Tampa Dock Worker Injury Lawyer
As a dock worker, you labor in some of the same hazardous workplace conditions that typify a construction site. Heavy equipment, uneven surfaces, a constantly changing environment, and similar factors can lead to severe injuries. If you are hurt on the job, your life is turned upside down. You may incur huge medical bills and could be out of work for some time. Fortunately, you do have rights as an injured dock worker; unfortunately, the laws that protect them are very technical in nature.
At Barbas Nuñez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian, our Tampa dock worker injury lawyers deliver skilled, knowledgeable legal services in connection with claims under federal maritime laws. For more than 65 years, we have been assisting injured dock workers in Hillsborough County and throughout the Tampa Bay region. Our lawyers have considerable experience navigating the complicated statutes that protect maritime employees, so please call 813-279-2686 to set up a free consultation. It may also be useful to review some basic information on these cases.
Your Rights as an Injured Dock Worker in Florida
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that protects dock workers and similar maritime employees who are injured while performing work-related duties on the job. In a sense, it fills the gap where a dock worker does not qualify to seek compensation under the Jones Act, which only covers seamen who are generally assigned to a single vessel. The LHWCA provides benefits to dock workers who are not stationed on a specific craft but spend most of the work day on or near vessels, such as:
- Docks, wharfs, and piers;
- Harbors;
- Terminals;
- Drydocks; and
- Other facilities adjacent to navigable waters, which are used for loading, unloading, repairing, or building vessels.
Seek Compensation for Your Injuries
Dock laborers work in a very hazardous environment that is notorious for slippery, uneven surfaces, dangerous equipment, and heavy cargo. Plus, in Tampa, FL, weather conditions can be unpredictable and severe. It is no surprise that dock worker injuries can be severe, including:
- Injuries to extremities;
- Amputations;
- Exposure to hazardous materials;
- Burns from chemical leaks, fires, and explosions;
- Lifting injuries;
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
- Injuries from falls or collisions; and,
- Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries.
The LHWCA does cover eligible dock workers who suffer these types of injuries, and the process of filing a claim is similar to a workers’ compensation system. You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent to recover benefits for medical costs and a percentage of your lost wages.
Consult with a Dedicated Tampa Lawyer About Injuries to Dock Workers
If you were injured while performing your duties as a dock worker, it is important to discuss your circumstances with an experienced attorney. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses under the LHWCA or the Jones Act, but identifying and pursuing your legal options is a complicated process. Please call 813-279-2686 or go online to reach the Tampa office of Barbas Nuñez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian. We can schedule a free consultation with a lawyer, who can tell you more about claims regarding injuries to dock workers.
