Being a longshoreman can be quite a dangerous profession, with many possibilities of suffering serious injuries. If this happens to you, it’s important for you to understand your rights and to know what you are entitled to, so that you can make sure to receive the assistance you need to rebuild your life after your accident.
The LHWCA
There is a federal statute called the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This statute exists to protect the rights of employees who suffer an injury while working on navigable waters, and it provides them with the opportunity to receive compensation for their injuries and the resulting medical expenses.
Under the statute, if you as a longshoreman suffer a debilitating injury during the course of your employment that prevents you from working for a time, you’re entitled to receive certain support payments. These payments are meant to help you pay for medical costs associated with your injury, and they also help you to cover basic living expenses until you are able to return to work.
Unearned wages
Unearned wages is the term used to describe the amount that the worker will receive every two weeks, because it is based on the amount of their normal salary. Typically, injured workers receive two-thirds of their regular working wages while they are incapacitated.
There are different rules for how much you could receive in unearned wages, depending upon the type of injury sustained and other circumstances surrounding the injury. For example, there are different amounts that you would receive if you lost a leg, an arm, fingers, your hearing, etc.
If you are trying to collect compensation for your injury, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced maritime workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to help you identify how to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible in your particular situation.
Suffering a serious injury on the job can have a devastating effect upon your life and the life of your loved ones. It is a relief to know that there are federal laws in place that protect your right to seek compensation, so that you can take care of yourself and your family.
