America’s Farthest Inland Seaport: The Port of Lewiston

Idaho might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of bustling ports, but nestled along the Snake River sits the Port of Lewiston, the farthest inland seaport on the West Coast. This unique port, 465 miles from the Pacific Ocean, plays a vital role in Idaho's economy, thanks to the ingenious Snake-Columbia River system.

Large barges navigate a network of dams and locks, transforming Lewiston into an essential transportation hub. Wheat, timber, and other goods flow through the port, a testament to American ingenuity. But behind the scenes of this economic engine lies a workforce vital to its operation - maritime workers.

The Dangers of Working at the Port of Lewiston

The maritime industry is inherently hazardous. At the Port of Lewiston, common dangers include:

• Slips and falls on wet decks or uneven surfaces.
• Machinery accidents involving cranes, forklifts, and other heavy equipment.
• Falling objects from cargo or unsecured loads.
• Exposure to hazardous materials during cargo handling.
• Repetitive stress injuries from long hours of physical labor.
  
  

While the Port of Lewiston's website doesn't currently list specific maritime shipping companies, it does highlight its connections to major players through the Columbia-Snake River system. This means that workers at the port could be interacting with crews from companies like Maersk, Chevron Shipping Company, Skanska, Transocean, or MSC.

The Jones Act Protecting Idaho's Maritime Workers

Fortunately, there's a legal safeguard in place for these hardworking individuals: The Jones Act. This federal law provides critical protections for seamen injured in the course of their duties on navigable waters.

How the Jones Act Protects YOU

The Jones Act provides critical protections for seamen injured in the course of their duties on navigable waters. Here's how it helps:

• Lower Burden of Proof: Unlike most personal injury cases, the Jones Act requires you to show only that your employer's negligence played a role in your injury, not that it was the sole cause.
• Maintenance and Cure: Even if employer negligence isn't proven, you're entitled to coverage for medical expenses and basic living needs while recovering.
• Compensation for Lost Wages and Pain & Suffering: The Jones Act allows you to recover lost wages due to the injury, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.
  
  

We are Here for Injured Maritime Workers

If you've been injured while working at the Port of Lewiston, you aren’t alone. VB Attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by maritime workers. We have extensive experience with Jones Act claims and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don't wait. Contact VB Attorneys today for a free consultation. We fight for the rights of Idaho's maritime workers.