Working offshore on an oil rig or other structure has always been hazardous work. That’s why the companies that run these operations are required by law to maintain a safe environment for their workers. When they fail to do so, disaster can happen.
If you’re an offshore worker who was injured in an on-the-job accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages caused by your accident under the Jones Act and other maritime laws. You may also be entitled to maintenance and cure benefits to help with your current medical bills and living expenses. If your accident was caused by the negligent acts of an employer or coworker or an unsafe work condition, you might also be able to collect additional compensation for pain, suffering, and other losses.
Common Causes of Offshore Accidents
It only takes a second for an offshore accident to occur. Some common causes of offshore accidents include:
- Improperly maintained or operated equipment
- Improperly trained workers
- Fires and explosions
- Slip and falls
- Falling overboard
- Exposure to toxic materials
- Collisions
- Offshore supply vessel loading and unloading accidents
- Poor ventilation
- Electrical problems
- Offshore well blowouts
- Lack of safety training and equipment
- Falling or swinging objects
- Poor lighting
- Lift boat and jack up drilling rig collapses
- Adverse weather conditions
Common Types of Offshore Accident Injuries
Offshore accidents can result in catastrophic, even fatal injuries:
- Deep cuts
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head, neck and back injuries
- Burns
- Ligament, muscle and tendon injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Crush injuries
- Pressure shock injuries
- Amputations
- Vision and/or hearing loss
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Drowning
- Respiratory injuries
- Nerve damage
- Nitrogen narcosis (the “bends”)
- PTSD
Damages Caused by Offshore Accident Injuries
Depending on the severity of the worker’s injuries, damages and losses stemming from an offshore accident can include:
- Current Medical expenses
- Anticipated medical expenses (ongoing medical treatments, therapy, long-term care, etc.)
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment (if you are unable to return to work)
- Loss of earning capability (if you are only able to work a job that pays less than what you were making when you were injured.)
- Pain
- Suffering
- Mental Anguish/PTSD
Maritime Laws That Can Apply in an Offshore Accident Injury Case
Depending on where you were working at the time of your accident, one or more of the following maritime laws may apply in your case:
- General maritime law. General maritime law gives injured offshore workers the right to recover damages resulting from someone else’s negligence and unsafe or unseaworthy conditions on a vessel.
- The Jones Act. The Jones Act allows an injured offshore worker who qualifies as a seaman to seek compensation for damages caused by the negligent acts of their employers. Seaman are also entitled to maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act.
- The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). OCSLA provides disability benefits, rehabilitation costs, and medical expenses to workers who become injured or killed while working at a job site located on the Outer Continental Shelf.
- The Death on the High Seas Act. This law provides benefits for the families of offshore workers who were killed because of a negligent or wrongful act that occurred more than 12 nautical miles away from U.S. shores.
Filing a Offshore Injury Claim
In most cases, recovering compensation for an offshore injury will be best achieved with help from an experienced offshore injury lawyer. An attorney with a deep understanding of maritime laws can help you in many ways, from investigating your claim, accurately appraising the damages caused by your injury, filing a claim, negotiating a settlement that covers your total injuries, or arguing your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
The outcome will have a profound effect on your life. Who you choose to represent your offshore injury case could be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
Speak to a Maritime Injury Attorney About Your Offshore Accident
It’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after your accident. New Orleans-based offshore injury law firm Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest maritime and admiralty law litigation firms in the country. We’ve been protecting injured offshore workers and their families in Louisiana and all over the Gulf Coast for over thirty years.
LKSA’s attorneys possess the experience. knowledge, and ability to help you successfully navigate the challenging maritime claims process and recover the total compensation you are owed for your accident-related losses and damages. Our team of offshore accident attorneys have had a role in many, if not most, of the important maritime cases in the last 40 years, including the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.
You only have a limited time in which to file a claim. If you wait too long, the courts may refuse to hear your case. Contact the law offices of Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC today.