Getting hurt while serving as a longshoreman means you have access to benefits under federal legislation, but securing those funds can be difficult. Many workers do not understand the complex application process, especially if a third party is to blame. For the best result, it is critical to partner with a qualified Cut Off maritime lawyer.
At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on the recognition we have received for our work from groups such as the Federal Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar, and the Association for Women Attorneys.
These honors highlight our commitment to treating maritime employees with compassion and respect. When you need an experienced Cut Off longshoreman injury lawyer to fight for your rights and benefits, schedule a free consultation with us.
Cut Off Longshoremen Work High-Risk Jobs
Heavy freight, dangerous equipment, severe weather, and heights all combine to make longshore work one of the most risky occupations. Fortunately, you can rely on critical programs to provide the funds and care you need to recover and get back on the job. However, navigating the confusing language and steps required can be overwhelming when you are dealing with serious injuries.
Some of the most common ways you can get injured include:
- Loading and unloading cargo
- Handling hazardous or toxic materials
- Working on wet or uneven surfaces
- Managing electrical equipment and wiring
- Working on scaffolding
- Falling into water or onto decking
These instances can leave you with broken bones, head injuries, muscle tears and strains, internal organ damage, and more. While many longshore workers recover fully and return to their positions, in some cases, you could be hurt so badly that you can never work again.
While you may expect your employer and their insurance provider to take care of you, sometimes, that only happens when you have a Cut Off personal injury lawyer on your side who will fight to win.
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504-500-1111Your Benefits Under the Longshoreman Workers’ Compensation Act
In other industries, employees can turn to workers’ compensation insurance their companies provide. For those who spend every day as longshoremen, ship-breakers, ship-builders, loaders, unloaders, and harbor workers, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides essential coverage to help you recover and stay afloat financially.
Much like the Jones Act covers sailors and those who work on floating structures, the LHWCA aims to help those working in the maritime industries. Under the LHWCA, you are eligible to secure benefits including:
- Two-thirds of your wages, based on your weekly salary at the time you were hurt
- All your medical bills associated with your injury
- Payments for your temporary disability, whether partial or total.
- Permanent benefits if you are temporarily or totally disabled and can never work again
- Assistance with retraining and education for a new job
- Benefits for your family if you pass away from your injury
Your Cut Off longshoreman injury attorney can help you calculate the value of your claim, document your injuries, and make the application process smoother. Many workers experience denied claims, but a seasoned maritime injury lawyer can help you appeal to get your benefits flowing again. Schedule a call with us at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers to learn more.
Determining Your Eligibility for a Cut Off Longshoreman Injury Claim Under LHWCA
Not sure if you qualify for benefits under the LHWCA? When you sit down with a longshoreman injury attorney in Cut Off, LA, for your free consultation, we assess whether you have a valid claim and how strong it is. We determine whether you meet the two required legal tests for filing an LHWCA claim.
The first test is the status test, which requires that at least some of your work be considered maritime duties. This includes loading and unloading vessels, building or breaking ships, repairing docks and vessels, or any work in a dry dock, terminal, or pier. For the second test, you will likely qualify if you work on, near, or around navigable waters in the United States.
Those who perform clerical, security, or data processing work are generally not covered under the LHWCA. If they are injured, they can rely on standard workers’ compensation insurance or may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against outside parties who are at fault. Your longshoreman injury lawyer in Cut Off, LA, is ready to help you understand your options.
Maritime Injury Claims Must be Filed Quickly in Louisiana
Although recent changes (July 2024) in the Louisiana statute of limitations allow you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, the clock begins ticking the day you are hurt. If you wait too long to contact an attorney and get your case started, you could lose the right to secure the compensation you need to recover fully. Our team will not let this happen if you call us for a free consultation as soon as possible.
For LHWCA claims, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. You also have only one year to file your benefits claim or forfeit your right to compensation. Collecting the necessary documentation takes time, so do not delay any longer if you believe you are eligible for a maritime injury claim.
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504-500-1111Your Cut Off Longshoreman Injury Lawyer Will Seek Maximum Compensation for You
When you are trying to recover from serious injuries, you need to be sure your LHWCA coverage will come through to help. Instead of facing insurance companies on your own, contact Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers and let a Cut Off longshoreman injury lawyer get to work pursuing your benefits. You can focus on getting better while we handle the paperwork and negotiations to secure the payments you deserve.
Best of all, if we do not win for you, you do not pay us. We only take our fees when we obtain your settlement, so you can get the aggressive legal representation you need from a law firm that is tough on insurance companies but compassionate, honest, and respectful of our clients. Contact us today to claim your no-cost case consultation.