You May Be Entitled To Compensation For Your Injuries.

Maritime workers in South Carolina include dredge workers, boat captains, maintenance workers, harbor pilots, bridge maintenance and construction workers, and harbor workers — just to name a few — go to work every day knowing that they are facing unique work-related hazards. The government and courts have recognized the unique dangers that maritime workers face with the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

But if you are a maritime worker who was injured on the job, and your personal injury has left you facing exorbitant hospital and medical bills, and perhaps has left you unable to work, you may feel overwhelmed. It can be difficult to know exactly what to do after a maritime-career-related personal injury. We understand the details of the laws designed to protect you, some of which are outlined here, and we can answer your questions as we guide you through the process of filing a claim. Speaking with a lawyer right away after suffering an injury or illness during the course of your employment is a crucial first step toward securing the benefits and compensation you need.

Maritime law stipulates that if you were injured or became ill while you were on duty at your job, you are entitled to medical coverage, recovery and maintenance costs, and any wages you might have made should you have been able to work. Your employer is obliged to cover the costs of your room and board, including living expenses, during any time that you have to stay on land while recovering from your injuries, as well as for the cost of any medical treatment you receive in connection with your illness or injury. Unlike in some other types of personal injury cases, you do not have to establish that your employer was at fault, nor do you have to prove that your work caused the injury or illness. It is only necessary to show that the injury or illness occurred while you were working.

We Will Fight to Get You the Protection You Deserve.

Unfortunately, not all workers are aware of these rights, and some employers will try to dispute the payment or delay the payment of maintenance and cure to their workers. In this case, it can be confusing to know how to file a claim. We can help with that. One of our Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you file a suit in either state or federal court that will require your employer to pay you maintenance and cure.

We have represented maritime and harbor workers before, and we can make sure that you know your rights and that you receive the benefits of them. For example, if you are injured or become ill while working at a dock or harbor, or in connection with any sort of maritime job that is not at sea, you have the right to select a physician to treat you for your injury, at your employer’s expense. You are entitled to medical care arising from these injuries for the rest of your life. In this and in other ways, the Longshore Act may provide you more benefits than a general state personal injury claim.

We Can Handle All Kinds of Claims

Some people choose to file a state claim in addition to a claim under the Longshore Act. If you are a maritime worker seeking compensation for a job-related illness or injury, it is important to have a personal injury attorney who can help you through any and all suits you are pursuing. Because the trial lawyers at The Lokey Law Firm have experience representing clients in all kinds of Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawsuits, we can help you file claims via any court that may be relevant to your situation. Our knowledgeable staff will work hard to try our best to maximize any compensation you receive in connection with your maritime injury or illness.

If you have any questions about your claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act, or if your employer has initially denied coverage that you believe you have a right to, call us today. We can evaluate your case and answer your questions, as we try to ensure your claim is successful. We know the difficulty maritime workers go through, and the importance of your job. You shouldn’t have to fight alone for the benefits that you are owed. We’ll help you take on the courts and your employer to get all the benefits you deserve, so that you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.