Working on the Louisiana docks as a longshoreman can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it’s also one of the toughest and most dangerous. Employers have an obligation to keep the workplace as safe as possible to avoid injuries on the job, but that’s not always the case. Even with safe conditions, accidents can happen and workers can get hurt. Thankfully, when an accident does occur, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act exists to provide benefits for occupational diseases and injuries to dock workers. The LHWCA provides benefits such as:
- Hospital, medical and surgical supplies and services.
- For disabilities caused by an on-the-job maritime accident, the LHWCA provides compensation that equates to 66 ? percent of the normal weekly salary of the employee.
- In the case of a death, the widower and widow are entitled to up to $3,000 for funeral costs plus 50 percent of the deceased worker’s average wages for one week. These are good for life, or end if the surviving spouse gets remarried. Children under the age of 18 can also receive rewards.
Of course, there are times when insurance companies and employers don’t act in the best interest of the injured employee. When that happens, it may be a good idea to contact a maritime attorney who can represent you and may be able to get you the compensation you deserve. Our page on maritime workplace accidents can give you a better idea of what options are available to you.
