LEADERSHIP IN AMERICA’S LARGEST OFFSHORE DISASTERS

Offshore Accident Lawyers with Unmatched Experience

When a catastrophic offshore accident occurs, you need a legal team with proven experience in the most complex cases. Paul Sterbcow served as Co-Lead Trial Counsel in the Deepwater Horizon liability trial. Ian Taylor was appointed to the Executive Committee in the SEACOR Power litigation. When the Gulf Coast’s worst offshore disasters reach federal court, LKSA leads.

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The Unique Dangers and Complex Laws of Working Offshore

Working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most hazardous occupations in the world. Workers on oil rigs, platforms, and supply vessels face constant risks from heavy machinery, volatile materials, and unpredictable weather. When an accident happens, the results can be catastrophic. Navigating the aftermath is legally complex, as your rights depend on your specific job, your location at the time of injury, and an intricate web of maritime and admiralty laws. At LKSA Law Firm, our offshore accident lawyers have a deep understanding of these laws and are committed to providing formidable advocacy for injured workers and their families.

Determining Your Rights: Jones Act, LHWCA, OCSLA, and DOHSA

Offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico are covered by one of four federal laws — the Jones Act, LHWCA, OCSLA, or DOHSA — depending on where the accident occurred, what structure they were working on, and their job classification.

A critical first step in any offshore injury case is identifying which federal law applies. Our attorneys will carefully analyze the facts of your case to determine the best path forward.

Determining the correct law is crucial, as it dictates who you can sue and what types of compensation you can recover.

Common Causes of Offshore Accidents & Catastrophic Injuries

Most offshore accidents in the Gulf of Mexico are preventable — caused by employer negligence, equipment failures, inadequate training, or unsafe vessel conditions rather than unavoidable hazards. As experienced oil rig accident attorneys, we have handled cases arising from numerous causes, including:

  • Fires and Explosions: From well blowouts, equipment failure, or improper handling of flammable materials.
  • Equipment Malfunction: Defective cranes, winches, drill floor equipment, or safety gear.
  • Unsafe Procedures: Lack of proper safety protocols, inadequate training, or shortcuts that put workers at risk.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Due to slippery decks, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways.
  • Vessel Collisions: Accidents involving supply boats, crew boats, and other vessels colliding with platforms or each other.
  • Helicopter Accidents: Crashes during transportation to and from offshore facilities.
  • Basket Transfer Accidents: Personnel transfers between vessels and platforms using personnel baskets are a leading cause of serious offshore injuries when proper procedures aren’t followed.

Further reading: Common types of maritime accidents · Dangers of confined space entry · How weather affects maritime safety · Inadequate training dangers · Fatigue and maritime accidents

These incidents often result in severe and life-altering harm. We have the experience to handle cases involving:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other serious head trauma.
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis.
  • Severe burns from fires and explosions.
  • Amputations and crushing injuries.
  • Wrongful death.

Identifying All Liable Parties in an Offshore Accident

Offshore injury cases frequently involve multiple liable parties, as operations typically involve the well operator, drilling contractor, vessel owner, and multiple service contractors working simultaneously on the same site. A thorough investigation is essential to identify all responsible entities to ensure you can pursue maximum compensation. Liable parties may include:

  • Your Employer: For negligence under the Jones Act or for LHWCA benefits.
  • Platform or Rig Owners: For providing an unsafe work environment.
  • Vessel Owners and Operators: If a vessel’s negligence caused your injury.
  • Contractors and Subcontractors: Other companies working on the site whose actions led to the accident.
  • Equipment Manufacturers: If a defective product caused the incident.
  • Well Operators and Lease Holders: In complex offshore operations, the company holding the drilling lease may bear independent liability separate from your direct employer.

Many offshore accidents are not caused by a single person’s error, but by the poor condition of the vessel itself. This is known as ‘unseaworthiness,’ a key concept in maritime law. Watch our video where Paul Sterbcow explains this critical legal concept.

Catastrophic offshore accidents are often not just the result of employer negligence, but of failing cranes, snapped winches, or defective safety gear. In these instances, our attorneys pursue high-value third-party products liability claims against the equipment manufacturers.

