Tampa Crane Operator Injury Lawyer
Whether you are working on a ship, in the port, or on a dock, the job of a crane operator is extremely hazardous. The uneven, constantly shifting in the maritime environment can easily lead to injuries, even when your employer complies with all safety laws. If your employer violates the laws intended to keep you safe, such as the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your injuries may be even more severe. You are entitled to receive certain benefits if you are hurt on the job, but your rights to workers’ compensation is very different as a crane operator as compared to other types of employment in Florida.
Considering the increased complexities involved with workers’ compensation for crane operators, it is critical to retain counsel that has specific experience in these types of claims. At Barbas Nuñez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian, our Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the very detailed, complicated federal statutes that apply to your circumstances. For more than 65 years, our team has been helping injured crane operators in Hillsborough County and throughout the Tampa Bay region. We can explain the relevant laws and tell you more about your legal options after reviewing your claim, so please call 813-279-2686 to set up a free consultation.
Statutes Covering Injuries to Crane Operators in Florida
Crane operators are classified as longshore workers for purposes of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This means your employer is required to carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy to cover your losses in the event you are injured. As long as you are a covered employee and are hurt in a work-related incident, you are eligible to receive benefits for such devastating injuries as:
- Trauma from being crushed by machinery or loads;
- Amputation injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other head trauma;
- Falls or collisions;
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries; and,
- Many more.
Get the Benefits You Deserve by Law
Under the LHWCA, eligible crane operators can recover benefits for:
- Your current medical treatments, including costs of surgery, therapy, and related care;
- Future medical care that may be necessary to treat your injuries;
- Partial or total disability, which is based upon a percentage of your average weekly wage; and,
- Vocational rehabilitation, intended to provide counseling, training, and other support if you are no longer able to work in your chosen field as a crane operator.
Note that filing a claim through the LHWCA is similar to Florida’s state workers’ compensation system in one key area: Subject to limited exceptions, you cannot sue your employer in a civil personal injury case and are not allowed to recover pain and suffering.
A Skilled Tampa Lawyer Can Assist with Injuries to Crane Operators
For more information about your rights as an injured crane operator, please contact Barbas Nuñez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian in Tampa, FL. Our attorneys can review your circumstances, assist you in filing a LHWCA claim, and represent you in further proceedings as necessary. Please call 813-279-2686 or go online to schedule a free consultation today.
