Top Rated Injury Lawyers for Longshoremen & Harbor Workers in Washington, DC
At Grossman Attorneys at Law, we understand that suffering a longshore injury can turn your life upside down, leaving you with physical pain, financial stress, and countless unanswered questions.
If you’re navigating the complexities of maritime laws and workers’ compensation in Washington, DC, remember that you’re not alone – our experienced team is here to help.
Our dedicated longshore injury lawyers are committed to helping you understand your rights and building a strong case on your behalf. With our extensive expertise in handling intricate claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or focusing on your long-term recovery, our experienced legal support can make all the difference.
What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law designed to provide injured maritime employees with essential compensation and benefits. It’s specifically aimed at workers like longshoremen and harbor workers who sustain injuries while performing work on or near navigable waters. The act bridges gaps in coverage where traditional state workers’ compensation laws do not apply.
Who is Covered by the LHWCA?
The LHWCA applies to employees engaged in maritime employment. This includes longshore workers, dock workers, ship repair workers, shipbuilders, and harbor construction workers. Coverage extends to those injured at piers, docks, wharves, terminals, or other areas used to unload or load seafaring vessels.
However, there are exceptions. The LHWCA does not cover crewmembers of vessels, government employees, or workers intoxicated at the time of injury. Employees receiving state compensation benefits may also be excluded.
If you’re uncertain whether your injury qualifies under LHWCA, we can help assess your case.
What Injury Benefits Are Available Under the LHWCA?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) offers essential support for injured longshoremen, dock workers, and other maritime employees. These benefits help alleviate financial and emotional challenges when injuries occur.
At Grossman Attorneys at Law, we understand how these benefits work and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Medical Compensation
Medical coverage under the LHWCA includes all reasonable treatments related to your work injury or illness. This can involve doctor appointments, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices like prosthetics or hearing aids. You’ll have the right to select your preferred doctor, though changing doctors later requires employer or Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) approval.
Lost Wages
Wage loss benefits aim to replace a portion of your income when you’re unable to work due to your injury. These payments typically equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) before the injury. Depending on your recovery progress, benefits may fall under Temporary Total Disability (TTD), helping you maintain financial stability while you heal.
Disability Compensation
The LHWCA provides additional compensation based on your disability level. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) ensures you’re compensated for reduced hours or light-duty work. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) offers payments for lasting impairments, even while you remain employed.
For cases where injuries prevent all work (Permanent Total Disability or PTD), payments are made to cover ongoing financial needs. Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is required before receiving permanent benefits.
Death Benefits
In fatal workplace injury cases, the LHWCA provides death benefits to the worker’s surviving spouse and dependents. These benefits typically provide two-thirds of the deceased’s AWW to their family, ensuring financial support after a tragic loss. Funeral and burial expenses are also covered.
Common Accident & Injuries for Longshoremen & Harbor Workers in Washington DC
Longshoremen and harbor workers deal with hazardous conditions daily, leading to a range of serious injuries. From operating heavy machinery and handling cargo to working in challenging weather conditions, these dedicated workers put themselves at risk to keep our ports running smoothly.
Heavy Machine or Equipment Accidents
Heavy machinery, such as cranes and forklifts, is essential in maritime work but poses significant risks. Accidents involving these machines can result in life-altering injuries, including crushed bones, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries.
If poorly maintained machinery or defective safety devices caused your injury, you may have a case for legal action. Our attorneys focus on holding negligent parties accountable in such situations.
Falls From Heights
Working on ships, scaffolding, or other elevated areas increases the risk of falls. These falls can cause severe injuries like spinal cord damage, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.
Improper safety protocols and failure to provide necessary equipment, such as harnesses, often contribute to these accidents. We evaluate whether unsafe working conditions led to your injuries and can guide you through filing a claim.
Slip and Fall Risks
Slippery surfaces are common in dock and harbor environments, increasing the chance of slip-and-fall incidents. These accidents may result in fractures, ligament tears, or even disabling injuries.
If a lack of safety measures like non-slip surfaces or proper drainage caused your injury, we can help determine liability.
Falling Objects
Longshore workers and dock workers frequently manage bulk cargo, exposing them to the risk of falling objects. Crates, tools, or improperly secured equipment may cause serious injuries, including head trauma and broken limbs.
Our firm has extensive experience litigating cases related to negligent cargo handling practices, ensuring your rights are protected.
Explosions and Fires
Explosions and fires are catastrophic incidents often resulting from improper maintenance or faulty equipment. Victims may suffer severe burns, respiratory issues, or permanent disfigurement.
