New Orleans Longshoreman Injury Lawyer
If you are considered a maritime worker but are not a seaman, you may be entitled to compensation when you suffer a serious injury at work. Get in touch with a regarded longshoreman injury lawyer in New Orleans for assistance.
Harbor workers, longshoremen, and anyone else who works on the water, docks, or shipyards cannot obtain workers compensation benefits through Louisiana. However, when you endure a work-related injury, you may be able to secure benefits through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
These laws can quickly become complicated, which is why it’s in your best interest to enlist the services of an experienced New Orleans longshoreman injury lawyer.
At the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher we have committed a significant portion of our practice to assisting longshoremen in New Orleans and across Louisiana. Our firm will do whatever is necessary to obtain the benefits that are rightfully yours after you’ve been injured due to the circumstances of your work environment.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The LHWCA is a federal law that was designed to protect harbor workers, longshoremen, and other maritime employees who are injured on the navigable waters. Injured workers will need to pass both the status and situs tests before they will know whether or not they will qualify for LHWCA benefits.
These tests are essentially the criteria that maritime employees will need to meet in order to be considered a maritime employee. Some examples of workers who will not meet the eligibility requirements under the LHWCA include aquaculturists, seamen, shipbuilders, and repairmen.
Benefits You’ll Be Entitled To
When you file a claim under the LHWCA, you’ll be seeking replacement disability benefits that you’ll be able to use to support yourself and your family while you are unable to work. This will amount to approximately 66 percent of your average weekly salary. Generally speaking, you’ll continue to collect these benefits until you are able to return to your position at work.
In many cases, it is better for longshoremen to obtain benefits under the LHWCA because the act is prepared to cover permanent partial disabilities, where the state’s workers comp coverage does not.
By now, you may be wondering what other benefits, if any, you’ll be entitled to. First, if you won’t be able to return to work as a longshoreman, you will be able to take advantage of vocational training benefits so that you can find gainful employment elsewhere.
What’s more, you’ll never be expected to cover any medical expenses that you accrue due to your injuries, as these will be covered under the LHWCA. As can be seen, the benefits available to New Orleans longshoremen under the LHWCA can make a significant difference in your life after suffering a work-related injury, and a highly trained attorney can help ensure you obtain those benefits as soon as possible.
Consult with a Longshoreman Injury Lawyer in New Orleans
Don’t let yourself end up in a financial crisis after you’ve been injured on the navigable waters. Reach out to a knowledgeable New Orleans longshoreman injury lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher who can help you obtain the LHWCA benefits you’re entitled to.
You can schedule your free claim evaluation by giving our office a call at 1-800-256-5674 or by filling out the quick contact form we have included below. Be sure to also read our New Orleans personal injury FAQs for more info.