HomeMaritime Law BlogMaritime InjuriesCommon Longshoremen and Harbor Worker Injuries

Common Longshoremen and Harbor Worker Injuries


Longshoremen and harbor workers are responsible for the loading and unloading and repair and maintenance of ships in port. It is not surprising that these are dangerous jobs. Longshoremen use powerful equipment to lift heavy loads while working on wet and often slippery surfaces. Common accidents that cause injuries to longshoremen and harbor workers include:

  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Drowning / near-drowning accidents
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Machinery or vehicle accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Electrocutions
  • Equipment malfunctions and equipment related accidents
  • Crane and forklift accidents
  • Material-handling accidentsharbor workers and boat

These accidents can cause serious injuries, including brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injuries, eye injury, internal injuries, shattered and broken bones, amputations and many other types of injuries. They can often leave a longshoreman incapacitated and unable to work.

If you have been hurt while working as a longshoreman, you are offered protection under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). You may be able to recover compensation and medical treatment for job-related injuries and illnesses. If your loved one died while working as a longshoreman, surviving dependents may be entitled to LHWCA benefits including funeral expenses and a percentage of the deceased worker’s weekly salary.

The maritime injury attorneys at The Young Firm have helped injured longshoremen and harbor workers from New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast region to collect the benefits they are entitled to. To learn more, contact The Young Firm at 504-680-4100.

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