Working offshore on an oil rig or other maritime job comes with many inherent dangers. While safety regulations and protocols aim to protect workers, accidents still happen frequently in these high-risk environments. If you or a loved one has been injured while working offshore, hiring an experienced offshore accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses.
What is an Offshore Accident?
An offshore accident refers to any injury or fatality that occurs while working on offshore oil rigs, platforms, ships, barges, or other maritime vessels. Common causes of offshore accidents include:
- Falls due to slippery surfaces or unsecured ladders/stairs
- Being struck by heavy equipment or falling/swinging loads
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Fires and explosions
- Boating collisions
- Diving incidents
- Getting caught in machinery
- Slips and trips on deck
Offshore accidents can range from minor injuries to life-altering traumatic events. Workers operating offshore face higher risks than most other professions and work long hours in harsh conditions. When accidents happen, injured offshore workers deserve experienced legal representation.
How Can an Attorney Help if You’re Injured Offshore?
If you’ve suffered an offshore injury, an attorney can provide invaluable help navigating the legal system and fighting for your right to compensation. Your offshore accident lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident and build a strong case proving negligence or liability
- Deal with insurance companies and negotiate fair settlements
- File paperwork and handle legal proceedings/hearings
- Recruit expert witnesses like medical professionals and safety specialists
- Calculate and prove all financial damages related to medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
- Hold any negligent parties fully accountable under maritime laws
Having a knowledgeable lawyer makes it much more likely that you’ll receive a full and fair settlement. Offshore accident cases can be complex, but the right attorney has the resources and dedication to handle every aspect from start to finish.
Factors That Determine Your Settlement
Every offshore injury case is unique when it comes to determining a settlement amount. Key factors that impact your potential maritime settlement include:
- Severity of your injuries and required medical treatment
- Extent and permanence of your disability
- Lost income and impact on future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress
- Gross negligence that caused the accident
- Multiple liable defendants with insurance coverage
- Jurisdiction and applicable maritime laws
- Experience and reputation of your attorney
It takes strategic negotiation and litigation skills to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. Maximum settlement values are pursued when you have a knowledgeable offshore accident lawyer fighting for your best interests.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about offshore accident attorneys:
Who pays my attorney fees? Most offshore accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning legal fees come out of your settlement amount. No upfront payment is required.
Will I have to go to court? Many offshore injury cases settle out of court. But your attorney can take your case to trial if needed to get you the compensation you deserve.
How much time do I have to file an injury claim? Time limits vary, but lawsuits must generally be filed within 1-3 years of the accident. An attorney ensures you don’t miss important deadlines.
How much experience do you have with maritime law? We have decades of specialized experience handling maritime and offshore injury cases. Our lawyers stay up to date on the nuances of laws like the Jones Act and DOHSA.
What are my rights if a loved one died offshore? Surviving family members have legal rights that can include recovery of funeral costs, lost financial support, pre-death pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced offshore accident attorney can provide clarity on your rights and options after any type of injury, fatality, or other loss caused by negligence offshore. We’re here to help you recover damages.
Bullet Points:
- Offshore oil rigs, ships, platforms, and other maritime work sites pose many hazards that frequently lead to serious accidents.
- If you’re injured while working offshore, an attorney can investigate your case, prove liability, and fight for maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation.
- Key factors that determine the value of your offshore injury claim include the severity of your damages, shared negligence, insurance coverage, and maritime laws.
- Hiring an offshore accident attorney on contingency means no upfront costs. Legal fees come out of any settlement award you receive.
- Filing a claim or lawsuit within 1-3 years is often required to recover damages, depending on jurisdiction. An attorney ensures deadlines are met.
- Families of those killed offshore have legal rights including recovery of funeral costs, lost financial support, and compensation for pre-death pain and suffering.
- An experienced maritime law attorney can best advise you on your legal rights and options if injured offshore while working on an oil rig, ship, barge, platform, or any other maritime vessel.