Working on a dock, pier, or shipyard comes with constant risk. Heavy cargo, cranes, machinery, and tight working conditions create an environment where serious injuries can happen without warning.
Unlike offshore workers, many onshore maritime employees fall under a different set of laws. If you were injured while working on or near the water, your case may be covered by federal protections that are separate from standard workers’ compensation.
At Latti Associates, we represent dockworkers, longshoremen, and shipyard employees across the country. We help injured maritime workers understand their rights and pursue compensation under the laws that apply to their specific job.
Shipyards and ports are fast-moving work environments. Multiple crews often work at the same time, handling cargo, operating machinery, and managing vessel operations. Injuries often happen due to:
Ports along the East Coast, including Port of Boston, Port of New York and New Jersey, and Port of Baltimore, see constant activity. With that level of traffic, even a small mistake or unsafe condition can lead to serious injury.
Dock and shipyard injuries are often severe due to the size of the equipment and the nature of the work.
We represent clients dealing with:
These injuries can prevent workers from returning to the same job or working at all.
Most dockworkers and shipyard employees are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, often called the Longshore Act. This federal law provides benefits to maritime workers injured on navigable waters or in areas like docks, piers, and terminals.
Under the Longshore Act, you may be entitled to:
One important factor is timing. Injured workers must report their injury and take action within a limited period. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover benefits.
While the Longshore Act applies to many onshore workers, there are situations where other laws come into play. Some workers may qualify under the Jones Act if their job regularly takes them aboard a vessel. In other cases, state workers’ compensation laws may apply depending on the circumstances. Determining which law applies is not always straightforward. It depends on where you were working, what your job involved, and how the injury happened. This is where having a legal team familiar with maritime law can make a difference.
Latti Associates has represented a wide range of onshore maritime workers, including:
Whether your injury happened while unloading a vessel, working in a dry dock, or handling cargo at a terminal, your case may fall under maritime law.
If you were injured while working on a dock, pier, or shipyard, it is important to understand your rights under maritime law. These cases involve strict timelines and specific legal standards. Contact the experienced team at Latti Associates to discuss your dock or shipyard injury case. We represent maritime workers nationwide and are ready to help you move forward.
Onshore maritime claims often involve federal law, insurance carriers, and employers who are prepared to challenge your claim. These cases require careful documentation and a clear understanding of how maritime laws apply.
