Working as a longshoreman can be a risky job. In the event that a worker sustains an injury, they may be entitled to longshore workers compensation. Without the help of qualified Defense Base Act attorneys, the process of receiving this compensation can be tricky. The benefits received through the LHWCA (Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act) are paid directly from authorized self-insured employers. Without a Defense Base Act lawyer, one could find themselves being out of a job without any benefits.
Before the longshore workers compensation will be paid out, a skilled DBA attorney should explain every single step of the process to their clients. No one should be given unrealistic expectations. Even those who seemingly have great cases can be surprised from time to time, which is why it is important to find an attorney who does not over-promise.
The current replacement rate for minimum wage is $323.80, while the amount of time that one is required to wait before their compensation is due under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is three days.
While the vast majority of those who choose to file for longshore workers compensation have a legitimate claim, others come from somewhat murky circumstances. According to a recent article on BusinessManagementDaily.com, a longshoreman was denied workers’ compensation because of the fact that he had consumed two beers before starting his 8:00 am shift, and drinking a half-pint of whiskey and eight more bottles of beer before his shift was ended. Because he was intoxicated, he was deemed to be the “sole legal cause” for his injury.
When it comes to workers’ compensation, going forward without the advice of a qualified attorney could mean that an injured worker does not receive the full compensation that they would be otherwise entitled to. It is a risk that no one should take, especially those who have families!