Filing a OWCP Claim for Longshoreman Injuries
The Law Office of Robert W. Nizich has successfully represented many longshore workers who have been injured on the job to obtain the compensation they deserve. Under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, maritime laborers are entitled to recoup medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of medical-related travel. In addition to this OWCP claim, injured longshoreman may be entitled to file for supplementary compensation if the injury was caused by the negligence of another.
Longshoremen injuries and fatalities are commonly caused by accidents including:
- Fires and explosions
- Drowning and near-drowning accidents
- Electrocutions
- Equipment related accidents
- Machinery or vehicle accidents
- Crane and forklift injuries
- Material handling injuries and accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
In addition to these serious accident injuries, longshoreman may experience repetitive strain or repetitive motion injuries (RMI). These chronic problems are common in the back, knees, wrists, neck, shoulders, and hands. These RMI injuries are common for many harbor or maritime employees.
In response to the vast amount of injuries being sustained by maritime workers, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act was put into action by the U.S. Department of Labor as an effort to offer seriously injured maritime workers – including longshoreman – certain benefits following an injury. This includes supplementary income, medical service compensation, and employment rehabilitation services.
Compensation Programs – Benefits
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), provides wage compensation and medical care to employees who are injured or contract an occupational disease. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers workers involved in the loading, unloading, repairing, or building of maritime vessels. Benefits are provided by an insurance company or an OWCP-authorized employer. Benefits can also be provided to an employee’s dependents if a work-related injury causes the employee’s death. Generally, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers employees engaged in maritime activity. Contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich for more information on your OWCP claim.