The shipping and receiving industry is among the most physically demanding and hazardous lines of work in the United States.
Longshoremen and other maritime workers face risks from heavy cargo, machinery, equipment, vessels, and demanding work conditions while working on docks, piers, terminals, and waterways.
South Carolina’s maritime workers help keep commerce moving through major port areas, including Charleston and North Charleston, as well as Georgetown, Beaufort, and Port Royal.
Whether you work at a busy marine terminal, on a cargo vessel, or along one of the state’s waterways, a workplace accident can result in serious injuries and uncertainty about your rights.
If you were injured while working as a longshoreman or other dock worker in South Carolina, the experienced longshoreman injury attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm have the knowledge and experience to help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Trust our South Carolina personal injury and civil litigation, we understand the challenges that follow a serious on-the-job injuries and provides skilled legal representation to injured workers throughout South Carolina.
If you have a workplace accident at a SC port, oil rig or other navigable water along the east coast of South Carolina, notify your supervisor immediately. Their first priority should be to ensure their workers’ safety, so letting them know about unsafe conditions could prevent other injuries. Be sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You may visit the physician of your choice but be sure to obtain a Form LS-1 authorization form.
Because filing a claim can be complicated, especially if there is dispute over whether your accident injury occurred on the job, it is best to have an experienced accident attorney on your side. Let the Hoffman Law Firm team handle the entire process, from filing to finish.
A longshoreman lawyer handles personal injury cases for longshoremen (also known as dockers or dock workers). Longshoremen are workers who load and unload cargo onto ships at a dock or port within the shipping and receiving industry. This industry is full of workers who perform labor intensive work outdoors during all types of weather and is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the US.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides coverage to the following employees:
Longshore workers
Harbor construction crews
Shipbuilders
Ship repairmen
*Non-maritime workers may also be covered if they are injured while working on navigable water. Captain and crew, however, are covered by the Jones Act instead of the LHWCA.
If you are not sure if you are eligible to file a Workers’ Compensation claim, contact the skilled litigators at Hoffman Law Firm.
Our injury team have experience handling local cases, serving those who have been injured at the Port of Charleston, Wando Welch Terminal, South Carolina Ports Authority, and other inland ports.
The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm have earned earned Super Lawyers®, Super Lawyers Rising Stars® and recognition from Lawyers of Distinction Member at 5-Star Rating for their dedication to injury clients.
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The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act offers provision for medical care, compensation and vocational rehabilitation to employees who are injured while:
Notes: Under the LHWCA, “injury” includes illness, occupational disease and hearing loss that occur as a result of employment.
This federal law also provides survivor benefits to dependents if a maritime accident results in, or contributes to, the worker’s death. A private insurance company or the self-insured employer usually pays these benefits.
The LHWCA provides compensation for:
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Vocational retraining
The following benefits are available as well:
Temporary partial disability
Permanent partial disability
Permanent total disability
Necessary medical care from a physician selected by the injured worker (including mileage and other transportation costs)
The Jones Act is a law governing the shipment of goods in the U.S. Inspired by the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, it primarily protects longshoremen and maritime workers. The Jones Act holds employers accountable if workers are injured on the job, requiring them to provide compensation for pain and suffering as well as lost wages.
The Jones Act covers longshoremen and seamen who suffer accident injuries on the job. A maritime worker must be on board a vessel at least 30% of the time to qualify for compensation.
We protect workers at and around South Carolina’s valued ports and waterways. Our longshoreman injury attorneys support workers injured on the job at ports and maritime facilities, including:
Charleston and North Charleston
The Port of Charleston is South Carolina’s primary commercial seaport and the state’s leading hub for container shipping. Major terminals include:
Longshoremen and other maritime workers support cargo handling, terminal operations, vessel loading and unloading, and related port activities.
Georgetown
The Port of Georgetown is a smaller commercial port that has handled bulk and breakbulk cargo, including steel, cement, and aggregates. Its operations are more limited than Charleston’s, but maritime workers may still face risks associated with cargo handling and waterfront work.
Beaufort County
The Port Royal area has a long history as a South Carolina deepwater port. While it no longer operates on the same commercial scale as the Port of Charleston, Port Royal and the surrounding Port Royal Sound remain part of South Carolina’s maritime history and waterfront economy.
The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting a proven record of securing significant results for injury victims.
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If you are injured while working as a longshoreman, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment helps protect your health and creates documentation of your work-related injury.
Notify your employer or supervisor about the injury as soon as possible. Keep records of when, where, and how the accident occurred, along with any medical treatment you receive.
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the vessel, work area, equipment, and conditions that contributed to your injury. Ask a co-worker or witness to document the scene if you cannot do so yourself.
Longshoreman injuries may involve specific workers’ compensation laws and filing requirements. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, Hoffman Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and the next steps in pursuing compensation.
The service and staff of Hoffman law firm was exceptionally professional. Staff lovingness and kindness was greatly appreciated.
-Vermelle
They were very helpful, compassionate, and nice. I was at ease during the process of getting help with them. I would recommend them to anyone who wants honesty and professional lawyers.
-Latvia
Hoffman Law Firm worked hard behind the scenes and completely surpassed our expectations. We will recommend them to our friends and family!
-Marty
Our experienced personal injury team is proud to serve the Lowcountry, offering trusted legal representation right here at home. Committed to securing the compensation our friends and neighbors deserve, our personal injury attorneys will walk beside you each step of the way.
From filing your claim to communicating with the insurance company, we handle your entire claim for you. Get in touch for trusted legal advice and schedule your free consultation today!
Our personal injury law firm welcomes referrals for cases that arise anywhere in the state of South Carolina. We are always proud to assist deserving clients offered by a fellow attorney, so contact us today!
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