Longshore Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Longshore Workers Compensation

Longshore & Harbor Workers Act

Ports and shipyards can be dangerous places. If you were hurt while working to load or off-load cargo, building or repairing ships, doing construction at a port, or as a contract employee working at one of the many US bases overseas, you may be entitled to file a claim under the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Claim Act or the Defense Base Act. These benefits can provide critical assistance for medical care, lost wages, and more. Knowing which laws will govern your situation requires a lawyer with specialized experience.

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For more than 60 years, the longshore workers compensation lawyers at Rutter Mills have been focused on helping clients get the money they need after a life-changing injury at local shipyards and ports.

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For the 2023 fiscal year, the maximum amount a person can receive under the Longshore Harbor Workers Act is $916.99. That amount is calculated using the national average weekly wage, as determined by the Secretary of Labor. This maximum benefit amount would apply to workers suffering a total disability or death.

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Defense Base Act Workers Compensation Claims

The Defense Base Act was created to help protect civilian employees working overseas at US military bases. The Act provides disability, medical, and death benefits to employees injured or killed while employed abroad. These claims and benefits are also governed by the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation.

Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Claims

From tug boat captains to welders, truck drivers to forklift operators, people who work around the navigable waters of the U.S. are eligible for specific benefits when they get hurt on the job through the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). This act provides different benefits from the state laws that govern injuries sustained on land. That’s why, when you have a longshore case, you need a workers comp injury attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies of the LHWCA.

What should I do if I am injured in a shipyard or at a marine cargo terminal?

If you have been injured at a marine cargo terminal or shipyard, you will need to tell your supervisor. They will help you get medical care and file an accident report.

Make sure you give your employer specific details about the accident. Things like weather conditions, signage, and witnesses will be crucial to your claim.

In most cases you have just one year to file a claim for benefits. That may seem like a long time, but conducting an investigation, getting witness statements, and other key elements will take time.

Your employers insurance company will do their best to minimize your suffering and your benefit amount. Make sure you speak with an experienced attorney who is familiar with the nuances of longshore injury cases.

Longshore Vs. State Workers Compensation Claims

Most injuries sustained while at work are governed by state workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ compensation was designed to protect the rights of injured workers on land, unfortunately, it did not protect workers on the water when an injury or death occurred. In 1927, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act was passed to provide protection for workers not based on land. But knowing who qualifies for each type of coverage can be a complex process.

The determination of eligibility for longshore cases does not rest in the hands of the insurance company. Instead, the Department of Labor will decide whether an injury or accident meets the criteria for benefits coverage.

Employees in shipyards and marine terminals in the following roles are often covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act:

Winch operators
Dock workers
Forklift operators
Pile drivers
Warehouse personnel
Shipbuilders/Shipbreakers
Harbor construction workers

If you or a loved one has been affected by an event that could result in a longshore workers’ compensation claim, a maritime law incident, or an admiralty law case, reach out to the experience attorneys of Rutter Mills today to learn what next steps to take.

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If you have been injured on the water call the maritime injury lawyers at Rutter Mills.

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If you lost someone you love because of someone else’s negligence, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Rutter Mills today.

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If you were injured on the job getting benefits may not be easy. Speak with a trusted workers compensation lawyer at Rutter Mills today.

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Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.

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If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.

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Contact a longshore workers compensation attorney for expert legal guidance

A Rutter Mills case is a serious case. It may mean you have been badly injured. It certainly means you have a lot on the line, and the resolution of your case will make a big difference to you, your family, and your life moving forward.

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When you’ve been injured, you’ve got a lot at stake – but so does the insurance company. Being represented by a serious lawyer makes all the difference. Call Rutter Mills today and let us even the playing field for you.

Rhonda J.

The team at Ruttermills are fantastic. Communication is a big thing to me and they kept the door of communication open. They are patient, they are concerning and dedicated to YOUR cause. They get ☆☆☆☆☆ from me. Thank you so much Kathy for explaining everything to me and listening to my venting.

Maria R

Had an AWESOME TEAM! Mr. Young and Ms. Saunders helped me get through a very tough time following my car accident. They keep you informed and work in your best interest. VERY pleased with the outcome of my case. Thank You Guys Soo Much!!

Ray F.

My situation with my health and physical mobility was in a downward spiral. A friend of mine reminded me about Rutter Mills. I immediately got on the phone, and they made me an appointment for a free consultation. I explained everything to them, and the rest is history. I was told by everyone else it would take years to get disability, but with Rutter Mills on the job, I had results within a year. My attorney, along with his staff and the Rutter Mills family, made it happen. 100% . I would recommend them to anyone else in need of help for any situations that arise in your life. Thank you, Rutter Mills and family.

Dan

The staff at Rutter Mills worked for me from the first minute I was in their office. They called and emailed every week and kept better records than I did. I was injured and had to undergo two operations from the accident. The recovery period was long with many physical therapy sessions over the next year. The staff emailed me many times, asking if there was anything they could do to make me feel better during my recovery. During this time my attorney was active in filing the paperwork for court litigation, but was contacted by the other law firm that wished to discuss settling my case. Depositions were done and the final one was scheduled and I was present to complete that phase of the case. My attorney got a maximum award for me and I will be forever grateful for his and their staff's work and attention during my time of legal need. Rutter Mills will be my only call if I ever need legal representation in the future.

Ray M

After getting hurt at work I had problems with workers compensation right away. Comp was denying claims for medical treatment and not paying correct amount of wages. I was very worried and stressed till I called Rutter Mills. Attorney Jesse Pound with paralegal Jordan Johnson made all my problems go away. Thank you so much for all your help.

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