Written injury notice
Often 30 days. Notify your employer promptly.
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Dallas longshore accident Lawyer
Clear answers. Personal attention.
Discuss your longshore accident case directly with Nolan. Review the evidence, coverage and next steps.
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Contacting the firm does not create an attorney–client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Discuss your harbor injury
Injured working around a harbor?
Get help sorting the claim paths.
A dock or shipyard injury can interrupt your income while benefits letters and questions about other companies arrive. Discuss your work and the incident with Nolan so the next conversation focuses on the help you need, without requiring you to classify the case first.
- Separate benefit questions from possible claims involving another company so the discussions do not get blurred.
- Connect cargo, equipment and vessel records to the event being disputed, rather than gathering papers without a purpose.
Nolan Ryan McConvilleManaging attorney · Licensed in Texas since 2016
Firmwide: 99% win rate.
Firmwide: 99% win rate.
Longshore and harbor injury cases
Longshore and harbor worker injury claims
Nolan Ryan McConvilleManaging attorney · Licensed in Texas since 2016Dockworkers, crane operators, ship repairers and harbor workers do heavy, dangerous work around moving cargo and vessels. When you're hurt, your benefits usually come from a federal law, not Texas workers' comp.
Nolan Ryan helps injured longshore and harbor workers understand their rights under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) and looks for any third-party claim beyond it. Whether you work at a Texas port or live in Dallas and work on the coast, you deal with Nolan directly.
- Free consultation
- Benefit fees require approval
- Work directly with Nolan
Review the work setting, benefits and any separate civil claim.
Are you trying to understand a benefit dispute or ask about someone outside your employer? Start with the matching explanation; you do not need to choose a legal classification yourself.
Fees for LHWCA benefit representation require official approval. Separate third-party litigation may use a written contingency agreement.
About Nolan Ryan McConville, Texas attorney since 2016 · Updated October 2026
Nolan Ryan McConville
Managing attorney
- Licensed in Texas since 2016
- J.D. cum laude, Texas Tech School of Law
- Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Sort benefit correspondence by the question it raises
What has been decided?
Separate letters about coverage, wage benefits and medical care. For each, note the sender, claim reference and what the letter actually says was approved or disputed.
What is still pending?
Keep unanswered requests apart from decisions already received. Note when you sent each request and any follow-up, without treating silence as an approval or denial.
What needs clarification?
Highlight unfamiliar terms or conflicting instructions for Nolan. Share time-sensitive correspondence promptly rather than waiting until you have finished organizing the file.
Who's covered
Workers the LHWCA may cover
Longshore workers
People who load and unload ships at docks and terminals.
Ship repairers and builders
Workers at shipyards, dry docks and repair facilities.
Harbor workers
Workers who build or maintain piers, docks and other harbor structures.
Terminal and crane operators
Equipment operators working on the waterfront and in adjoining areas.
LHWCA deadlines are short
Compensation claim
Often one year. File the claim separately from the injury notice.
Occupational-disease, payment and awareness rules can change these periods. Third-party lawsuits have separate deadlines. See the Department of Labor claimant guidance, report your injury in writing right away and ask Nolan about your deadlines.
Questions about a deadline? Call Nolan at (214) 706-4031
The basics
How the LHWCA works
The LHWCA is a federal program that provides medical care and wage-loss benefits to many maritime workers injured on navigable waters or nearby areas used to load, unload, build or repair vessels.
No-fault benefits
Benefits are generally paid without having to prove your employer was at fault.
The tradeoff
You usually can't sue your employer for the injury.
How claims are handled
The U.S. Department of Labor handles the claim, and disputes can go to an administrative law judge. The process has its own forms, deadlines and rules about medical care.
Common disputes
Your employer or its insurer may dispute whether you're covered, your earnings before the injury, or whether you can return to work. Evidence gathered early helps answer them.
From day one
What Nolan checks first
Nolan starts by making sure notice and forms are handled on time, then goes after the evidence.
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01Review step
Notice and forms
He makes sure your employer has been notified in writing and that the right LHWCA forms are filed on time.
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02Review step
Preservation letters
He asks the vessel owner, terminal operator and any equipment owners for incident reports, video, maintenance records and logs.
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03Review step
Injury reports
There's no crash report in a dock injury, so he gets the employer's injury report and any Coast Guard or OSHA records.
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04Review step
Insurance carriers
He identifies your employer's LHWCA insurance carrier and the liability insurance of any third party.
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05Review step
Medical records
He keeps your records organized and complete, since benefit disputes often turn on what your doctors have documented.
The sequence and timing depend on your case, engagement and the records available.
Beyond benefits
Claims beyond LHWCA benefits
LHWCA benefits don't pay your full wages or pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also have a claim against someone other than your employer.
Third-party claims
A vessel owner may be responsible for its own negligence, and other contractors, equipment owners or terminal operators may be responsible for theirs.
Getting coverage right
Not every waterfront worker is covered. Vessel crew members, for example, are generally covered by different maritime laws, and the classification decides which benefits and claims you have.
Ports across Texas
Note the terminal, vessel, employer and task, along with where the injury happened. These details help Nolan review the work setting.
Handled from Dallas
You don't need to hire someone near the port. Nolan can handle your claim from Dallas.
LHWCA benefits often don't replace everything you've lost.
After an injury
Steps after a waterfront injury
- Report the injury to your supervisor in writing
- Ask for a copy of the injury report
- Write down the vessel name and the companies on site
- Get the names of coworkers who saw it happen
- Keep all medical records and benefit letters
- Don't sign a settlement without advice
Related cases
Related practice areas
Boating accidents
Oil rig and refinery accidents
Industrial accidents
Forklift accidents
Free consultation
Talk to Nolan about your case
There is no cost to talk with Nolan. Fees for LHWCA benefit representation require official approval. Separate third-party litigation may use a written contingency agreement.
