The shipping industry employs many people in Long Beach. Many of these jobs have inherent dangers. Workers involved in maritime accidents can suffer serious injuries. The injuries can prevent the victims from working, and as a result they may lose income, which can be devastating for the workers and their families.
Many of the workers may be able to receive compensation to help pay for their lost income and medical bills. However, there are different law that cover different employees depending on their specific job within the industry.
Workers covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
One of the laws that cover injured maritime workers is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This act only covers longshore workers, shipbuilders, construction workers in the harbor and other workers working on the navigable waters. This includes the areas directly next to navigable waters such as the piers, docks and terminals. To be covered, the injuries must occur in those areas.
There are a few exceptions. The LHWCA excludes any U.S. government employees and people who are considered seamen under the Jones Act. It also specifies that it will not cover employees whose injuries were the result of their intoxication, or whose injuries were willfully self-inflicted.
LHWCA compensation can pay for lost income, pay for and provide medical care and even provide for any training and rehabilitation the worker may need to find future employment.
Some injured workers in California have their initial LHWCA claims denied, in which case they may need to go through the appeals process. Experienced attorneys understand how important the compensation is to their clients and work hard to help them in the aftermath of a terrible injury.