These cases often involve multiple liable parties, making legal guidance critical. We're here to navigate the complexities of such claims on your behalf.
Repetitive Use Injuries
Repetitive tasks, like lifting cargo or using tools, can cause chronic conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Even seemingly minor injuries can limit your ability to work and lead to long-term medical expenses. We can assist you in pursuing benefits under the LHWCA for these types of injuries.
Toxic Substance Injuries
Maritime environments can involve exposure to hazardous chemicals, leading to chemical burns, respiratory conditions, or long-term illnesses. If you've been harmed by toxic substances on the job, we work to uncover failures in workplace safety practices and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under maritime law.
Hearing Damage From Loud Sounds
Exposure to the high-decibel machinery common in maritime work can lead to permanent hearing loss. Inadequate hearing protection often exacerbates this issue. If your employer failed to provide proper protective equipment, our legal team can explore your options for seeking damages.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to any of these workplace hazards, contact us at Grossman Attorneys at Law. Our experienced team is committed to pursuing justice and helping you navigate the complexities of LHWCA claims and maritime lawsuits.
Common Causes of Longshore & Harbor Worker Accidents
Our experience handling longshore injury litigation has shown that most accidents could have been prevented with proper safety measures. Whether it's faulty crane operations, unsafe cargo handling procedures, or poorly maintained walkways, these oversights can have serious consequences for workers like you. Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), you have rights when injured due to these unsafe conditions.
Improper Safety Training
Workers lacking proper safety training are more prone to accidents, including slips, trips, or falls from platforms. Employers have a legal obligation to provide comprehensive safety training before assigning tasks. When they fail to meet this standard, injuries can occur.
For example, insufficient training on operating machinery often leads to catastrophic accidents. If improper safety training caused your injury, we can investigate whether your employer violated safety regulations under the LHWCA.
Unsafe Equipment
Defective or poorly maintained equipment often causes serious harm. Malfunctioning cranes, faulty safety gear, and broken tools are just a few examples. Longshore workers rely on functional equipment to stay safe while loading and unloading cargo, especially in Washington D.C.’s harbor areas.
When employers neglect to ensure that equipment is in working order, accidents become inevitable. Our experienced attorneys can assess whether defective equipment played a role in your injury and pursue accountability on your behalf.
Problems With Machinery
Machines exposed to salt air and constant use in maritime environments frequently suffer corrosion and wear. This heightens the likelihood of malfunctions, such as crane or forklift failures, which can result in devastating injuries.
Machinery accidents not only cause physical harm but also long-term occupational setbacks. If improperly maintained machinery has impacted your livelihood, we’re prepared to hold employers or manufacturers responsible through detailed litigation.
Unsafe Work Conditions
Many unsafe conditions contribute to longshore and dock worker injuries, including poorly secured scaffolding, damaged docks, and insufficient lighting. Examples include loose wood causing trip-and-fall incidents or electrical hazards leading to severe burns.
Employers are responsible for providing safe worksites, yet these obligations are frequently overlooked. If you’ve sustained injuries from unsafe conditions, our team offers experienced representation to ensure justice is served.
Negligence of Supervisors
Supervisor negligence is a prevalent cause of longshore accidents. From failing to enforce safety protocols to neglecting inspections, their oversight significantly impacts workplace risks.
For instance, a foreman neglecting to issue proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can result in avoidable injuries. If your injury stems from supervisory negligence, we’ll investigate thoroughly and build a case demonstrating their failure to uphold safety standards.
If your workplace injury was caused by any of these factors, you don’t need to navigate the legal process alone. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Steps to Take After a Longshore Accident
If you or a loved one experiences a longshore injury, taking the right steps is critical to protecting your health, rights, and potential compensation. As a leading injury law firm in Washington D.C., Grossman Attorneys at Law is here to guide you through these essential actions.
Reporting the Injury and Seeking Medical Assistance
Prompt reporting is essential after a longshore accident. Notify your supervisor or employer immediately, preferably in writing, within the required 30-day period under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Failing to do so could jeopardize your ability to claim benefits. For accuracy, include details like the date, time, and cause of the incident.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Delayed symptoms are common with serious injuries. Explain every detail of the accident to the medical team so it’s documented in your medical records. This evidence is often vital when pursuing compensation for longshoremen, dock workers, or harbor workers injured on the job. If you encounter challenges during these steps, our experienced team is ready to support you.
Filing an LHWCA Claim and Understanding Deadlines
To secure compensation under the LHWCA, you need to file an Employee’s Claim for Compensation with the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Acute injuries require filing within one year from the date of the accident, while occupational injuries or illnesses, such as repetitive strain or chemical exposure, give you up to two years. Missing these deadlines could result in lost benefits.
