Special Federal Statutes For Worker Protection

There are several special federal statues (laws) which provide additional workers compensation like protection to certain classes of worker:

• The Jones Act (The Merchant Marine Act) provides seamen with the ability to seek benefits known as "maintenance and cure" when they are injured as a result of their employer’s negligence while working on U.S.-flagged vessels.
• The Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA) makes railroads engaged in interstate commerce liable to employees, where the employees’ injuries result from the railroad’s negligence.
• The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides Worker’s Compensation benefits to certain classes of employees of private maritime employers.
• The Black Lung Benefits Act provides compensation to miners suffering from "black lung" disease (pneumoconiosis).

There is a possibility of the creation of a new federal compensation scheme for workers injured by asbestos, who may suffer from asbestosis or mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. At present, asbestos-related injuries are typically handled by private attorneys.