Longshore and harbor workers carry out vital jobs for the maritime industry countrywide and in this state. These workers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo from various types of ships and vessels and many other duties at ports. While these responsibilities are essential to the shipping and receiving industry, they are also dangerous.
Injuries can arise from handling hazardous materials, lifting heavy equipment and cargo, working with heavy machinery, and other potentially harmful situations. For those reasons, the federal government has laws to protect and cover losses sustained from accidents while on navigable waters. If you were injured and need help collecting benefits, contact a Southaven longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer to schedule a consultation. An experienced maritime injury attorney like Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon has the knowledge you need to navigate this complex area of the law effectively.
Common Longshore and Harbor Worker Injuries
After sustaining injuries on the job, a longshoreman may be eligible to collect benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act.
Potential benefits include payment for all medical expenses related to the injury and a portion of their wages while they recover at home. Injured workers may also have the legal right to file suit against a third party if negligence caused the accident. Some of the more common longshore and harbor worker injuries include:
- Severe burns from fires and explosions
- Trip and fall injuries on slippery decks and other surfaces
- Crane and forklift accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Crush injuries
- Falls from heights
- Overexertion injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drowning and wrongful death
While the list includes some of the most common injuries, workers face countless dangers while on the job, and there is always the potential of a severe accident. A Southaven longshore and harbor workers accident attorney can help collect the necessary evidence and documentation to file a claim for damages in accordance with the law.
Time Limit for Notifying an Employer
While workers are eligible to collect benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, they must follow the rules of the statute to avoid delays or denials. According to the Act, the injured deckhand must notify their employer of the injury, in writing, within 30 days of the accident.
If the injured party does not immediately know of their physical harm or illness, they must notify their employer within 30 days of the day they became aware. While not a requirement, contacting a longshore and harbor workers accident attorney in Southaven can help ensure you understand this and other rules of the statute and meet all requirements.
Call a Southaven Longshore and Harbor Workers Accident Attorney
Suffering injuries while working on a dock or water vessel is stressful and can leave you unsure of how you will pay for medical bills and living expenses. Fortunately, federal laws may entitle you to collect benefits under various statutes, including the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act.
While many maritime workers are eligible to collect benefits after sustaining harm, navigating through the process is challenging. A highly qualified legal professional can advise and help you through the process. Call Southaven longshore and harbor workers accident lawyer Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon to begin preparing and working on your claim.