Offshore maritime work is crucial to the US economy, but it is one of the world's most hazardous occupations. The natural environment in which oil rigs, natural gas wells, and other offshore facilities are situated is frequently harsh and unforgiving. Workers are also susceptible to offshore maritime injuries and incidents resulting from faulty equipment, unseaworthy boats, or employer negligence.
Improper maintenance, lack of appropriate safety procedures & precautions, a safety mindset, lack of PPE use, and unsafe working practices resulted in numerous fatal explosions, fires, and blowout events including the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in April 2010.
Over a one-year period between 2010 and 2011, according to the Health and Safety Executives (HSE), there were more than 40 major injuries resulting from an offshore calamity. This resulted in a rate of fatal and significant injuries for every 100,000 workers of 151 people injured out of every 100,000.
Here's everything you need to know about offshore injury cases, and what to do if you have been injured while working offshore.
- What are the most common injuries for offshore workers?
- What are the typical causes of offshore injuries?
- What should you do if you are injured while working offshore?
- Can I get workers' compensation for an offshore injury?
- What are my rights if I have been injured offshore?
- Do I need an offshore injury lawyer?
- Are there any time limits for filing an offshore injury lawsuit?
- What’s an Offshore Injury Lawyer? Should I Hire One?
- What If I Can’t Afford an Offshore Injury Lawyer?
- How much money do these types of cases typically cost?
- What types of damages can I recover in an offshore injury lawsuit?
- How do I file an offshore injury lawsuit?
What are the most common injuries for offshore workers?
There are many types of injuries that can occur while working offshore, but some of the most common include:
- Head injuries
- Burns
- Injuries caused by heavy equipment
- Falls
- Exposure to hazardous materials
What are the typical causes of offshore injuries?
Some of the most common causes of offshore injuries include:
- Explosions and fires
- Sudden impacts from falling objects or equipment
- Ship collisions
- Defective equipment or machinery
Often, there are a number of factors that can lead to an offshore injury. In order for a defendant to be held liable, it must usually be shown that the negligence of the defendant was a substantial factor in causing your injury.
What should you do if you are injured while working offshore?
If you are injured while working offshore, you should immediately seek medical attention. You should also report the injury to your supervisor and file a workers' compensation claim. It is important to remember that you have the right to seek legal representation if you are injured offshore.
Can I get workers' compensation for an offshore injury?
Yes, you may be able to receive compensation for injuries that occur during work hours. In order to receive workers' compensation benefits, an injury must be work-related and sustained while on the job.
What are my rights if I have been injured offshore?
If you have been injured while working offshore, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. There are a number of factors that will determine whether you can file a lawsuit and what type of damages you may be able to recover.
First, it is important to understand that the Jones Act protects workers who are injured or killed while working offshore. The Jones Act allows injured workers to file a lawsuit against their employer for damages. In order to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
If you are not covered by the Jones Act, you may still be able to file a lawsuit for damages. If your employer is a citizen of the United States and you were injured while working in navigable waters, you may file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but can prove that your employer was negligent, you may be able to file a lawsuit under general maritime law.
If you are not covered by the Jones Act, FELA or general maritime law, there may still be another avenue for recovery. Depending on your employer's location, you may have recourse through workers' compensation statutes in the country where your employer is located.
Do I need an offshore injury lawyer?
If you have been injured while working on an oil rig or platform, it is often best to consult with an offshore injury lawyer. An offshore injury lawyer can help you determine if you are able to recover damages under the law that applies to your case.
Are there any time limits for filing an offshore injury lawsuit?
Time limits can vary depending on your type of case, however, In Louisiana cases, it's one year on tort claims (this can be longer in certain situations under the Jones Act) but it is important that you give us a call ASAP to protect your ALL of your rights so that we may pursue all at-fault parties.
What’s an Offshore Injury Lawyer? Should I Hire One?
If you have been injured while working offshore, you may want to consider hiring an offshore injury lawyer. Offshore injury lawyers typically have experience dealing with cases that involve maritime law and workers' compensation statutes. They can help you determine which law applies to your case and can help you file a lawsuit to recover damages.
Offshore injury lawyers can also help you determine what damages you may be able to recover under the law that applies to your case. For example, if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but can prove your employer was negligent in the performance of its duty, you may be able to file a lawsuit under general maritime law and recover damages for economic losses, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Offshore injury lawyers can also help you file the lawsuit within the time frame required by law. It is important to note that the number of damages that you can recover will depend on the facts of your case. An offshore injury lawyer can help you determine what damages you would be able to recover under the law that applies to your case.
What If I Can’t Afford an Offshore Injury Lawyer?
If you can't afford to hire an offshore injury lawyer, you may be able to find one who will work on a pro bono basis. This means that the lawyer will not charge you for their services. However, keep in mind that not all lawyers offer this type of service. You may want to consult with a few lawyers before making a decision.
How much money do these types of cases typically cost?
Typically, offshore injury lawyers will charge you a contingency fee for their work on your case. This means that they won't be paid unless and until you win your case and recover damages. The fee is usually a percentage of the amount of money that you are able to recover as compensation for your injuries.
What types of damages can I recover in an offshore injury lawsuit?
The type of damages that you can recover in a lawsuit will depend on the law that applies to your case. Under the Jones Act, you may be able to recover damages for economic losses, such as lost wages and medical expenses, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. If you are covered by FELA, you may be able to recover damages for economic losses only.
Under general maritime law or workers' compensation statutes, you may not be able to recover non-economic loss damages. However, if your employer was negligent in the performance of its duty, you may be able to recover damages for economic losses, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that the number of damages that you can recover will also depend on the facts of your case. An offshore injury lawyer can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to recover.
How do I file an offshore injury lawsuit?
In order to file an offshore injury lawsuit, you will need the legal help of an experienced offshore injury lawyer. Your attorney can provide you with information on filing procedures and may be able to represent you in your lawsuit if you decide to pursue a claim.
Contact us today to get started on your case.
Offshore injuries can be extremely serious, often resulting in lifelong disabilities. If you or someone you love has been injured while working offshore, it is critical to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
An offshore injury lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
