Houston Longshore Injury Lawyer Houston Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act Law Attorney

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness during the course of employment on a vessel or other floating movable structure? Do you know if the injury falls under “The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act” or is a “Jones Act” Claim? Maritime workers who have suffered an injury or illness during the course of employment on a vessel or other floating movable structure may be entitled to compensation under the " The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. " The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act covers maritime workers who are not eligible for protection under the Jones Act because they do not meet the definition of “seamen.” For example, workers who help build or load and unload boats or ships are not considered Jones Act “seamen.”

At the Barnes Law Firm,LLP in Houston Texas, our experienced injury attorneys can help determine whether your injury claim falls under “The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act” or is a “Jones Act” Claim. Contact us for a free case evaluation of your injury. The Barnes Law Firm,LLP has helped longshore and harbor workers to maximize their benefits and obtain compensation for their injuries under The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act is administrated by the United States Department of Labor. The Act provides medical care and income benefits to injured workers. If an injured longshoreman is unable to work because of his or her injury, then temporary disability benefits are paid monthly and generally should receive 66 2/3 percent of his or her average weekly wages at the time of the injury. The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act also allows a qualified injured employee the right to choose his or own treating doctor.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act:

is a comprehensive workers' compensation scheme for maritime workers;
covers workers who suffer injuries or illnesses on navigable waters or on places on land that adjoin navigable waters;
fills a gap that exists between the Jones Act, which protects seamen, and state workers' compensation, which cover injuries occurring within a particular state, but not usually on navigable water.

Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act:

the right to receive benefits does not depend on a finding that the employer was at fault for the worker's injuries or illness;
injured or ill workers who qualify for coverage are entitled to medical and disability benefit payments and rehabilitation services;
wrongful death benefits are available to survivors of a maritime workers who die from work-related injuries or illnesses.

In addition:

notice of the injury or illness must be given to the employer within 30 days of the date of the injury or discovery of the illness and to the Department of Labor within one year;
an employer can dispute the injury or begin voluntary payment within 14 days of notice;
the Department of Labor helps resolve any disputes;
a lawsuit cannot be filed against the employer unless and until all Department of Labor’s dispute resolution procedures are resolved;
at any time the injured or ill worker can sue persons other than his employer who are at fault for his injury or illness.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness during the course of employment on or related to a vessel or other floating movable structure and believe you may have, or want to know if you do have, a claim under either the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbors’ Workers’ Compensation Act, or other area of maritime law, contact the Barnes Law Firm,LLP. The initial no obligation consultation is free of charge. We will only charge you if we are able to help you obtain compensation or benefits for your injury or illness.

The experienced injury attorneys at the Barnes Law Firm,LLP can represent your rights so you can maximize your recovery under the Longshore and Harbors’ Workers’ Compensation Act. As with all injury cases, a lawsuit or claim must be filed before the applicable expiration date in order to preserve your claim and not waive your rights. Contact the injury lawyers at the Barnes Law Firm,LLP right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

At the Barnes Law Firm,LLP in Houston , Texas , we are experienced injury attorneys. We represent injured longshore, maritime, and harborworkers in Houston, Texas, including , Sugarland, Missouri City, Baytown, The Woodlands, Pasadena, Channelview, Katy, Texas City, Laporte and throughout the Houston Texas metro area. Contact us to arrange a free initial consultation and evaluation of your injury .

The Barnes Law Firm,LLP works strictly on a contingent fee basis and advances all upfront costs of a case which include, investigation, case development, litigation, expert witnesses and court costs. Those expenses, in addition to our fee, are deducted from the ultimate recovery. But if we are not successful in a recovery in your case, we absorb all costs and charge no fee.

At the Barnes Law Firm,LLP , we have the knowledge, experience and resources to help you with your injury under the Longshore and Harbors’ Workers’ Compensation Act.