States. The U.S. Department of Labor approximates that around 500,000 workers are protected under this program and around 400 insurance companies provide compensation through the program.

An experienced attorney will be of tremendous value while filing for claim under the act’s provisions. You have the right to seek justice for your pain and suffering if you have been injured while on the job. As there are a number of jobs which require frequent interaction with ‘on the shore’ entities but are not listed as such, an attorney can help show why you deserve to be compensated under the act.

Workers doing the following jobs are usually covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act:

• Workers who repair ships
• Workers who transport goods and cargo
• Workers who build ships
• Workers who build docks and other structures that are located on, near, or over water
• Boats and barge builders
• Workers employed as dock hands

Although the technical requirements of the act clearly identify some of the workers who are covered, other workers whose job functions require some of the above mentioned tasks might be able to seek compensation under the Act. An attorney can be of great help in cases which do not clearly fit into the program’s structure. Also, if you feel that you have been awarded too little in damages and insurance, you can seek the help of an attorney to figure out how you can appeal the decision.

If you or someone you know was injured at work in the shipping industry, you should contact the experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today for more information.