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Louisiana is home to many offshore jobs in and around the Gulf. Unfortunately, accidents are far too common. Even worse, the possibility of experiencing a medical emergency out in the middle of the ocean makes working offshore very dangerous. Not all vessels and rigs are equipped with onboard medical facilities. When it comes to serious accidents, it can take much longer for a life flight helicopter to reach injured workers.
Craig and his staff understand the complexities of maritime and offshore accident cases. We have helped many victims of offshore accidents get the compensation they deserve after an accident. We fully understand the difficulties that workers face on large vessels.
When an accident or injury happens at sea, what often happens is that injured offshore workers are taken back to shore for medical treatment. At the same time, their company may pressure them to sign documents waiving the worker’s rights or absolving the company of liability. However, as an offshore worker, you’re entitled to maintenance and cure, i.e. the full cost of your medical care and basic needs while you recover. Below is a group of questions we frequently answer when it comes to offshore accidents.
An offshore injury lawyer is an attorney who focuses on handling cases for offshore workers and their families after they’ve been injured or killed. They help the workers or their families recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. If you’ve been injured at sea, you should speak with an offshore attorney as soon as possible, if only to learn your options.
The Merchant Marine Act—commonly referred to as the Jones Act—was passed in 1920. Among other things, it provides protections to offshore workers that they didn’t have previously. Before the Jones Act, injured offshore workers couldn’t hold companies liable for negligence and could only seek damages for the immediate costs of their medical care and living expenses. With the Jones Act, workers can seek compensation for the full scope of damages caused by a preventable offshore accident.
Offshore injuries can be life-changing. When a worker is injured offshore, filing a Jones Act claim can get them compensation for lost wages, medical bills, the loss of the ability to work, and the costs of future care. Every case is unique, and understanding what you might be able to recover is vital.
Yes, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) was passed in 1920 and allows families to seek financial compensation after a loved one was killed due to negligence at sea. If your loved one was wrongfully killed while at sea, you could seek compensation for their lost wages, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and more.
No, a person cannot get blacklisted from the offshore industry for suing their employer. Company owners have spread this myth across the industry with the hope that it will deter workers from holding them accountable in court. Our firm has never seen this blacklist, and many of our clients have returned to working offshore after their case.
After an accident, workers want to believe that their company will treat them right. This isn’t unreasonable, because this is exactly what should happen. However, if a company offers a settlement shortly after an incident, it’s important to avoid signing or accepting anything. While it might seem like a company is doing the right thing, they usually aren’t. Often, settlements are much lower than a worker deserves, and they’re designed to absolve a company of liability as cheaply as possible.
Disclaimer: The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a Personal Injury Attorney for a consultation on your particular matter.