Shipyard workers are primarily responsible for building and repairing ships, such as yachts, cruise liners, military watercraft, and commercial vessels. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), working in a shipyard is inherently dangerous with an accident rate more than double that of other industrial occupations. Toxic fumes, heavy machinery, fires, and asbestos are just some of the hazards that shipyard workers face on a regular basis.
Following a serious accident on a commercial water vessel, you may want to consider contacting a Pascagoula Shipyard Accident Lawyer. A knowledgeable maritime injury attorney could help you seek compensation for your damages and injuries. As a shipyard worker, you could qualify for compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), including medical expenses and disability benefits.
While most employees hurt on the job in the United States are covered by workers’ compensation, many of those who work on shipyards, docks, and shipping terminals are covered by the LHWCA. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides superior benefits to those maritime employees covered by the statute compared with most state-based workers’ compensation schemes.
If the employee is seriously injured at work and subsequently determined to be completely disabled, they can receive disability benefits under the LHWCA equal to two-thirds of their wages or salary.
An injured shipyard worker or other maritime employee who is covered by the LHWCA may also be able to qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. Those who experience a permanent bodily impairment, such as the loss of a limb, may be eligible to qualify.
Depending on the circumstances, an important task of a Pascagoula Shipyard Accident Lawyer might be able to determine whether an injured seaman qualifies for LHWCA coverage. A maritime worker must meet certain requirements before they can turn to the LHWCA for benefits following an accident.
LHWCA benefits are available only to individuals who meet the following tests:
One has to be primarily engaged in maritime employment to be eligible for benefits under the LHWCA. This includes shipyard workers, longshoremen (stevedores), waterfront crane operators, commercial shipbuilders, and marine construction specialists.
Only maritime employees who work near, on, or adjacent to navigable waters can receive LHWCA benefits. The rule of thumb followed by most LHWCA judges is that working less than one mile from the water or a shipyard or terminal meets the situs test.
It is best to speak to a diligent Pascagoula Shipyard Accident Attorney to determine whether they are eligible to seek compensation under LHWCA.
Working in a shipyard can be an exhilarating yet dangerous form of employment. Fortunately, shipyard workers and certain other maritime employees who become injured on the job may be eligible to receive a variety of benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Contact a Pascagoula shipyard accident lawyer to learn about what steps to take for obtaining LHWCA benefits following a workplace injury. Call today.