What rights do I have if I am injured while working as a longshoreman?
If you have been injured while working as a longshoreman in Washington, you have certain rights and protections under maritime injury law. Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), employees who are injured in the course of their duties may be eligible to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and death benefits (in the event of a work-related death). The LHWCA also provides valuable rights to injured workers that are not guaranteed to other types of workers. For example, injured workers are not required to prove that the injury was caused by negligence or fault of the employer in order to be eligible for compensation. This is known as a “no-fault” system. This means that workers may be eligible for benefits even if their injury was caused by their own carelessness or negligence. In addition, the LHWCA also guarantees certain rights to workers in Washington. For example, the Act requires employers to provide injured workers with medical care and compensation for lost wages. The Act also requires employers to provide an appropriate rehabilitation plan for those injured in work-related incidents. In addition to the federal protections provided by the LHWCA, Washington has its own Maritime Injury Law that grants additional protections for longshore workers. This law requires employers to provide workers with compensation for permanent disabilities, death benefits, and occupational diseases. Finally, it is important to note that injured workers may be able to pursue additional damages in addition to those provided by the LHWCA and Washington’s Maritime Injury Law. In these cases, injured workers may be able to sue their employer for negligence or other wrongful acts. In summary, if you have been injured while working as a longshoreman in Washington, you may be eligible for compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, as well as additional protections under Washington’s Maritime Injury Law. You may also be able to pursue legal action against your employer for negligence or other wrongful acts.
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