Mesothelioma Lawyers

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Act

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Act was originally passed by the United States Congress in 1927. It allows for employees that are injured on the job or due to complications from their job to file a lawsuit against their employer. The act has been amended more than a few times since it was originally passed in 1927.

In 1972, the act was amended to include all harbor and dock workers as well as piers and adjacent land that is used for loading and unloading ships in its coverage. This forced the recreational marine industry to purchase coverage for all of their employees. In 1984, Congress amended the longshoremen act once again to include all longshoremen and harbor workers.

This Act is administered by the United States Department of Labor. It provides for medical benefits, compensation for lost wages, and compensation for rehabilitation services to all longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime workers that are injured during their employment or who suffer from diseases caused or worsened by conditions of employment. This means that if an individual is stricken with a disease that is directly attributable to their workplace, there are provisions in place for that individual to sue their employer for medical and other expenses.

If an individual employer does not adhere to the Act, the Department of Labor can penalize the employer. There are laws in place. In addition, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Program can act as a mediator in resolving disputed cases. Claimants are often dependent upon receiving timely benefits.

If you or someone you know that is employed in anything pertaining to the longshore or harbor industries and has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with Mesothelioma, contact the Mesothelioma lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss your case, to schedule an initial appointment, and to discuss any and all aspects of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act.