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Injury Benefits for Dockworkers

Employees who work primarily on navigable vessels are usually excluded from traditional workers’ compensation laws. For this reason, many states have grouped dock workers together in this regard with other maritime employees, whom the federal Jones Act provides with a route to collect compensation after a workplace accident. This Act enables maritime employees to sue their employer directly for work-related injuries.

The Jones Act also created a federally-controlled workers’ compensation program to protect people with shipping-related jobs, including dock workers. Filing a claim under this act allows injured employees to receive benefits for medical costs and lost income.

However, Jones Act claims can be complex, and injured dock workers may benefit from additional legal insight. A Lafayette dock worker accident attorney could help gather evidence of an injury and file a claim for benefits through the Department of Labor. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

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Qualifying Injuries Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act does not specify the injuries that qualify for claims. As such, eligible claimants may file for any injury suffered during employment, including:

Whether an accident results in broken bones or long-lasting pain, any injury that requires a worker to miss work and seek medical treatment can qualify for benefits under the Jones Act. A longshoreman accident lawyer in Lafayette could help an injured person document their injuries, seek appropriate treatment, and prepare a claim.

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Iberia Parish Dock Worker Accident Lawyer

Federal Laws Support Injured Dockworkers

The Jones Act

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, provides support to maritime employees who are hurt on the job. Under 46 U.S.C. § 30104, injured dock workers have the right to file an injury lawsuit against their employers.

Dock workers have the option to file their claim in Louisiana state court or in the federal district court. Unlike maritime law, the Jones Act gives these workers the right to a jury trial. Consulting with a qualified dock worker accident lawyer in Iberia Parish can help injured employees decide their best course of legal action.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is another law that may apply to injured dock workers. This act provides for medical treatment, disability payments, transportation, and rehabilitation costs.

A knowledgeable Lafayette dock worker accident attorney may be able to help an injury victim identify the coverage available to them. If a portion of the employee’s duties involves maritime work, the employee may be eligible for coverage under this workers’ compensation law. If a dock worker does not meet the requirements for the Jones Act, they may be able to meet the requirements for LHWCA.

Compensation for Damages

Dock workers who were injured on the job deserve compensation. However, the types of compensation and how they will receive it depends on which federal act applies to them. In general, dock workers can seek compensation for the following damages:

  • Past, present, and future medical bills
  • Reduced/lost capacity to work in the future
  • Re-education/retraining and reassignment costs
  • Lost wages and disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Mental anguish

For help with recovering damages, reach out to a dedicated personal injury lawyer.

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Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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kelly

Lake Charles

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of reliability. Jillie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled efficiently and with care. Her knowledge and work ethic make her an outstanding professional, and I would highly recommend her!

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jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

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Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

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Rhonda C.

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

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Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

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Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

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Stephan C.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

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Baton Rouge

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Ally with a Lafayette Dock Worker Accident Attorney

A dock injury may permanently alter your future. Even after fully recovering and returning to work, you may face mounting medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, it is possible to financially recover for the damages you have sustained—the Jones Act can provide workers’ compensation benefits to help protect your financial interests after a dock accident.

While filing a claim with the federal government can be confusing, a Lafayette dock worker accident lawyer could help you properly prepare and file a case with the Department of Labor. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney could also provide valuable advice and support at every stage of the Jones Act claims process. Reach out today to discuss your accident, the resulting injuries, and the next steps you should take.

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