Terrebonne Parish Dock Worker Accident Lawyer
Terrebonne Parish dock workers spend their days aboard and around all types of ships and vessels that are continually loading and unloading all types of materials which must be moved quickly and expertly. That can result in chaotic situations which can cause serious injuries or death.
If you have been injured while working on a dock, contact a Terrebonne Parish dock worker accident lawyer to review the details of the accident. A qualified maritime injury attorney can determine who might be responsible for your injuries, and discuss which course of action might be best for your situation.
Dock Worker Injuries Are Compensable
Dock workers can suffer many types of injuries to the head, back, eyes, ears, necks, knees, legs, shoulders, and more. Some of the most common types of dock worker injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Eye injuries
- Hernias
- Lung injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Whatever type of injury suffered, dockworkers who cannot work will likely face financial losses due to medical bills and lost wages and may find it difficult to provide for their families.
However, maritime dock workers are protected under several laws and may be entitled to compensation for the injuries they suffered at work, including the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the General Maritime Law. A skilled Terrebonne Parish dock accident attprney can help individuals pursue the compensation that they deserve.
Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides disabled longshore and harbor workers in Terrebonne Parish with medical coverage, compensation, and vocational rehabilitation services as against their employer. To learn more about whether this act may apply in a specific case, reach out to a skilled Terrebonne Parish dock worker accident attorney.
Vessel Negligence Claims
Anytime a dockworker is injured in Terrebonne Parish while working on a vessel, the facts of the accident need to be carefully explored to determine if the vessel was negligent. In that case the injured dockworker may be entitled to bring a claim for vessel negligence in addition to benefits from their employer under the LHCA.
Determining Negligence
If the vessel owner left a hazard aboard the vessel and did not warn the dockworker of the danger, there may be a claim for vessel negligence for injuries suffered.
If the crew members of the vessel negligently injure the dockworker aboard the vessel, this is another instance where the dockworker can make a claim for damages besides benefits under the LHCA.
The vessel can even be responsible for injuries if they fail to intervene and prevent activities they recognize are dangerous to the dockworker.
The bottom line is that injured dock workers still need to provide for themselves and their families – and a Terrebonne Parish dock worker accident lawyer can help them do just that.
Learn More From a Terrebonne Parish Dock Worker Accident Attorney
Anyone injured while employed as a dock worker should call a knowledgeable Terrebonne Parish dock worker accident lawyer to determine the best way to get the compensation they need.
Like Louisiana workers’ compensation laws, LHCA, maritime and admiralty laws can be complex. In most cases, processes and procedures must be followed exactly or claims will be denied.
A dock worker accident attorney can provide the help you need to make sure that you receive the benefits you deserve – and are entitled to – the first time around. Call Kopfler & Hermann today to get started.