Have your employer's name, incident date and any benefit or medical-care correspondence handy. Nolan can review your questions before you have a complete claim file.
For the first conversation, identify the issue you want explained: an unpaid benefit, a medical-care dispute or possible responsibility outside the employer. Point out any notice needing prompt attention.
- Fee agreed in writing
- Phone, video or in person
- You talk directly with Nolan
Your written fee agreement also explains how case expenses are handled.
Your case, handled personally
5 reasons to choose Nolan Ryan
Review the work you actually did
LHWCA questions depend on the worker and the work setting. Nolan reviews the actual duties and incident circumstances before treating a dock injury as covered.
Separate benefits from other claims
Benefits and a claim against another responsible party are different routes. Nolan considers the employer's coverage and the role of any vessel or equipment owner.
Start with the right reports
A dock injury does not produce an auto crash report. Nolan seeks employer incident records and any relevant Coast Guard or OSHA information.
Preserve the worksite evidence
Video, maintenance records and logs may help explain the injury. Nolan requests relevant records from the terminal operator, vessel owner and equipment owners involved.
Keep the benefit dispute documented
Nolan considers notice, required forms, medical records and the identified insurance carrier together, so the claim is not reduced to an isolated benefits disagreement.
Recent Victories
Proven Case Results
Case results are gross settlement amounts from past Nolan Ryan Law cases and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
$10 Million
Major 18 Wheeler Accident Settlement
$12 Million
Construction Accident and Wrongful Death Settlement
$1.5 Million
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
$1,150,000
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
Pre-suit Offer: $0
$775,000
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
$2,100,000
Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Pre-suit Offer: $0
Personal Injury Cases we handle
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need a team that acts fast and fights hard. Nolan Ryan Law has a strong record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for injured Texans.
We pursue the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing while we handle the fight.
Call Us Now
Talk with Nolan Ryan Law about the incident, the records available and your questions. The consultation is free. Fees and case expenses are explained in a written agreement.
- Start with what you know — incident details and report number, if available
- Discuss your questions — evidence, responsibility and possible coverage
- Understand the next steps — consultation and written agreement
- Meet by phone or video — Dallas office meetings by appointment
- Clear expectations — an inquiry does not create an attorney–client relationship
100% Free Case Evaluation
Share the city, what happened and your contact details for follow-up. Start with the information you have.
Testimonials
What Real clients say
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a longshore injury, and how is it different from other types of workplace injuries?
The LHWCA may cover qualifying maritime employees injured on navigable waters or certain adjoining work areas. Coverage depends on the work, location and statutory exclusions; not every dockside worker is covered.
What kind of compensation is available to longshore workers who are injured on the job?
Under the LHWCA, injured longshore workers are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and any permanent disabilities they may have sustained. A separate claim against a legally responsible third party may permit damages such as pain and suffering that LHWCA benefits do not provide.
Can I file a lawsuit against my employer if I am injured while working as a longshoreman?
In most cases, injured longshore workers cannot sue their employers for damages. Instead, they must file a claim for compensation under the LHWCA. However, if a third party was responsible for the worker's injuries (such as a manufacturer of defective equipment), the worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.
What should I do if I am injured while working as a longshoreman?
If you are injured on the job, the first step is to seek medical attention. You should also report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
It is important to document the injury and keep records of all medical treatments and expenses. You should also contact a Dallas longshore accident lawyer for guidance on your legal options.
Can I choose my own doctor for medical treatment after a longshore injury?
You generally choose your initial treating physician under the LHWCA. Changing physicians later usually requires approval from the employer, insurer or OWCP.
How long do I have to file a claim for compensation under the LHWCA?
In many LHWCA cases, written injury notice is due within 30 days and a compensation claim within one year. Occupational-disease, payment and awareness rules can change those periods. However, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible to ensure that all deadlines are met.
Can I receive compensation for future medical expenses related to my longshore injury?
Yes, injured longshore workers may be entitled to compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their injury, including future medical care.
What if my longshore injury was caused by the negligence of a co-worker?
In most cases, injured longshore workers cannot sue their co-workers for damages. LHWCA generally bars damages claims against a co-worker for conduct within employment. Whether an unusual intentional act falls outside that protection requires a separate legal analysis.
What if I am unable to return to work after my longshore injury?
If a longshore worker is unable to return to work due to a work-related injury, they may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages and vocational rehabilitation services to help them find new employment.
How can a Dallas longshore accident lawyer help me with my claim?
A Dallas longshore accident lawyer can help injured workers navigate the complex process of filing a claim for compensation under the LHWCA. They can also represent workers in personal injury lawsuits against third parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for the worker's rights and interests throughout the legal process.
What if my employer denies my claim for compensation?
If the employer or insurer disputes benefits, OWCP can assist with the dispute, and unresolved issues may proceed to a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. The procedure depends on the issue and stage.
What if I'm partially at fault?
Under the LHWCA, injured longshore workers can still receive compensation even if they were partially at fault for their injury. LHWCA benefits generally are not reduced because the worker was partly at fault. A separate third-party lawsuit follows its own rules.
A Dallas longshore accident lawyer can help injured workers navigate these complex issues and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Where we help: we represent injured people across Dallas-Fort Worth, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite and the other communities we serve. Meet attorney Nolan Ryan McConville.