LONGSHORE - DBA INJURIES

If you work near the water, on docks, ships, oil platforms, or overseas for a U.S. government contractor, the DBA is a special kind of work. The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) and the Defense Base Act (DBA) provide benefits for injured workers in these fields. Here's what you need to know about your rights.

DEADLINES TO FILE A CLAIM

  • You generally have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim under the Longshore or DBA systems.
  • If the injury wasn't immediately obvious (like illness from exposure), the clock may start when you first realized it was work-related.
  • Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible is critical — delays can make your claim harder to win.

WHO IS COVERED

These laws cover many types of workers, including:

  • Longshore and Harbor Workers — people working on docks, piers, shipyards, or loading/unloading vessels.
  • Oil and Gas Workers — employees on platforms or near navigable waters.
  • Defense Base Act Workers — civilians working overseas for U.S. government contractors, including construction, security, logistics, and maintenance personnel.

COMMON CAUSES OF LONGSHORE & DBA INJURIES

Jobs covered under LHWCA and DBA are some of the toughest — and riskiest. Accidents often involve:

  • Falls from platforms or ladders.
  • Being struck by heavy equipment or cargo.
  • Burns or fires.
  • Repetitive motion injuries.
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
  • Vehicle or transportation accidents at work sites.

WHAT YOU CAN RECOVER

Benefits under Longshore or DBA claims may include:

  • Medical care for your injuries, including future treatment.
  • Wage replacement while you can't work.
  • Disability benefits if your injury keeps you from returning to the same kind of work.
  • Death benefits for families who lose a loved one in a work-related accident.

In some cases, if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer) was at fault, you may also have a separate personal injury claim for additional compensation.

WHY THESE CASES ARE DIFFERENT

Longshore and DBA claims are complex. They involve:

  • Federal law, not just Texas law.
  • Strict filing requirements and deadlines.
  • Insurance companies that often try to deny or minimize claims.

Having an attorney who understands these specialized laws can make the difference between a denied claim and getting the full benefits you deserve.

WHY YOU SHOULD CALL A LAWYER EARLY

  • Strict rules and short timelines mean you need to act fast.
  • Evidence like reports, witness statements, and medical records can make or break your claim.
  • An attorney who knows LHWCA and DBA law can guide you, fight denied claims, and help you get every benefit you're owed.