Our legal team will conduct a meticulous investigation to determine every party whose negligence contributed to your harm.

Securing the Compensation You Need to Rebuild Your Life

The compensation available after an offshore accident depends on the law that governs your claim. Our offshore injury lawyers in Louisiana will fight to secure every dollar you are entitled to, which may include damages for:

  • Past and Future Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
  • Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
  • Disfigurement and Physical Impairment
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Wrongful Death Benefits for Surviving Family Members

We are committed to helping you and your family achieve the financial security necessary to move forward after a devastating accident. To learn exactly how damages are calculated, watch our detailed video explanation.

Injured offshore in Louisiana? Talk to an LKSA attorney — free, confidential case review. (504) 588-1500

Choose LKSA: Proven Advocates in High-Stakes Offshore Litigation

Offshore accident claims are among the most complex in maritime law. LKSA Law Firm brings the experience, resources, and elite credentials necessary to take on the largest corporations and their insurance companies.

Offshore injury lawyer louisiana
  • Court-Appointed Disaster Leadership: Our attorneys have been appointed by federal courts to lead the nation’s most consequential maritime disasters. Paul Sterbcow served as Co-Lead Trial Counsel for the Deepwater Horizon liability trial, and both he and Ian Taylor held leadership roles in the SEACOR Power litigation. This demonstrates unparalleled experience in handling the most serious offshore cases.
  • A Proven Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our experience leads to significant results for those injured offshore and in related maritime incidents. Our track record includes:
  • In excess of $20,000,000 for a brain injury from an offshore helicopter crash.
  • In excess of $14,421,477 for four rig workers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
  • A $2,757,008 jury award for a rig crew member who suffered a crushing arm injury.
  • In excess of $2,700,000 for an offshore supply vessel worker’s crushing injury during a cargo move.
  • $1,000,000 for a cervical spine injury from an offshore helicopter crash.
  • And many more 7-figure and 8-figure confidential settlements for our clients.
  • Deep Industry Knowledge: We understand the operational realities and safety requirements of the offshore industry. We work with leading industry professionals and investigators to build a powerful and fact-based case on your behalf.

Offshore Accident FAQs: Your Questions Answered

After an offshore injury, you likely have many questions. Here are some common inquiries answered by our New Orleans offshore accident lawyer team:

Your immediate priority is your health — get emergency medical care and clearly report how the injury occurred to medical personnel. As soon as possible, notify your supervisor or company representative in writing and ensure an official accident report is created. If you are able, photograph the scene and collect witness contact information.

Two things to do before anything else: understand what happens in the hours and days after an offshore accident — companies and government agencies begin investigations immediately — and contact an offshore accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to your employer or its insurer. Early reporting of your injury is also critical, as delays can be used against your claim later.

It depends on your job and location. If you are a seaman on a movable vessel (like a supply boat or jack-up rig), the Jones Act likely applies. If you are a non-seaman working on a fixed platform on the Outer Continental Shelf, the LHWCA/OCSLA likely applies. The distinction is critical and often requires a detailed legal analysis by an experienced attorney.

No. Federal laws protect maritime workers from employer retaliation for filing a legitimate injury claim. If you are fired, demoted, or harassed after reporting an injury, you may have an additional legal claim for wrongful termination.

The time limit, or statute of limitations, varies. Jones Act claims generally must be filed within three years. However, claims under other maritime laws or against government entities may have much shorter deadlines. It is crucial to speak with an offshore accident attorney in Louisiana immediately to protect your right to file a claim. Watch our video to learn more about filing deadlines.

You have the right to get a second opinion from a doctor of your own choosing. Company doctors may sometimes prioritize the company’s interests. Never agree to return to work if you do not feel you are medically ready, as it could jeopardize your health and your legal claim.

Have More Offshore Accident Questions? Contact Us.

Injured Offshore? Your Fight for Justice Starts Now.

An offshore accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. You do not have to face this challenge alone. Contact Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC today for a free, confidential consultation. Our Louisiana offshore accident attorneys are ready to put their extensive experience to work for you.

Get Your Free Offshore Accident Case Review Now