Longshoremen have an undeniably difficult job. With duties including pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting in excess of 50 pounds, it’s a job that has a huge physical impact. On top of this, longshoremen face numerous workplace hazards every day.
To keep longshoremen safe at work, employers are responsible for implementing and adhering to appropriate safety guidelines, such as supplying and requiring the use of hard hats. Without proper protocol in place, longshoremen could be involved in devastating accidents and sustain life-changing injuries.
Injured longshoremen don’t just have to contend with physical pain and suffering, but they could also face hefty medical bills and lost wages during recovery. Even worse, they may be unable to return to work completely.
If you’ve suffered an injury at work, our McAllen longshoreman injury attorneys can help you claim compensation.
Any work environment can be dangerous, but longshoremen must contend with many unique safety hazards.
Common risk factors include falling objects or heavy loads, harmful chemicals, and explosions caused by malfunctioning equipment. As such, an accident can cause devastating injuries, including:
But the fact alone that a longshoreman’s work environment is hazardous doesn’t permit companies to act negligently when it comes to their employees’ health and safety.
If you’ve suffered an accident performing your longshoreman duties, our workplace injury lawyers in McAllen can help. You may be entitled to compensation to cover your treatment expenses and allow you to provide for yourself and your family while you’re not able to work.
Workers’ compensation claims differ in Texas because — unlike in every other state — workers’ compensation insurance is not a legal requirement for employers. However, longshoreman injuries are governed by a specific statute: the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
Under this Act, longshoremen injured while working dockside are eligible to receive compensation if their employer has neglected to provide a safe work environment.
If you meet the criteria (that is, your duties include maritime work and you work on, near, or around the water — and not in an administrative capacity, for example), you may be entitled to compensation for:
The LHWCA also allows family members to make a wrongful death personal injury claim if their loved one was a longshoreman who suffered a fatal injury at work.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury while working as a longshoreman, it’s vital to take action quickly, as you have a limited time to report the injury and make a claim. Our McAllen longshoreman lawyers can help you prove your case and get the justice and compensation you deserve.
You can reach us 24/7.
Patino Injury and Accident Attorneys – Available 24/7