We encourage you to keep thorough records of your injury, medical treatments, and related expenses. When dealing with complex claims, particularly for longshore workers with preexisting conditions, Grossman Attorneys at Law offers knowledgeable representation to strengthen your case.
Dealing with Claim Denials or Disputes
If your employer or their insurance denies your claim, don’t lose hope. You can request an informal conference through your local OWCP suboffice, where a trusted mediator will work to resolve the dispute.
While the recommendations from this meeting aren’t binding, escalation to a formal hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may be the next step. The ALJ’s determinations carry legal weight.
Our attorneys are skilled in handling LHWCA litigation and advocating for your rights, whether through negotiation or courtroom proceedings. Contact us to explore your legal options if you’re navigating a claim denial or dispute.
Statute of Limitations for Longshore Lawsuits in the District of Columbia
Understanding the statute of limitations for filing a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is crucial for longshoremen, dock workers, and other maritime employees seeking compensation in Washington, D.C.
For most LHWCA claims, you have one year from the date of injury to file a claim. If your employer hasn't filed a report of the injury or if compensation wasn't received within that first year, this filing deadline may be extended.
This extension provides injured harbor workers and longshore workers the opportunity to pursue benefits even when bureaucratic delays have occurred. It's critical to act promptly and seek legal guidance to evaluate the timeline applicable to your case.
For occupational diseases such as asbestosis or hearing loss caused by loud machinery, the statute of limitations extends to two years. This time frame begins when you, through reasonable diligence or medical advice, become aware of the connection between your employment and the disease. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to secure the compensation you deserve for medical care, lost wages, and disability payments under the LHWCA.
If your claim involves third-party negligence, such as injuries caused by unsafe conditions on a vessel you were working on, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under Section 905(b) of the LHWCA. This allows injured longshoremen to seek damages from vessel owners. However, separate deadlines may apply to such negligence claims, and addressing them promptly ensures your rights remain protected.
Why Hire Our DC Law Firm for Longshoremen Injury Claims?
At Grossman Attorneys at Law, we understand that navigating a longshore injury claim can feel overwhelming while you're trying to recover and support your family. Our Washington D.C. attorneys are here to shoulder this burden, offering comprehensive legal support that covers everything from securing fair compensation to standing up against insurance companies.
Here are just a few ways our staff and attorneys will help during your LHWCA claim:
Ensuring Fair Compensation
We work tirelessly to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery. Under the LHWCA, you're eligible for benefits that include choosing your own doctor for necessary treatments, ensuring your medical needs are addressed according to federal regulations.
We’ll also help document injury-related expenses, ensuring your claim includes all eligible costs. Whether you’ve experienced wage losses or permanent disability, we ensure your claim reflects the true extent of your injuries.
Representing Your Interests Against Employers or Insurance Companies
Employers and their insurance carriers often prioritize minimizing claim payouts. We stand up against such tactics, advocating for your rights to fair treatment and benefits. If an employer disputes your claim or an insurer offers a low settlement, we leverage our expertise to challenge these actions.
Retaliation, such as termination or demotion after filing a claim, violates federal law. If you’ve faced such behavior, we defend your rights and hold employers accountable for unlawful practices.
We're Not Afraid to Go to Trial to Get Justice
While we strive to resolve claims efficiently through negotiation, we never shy away from taking your case to trial when necessary. Our experienced trial attorneys have a proven track record of successfully litigating complex maritime injury cases in Washington D.C. courts.
When insurance companies or employers refuse to offer fair compensation, we're prepared to present your case before a judge and fight aggressively for your rights. Our reputation for being trial-ready often motivates opposing parties to offer better settlements, but if they don't, rest assured we'll be fully prepared to pursue justice for you in court.
Contact the Washington Longshore Injury Lawyers at Grossman Attorneys Today for Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries while working as a longshoreman, dock worker, or harbor worker, seeking skilled legal representation is critical. At Grossman Attorneys at Law, our team has over 35 years of experience handling complex Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) claims, ensuring injured maritime employees receive the benefits and compensation they’re entitled to.
If you believe unsafe working conditions, negligent supervision, or faulty equipment led to your injury, we can help you build a strong case.
Don’t let the challenges of a workplace injury prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. Contact our Washington D.C. legal team today for dedicated, experienced representation. We’re here to answer your questions and support you in achieving just compensation.
*We work on a contingent fee basis, which means that there is never a fee or costs that you have to pay unless we successfully resolve your case.