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.

sail boat

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.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

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.

branded accent

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

L
Lisa G.

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

B
Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

M
Melanie B.

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

R
R.S.

Lafayette

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

S
Sandi W.

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

M
Matt Picard

New Orleans

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and incredibly responsive. He took the time to explain every step of the process in clear terms and always made sure I felt informed and supported.

His attention to detail, strong communication, and genuine dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Derek went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his hard work.

If you’re looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, reliable, and truly cares about his clients, Derek Hebert is an outstanding choice.

B
Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

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.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.