Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Lawyer in New Orleans
Injured in a Maritime Accident in Louisiana?
If you’re a longshoreman or harbor worker who has suffered an injury in a maritime accident in Louisiana, our New Orleans maritime injury attorney at The Chopin Law Firm LLC can help you recover your entitled compensation. Our knowledgeable and skilled legal team has more than 50 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases involving maritime workers and seaman. Do not wait until your injury heals itself because you could lose out of the benefits you deserve!
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Provided by LHWCA
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), also known as the “longshore act,” provides occupational injury and disease benefits to maritime workers in specific cases not covered by the Jones Act. The LHWCA can provide compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, physical pain, and physical limitations.
In general, an employee covered by the LHWCA is also entitled to temporary compensation benefits of 2/3 his average weekly wage while recovering, and then either to a scheduled award for injury to body parts or 2/3 of the workers’ loss of earning capacity. By contrast, state workers’ compensation acts typically pay only 60 percent of an employee’s average weekly wage for total temporary disability (TTD). The LHWCA also provides permanent partial disability benefits, while some states’ workers’ compensation acts do not.
Any worker currently employed and working on a navigable waterway in the U.S. whose work contributes to the maintenance, construction, loading, or unloading of a vessel is eligible for benefits under the LHWCA.
Discuss Your Case with Our Experienced Legal Team Today
In order to qualify for coverage under the LHWCA, you must provide a written notice to both your employer and the U.S. Department of Labor within 30 days of the date of the injury, or within 30 days of when you become aware of the injury. The longshore act is a federal law, meaning the U.S. government handles any such claims. Our New Orleans maritime accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine all of your legal options in order to recover the benefits you deserve.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation for more information today.