Fourchon Shipyard Accident Lawyer
According to OSHA’s findings, shipyards may be inherently dangerous places to work with an injury and accident rate of more than twice that of other occupations. Several types of hazards are common in this industry, including toxic fumes, fires, heat stress, heavy equipment accidents, falls, and even asbestos exposure.
These hazards can leave shipyard workers with devastating injuries that may last a lifetime or take years to recover from. In the meantime, medical bills continue to climb while injured workers cannot earn their former salary to pay for them.
A Fourchon shipyard accident lawyer can assist you if you suffer from injuries or the loss of a loved one due to a shipyard accident. Skilled maritime attorneys are familiar with the special rights that shipyard workers have and the avenues of compensation applicable for each case.
Shipyard Workers’ Rights
Maritime occupations are traditionally dangerous, and there are some dangers that cannot be avoided. Under federal law, shipyard employers must provide a workplace free of known health and safety hazards. To that end, shipyard workers may have the right to:
- Initiate investigations regarding safety concerns
- Operate safe machinery
- Be provided with required safety gear
- Protection from toxic chemicals
- Review previous records of work-related injuries and illnesses
- Report personal on-the-job injuries or illness
Shipyard workers are federally guaranteed all the above rights, including the right to be free of retaliation for exercising their rights.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects injured workers in the maritime industry who do not work on a vessel by reinforcing their rights to payment for compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation if they are disabled from on the job injuries that occur in areas adjacent to US waters. LHWCA may also provide survivor benefits to those who lost their loved one in a shipyard accident.
The LHWCA protects those injured from accidents that occurred on piers, docks, terminals, and wharves. It may also cover those who are not regularly employed as a maritime worker but were performing maritime duties at the time of injury. Workers in shipyards are likewise covered. However, there are some scenarios in which an employee may not be covered. For example, claims that involve alcohol or fighting may be denied.
Due to the fact that LHWCA protects the employee but the employer’s insurance pays the compensation, a Fourchon shipyard accident lawyer may be accustomed to handling cases where the employer delays contacting the insurance company or the insurance company challenges the claim of long-term disability.
Speaking with a Fourchon Shipyard Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a shipyard accident and your medical payments are delayed or you believe your employer is retaliating against you for reporting your injury, consult with a Fourchon shipyard accident lawyer to start exploring the next steps you can take. You owe it to yourself and your family to have your questions answered and understand which avenues are available to you for pursuing compensation. Call today to get started on your case.