Longshore Workers’ Comp Attorneys

Most Common Longshore Workers Comp Injuries

Longshore workers pay is much higher than almost all other transit employees, including trucking, railroad or airline workers. However, one of the reasons for the good pay is that longshore work is also rigorous, physically demanding and oftentimes dangerous work.

Though no one likes to think about it, if you’re a longshore worker, you have probably experienced or seen serious injuries first-hand on multiple occasions.

In this article the experienced Longshore Workers Comp attorneys at Cantrell Green take a look at the most common dock worker injuries that give rise to longshore workers comp claims.

Recent Statistics on Longshore Worker Injuries

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation reveals the substantial risks faced by maritime workers. According to their 2023 annual report, approximately 8,700 new injury claims were filed under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), maintaining the concerning trend seen in previous years despite improved safety measures.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides further insight into the severity of these injuries, reporting that longshore workers experience an injury rate of 4.9 per 100 full-time workers—significantly higher than the national average of 2.7 across all industries. More concerning, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) data indicates that nearly 15% of these injuries result in permanent partial disability, affecting workers’ long-term earning capacity and quality of life.

Analysis from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identifies the most common injury types among longshore workers: back injuries (28%), struck-by incidents (22%), slips, trips and falls (19%), and crushing injuries (11%). The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs further reports that the average longshore injury claim costs approximately $58,000 in medical expenses and wage replacement, though claims involving permanent disability frequently exceed $250,000 in lifetime benefits.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) safety reports highlight encouraging improvements in certain ports where enhanced safety programs have been implemented, with some facilities reporting up to 30% reductions in recordable incidents over five-year implementation periods. These statistics underscore both the inherent dangers of longshore work and the potential effectiveness of comprehensive safety initiatives and proper legal representation when injuries occur.

Most Common Longshore Workers Comp Injuries

Crushed limbs, broken bones, and brain injury, are some of the most common injuries to longshore workers that give rise to compensation cases.

For example, it is not uncommon for a stevedore to become trapped and crushed between two containers being moved too closely together. Or, a longshore worker may slip and fall on a wet dock and breaks a leg.

Similarly, a crane can swing in an unexpected direction and hit a dockworker in the head, causing a brain injury.

Back, Spinal, and Lifting Longshore Workers Comp Injuries

As the result of the heavy lifting and carrying required of longshore workers, back injuries are among the most common injuries.  Broken backs and serious injury to the spinal cord can occur.

Getting hit or crushed by a forklift is another common cause of head and back injuries for longshore workers. Bars coming loose when a longshoreman is “lashing,” locking, or unlocking containers can also occur.

Toxic Exposure Longshore Workers Comp Injuries

Less visible harm can also befall longshore workers, as well through exposure to toxic chemicals from leaking containers. And exposure to diesel particulates from ships and/or trucks can cause to respiratory disease.

Illness from Rain, Cold, Heat Longshore Workers Comp

Working on the rainy, noisy, and often sweltering hot docks can also lead to medical conditions. Hearing loss is not uncommon after several years as a longshore worker. Similarly, longshore workers who are exposed to repetitive vibrations from using power machinery or tools can suffer nerve damage that results in loss of feeling in hands and arms.

Other Longshore Workers Comp Injuries

Unfortunately, the opportunities for injury are almost limitless in the dangerous line of longshore work. Everything from electrocution when replacing circuit breakers on containers, to falling into the water and drowning can occur.

Most everyday people do not stop to realize both how important longshore workers are to keeping our economy running. And few people ever think about how dangerous this line of work truly is.

Attorney Help Get Longshore Workers Comp

The good news is that Longshore Workers Compensation offers a very robust benefits program for workers who have been injured in their line of employment.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor website, more than 25,000 people are annually provided with medical care, rehabilitation services and lost wages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  It’s also paid monetary compensation to thousands of injured workers for lost wages or their families who have lost a loved one because of his or her work.

The bad news is that, in many cases, the employer and/or their insurance company has team of adjusters, investigators and aggressive defense lawyers at the ready to try and deny Longshore Workers Comp claims.

However, hiring a specialized Longshore Workers Comp attorney who is familiar with the complex Federal Longshore Workers Compensation laws (LHWCA), can offer you the best chance of winning a your claim and collecting the maximum benefits for which you qualify.

Longshore Workers Comp Attorneys | San Diego Area

If you were injured or made ill while working in a dock or maritime environment, our skilled and experienced San Diego Area Longshore Workers Comp attorneys appreciate what you do, and are here to help you get the Longshore Workers Comp you deserve.

Our skilled attorneys have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for longshore, maritime and dock workers in Long Beach, the San Diego Area and across Southern California.

Our experienced attorneys offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and advise you on the best legal avenue to pursue in your unique situation, to ensure you collect the maximum longshore workers compensation for which you qualify.

San Diego Area Longshore Workers Comp Attorneys: 800-964-8047