For the most part in the United States, if you are hurt on the job, you will have the ability to access workers compensation. However, if you are someone who works in a maritime position, then you will have to access other funds provided by the government usually in the form of the longshore harbor workers compensation act. Whether you need to hire defense base act attorneys, claims that are concerned with the longshore and harbor workers compensation act, or other kinds of maritime claims, here are a few facts that you need to know before you decide to hire anyone.
1. The longshore harbor workers compensation act provides over 747 million dollars in monetary, medical and vocational rehabilitation benefits.
2. The Merchant Seaman Protection and Relief Act of 1920 was a law designed to create a similar protection as worker’s compensation for people injured while working as a longshoreman, seaman or other marine worker.
3. Maritime claims generally refer to claims by persons working offshore on oil platforms, boats, cargo ships and other sea-faring vessels or along docks, sea terminals or riverways.
4. There is a three day waiting period (the period of time one must wait before compensation is due) under the LHWCA.
5. There are upwards of 155,000 contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan alone, with many thousands more supporting operations around the globe. Research more here