Offshore work in the maritime industry can seem unique and exciting, but it’s also hard work that exposes employees to accident risks which can result in severe injury, permanent disability, and even death. Dangerous conditions like storm systems, slippery decks, complex and heavy machinery, and even the sea can cause potential lifelong injuries or tragedies. Therefore, knowing how to protect your rights in case of an accident is critical.
A Lafayette offshore accident lawyer from Laborde Earles will help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us today to discuss a legal strategy for your case. Consultations are free and we work on contingency, so there is no fee unless your case is won. Phone support is available 24/7.
Common Causes of Offshore Accidents
Many offshore incidents are preventable by simply ensuring strict adherence to safety precautions and proper vessel maintenance. Several institutions are responsible for setting safety parameters for worker safety and protection.
For example, offshore oil and gas drilling and production companies must operate in compliance with guidelines set forth by the Department of the Interior (DOI), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Bureau of Safety and Environment (BSEE).
Unfortunately, human error can always play a role, and even with safety precautions in place, work injuries might still happen. Therefore, offshore injury attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding a work incident and use the available evidence to establish liability.
Transportation Accidents
While you may not expect transportation accidents to be among the leading causes of offshore incidents, many workers are injured this way. Our offshore accident attorneys understand the unique challenges of these types of cases and help victims build a strong cases.
Employees who rely on water vehicles and helicopters for safe transportation to their rigs are especially exposed to the risk of transportation accidents. Sometimes, these machines experience mechanical failures, leading to terrible water accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Offshore vessels rely on heavy and complex machinery to operate correctly. This machinery needs regular maintenance and repairs, or it can malfunction and cause injuries to those using them.
Exposure to Dangerous and Explosive Chemicals
Some offshore work, like oil rig work, requires handling flammable and toxic chemicals like drilling fluids, production chemicals, and solvents. Unfortunately, these chemicals can cause devastating explosions and fires if carelessly handled.
Lack of Proper Training
Offshore workers require adequate knowledge and expertise to operate vessel equipment correctly. Without proper training, they can mishandle equipment and not respond to emergencies appropriately. In this setting, even minor incidents can easily escalate and turn fatal.
Poor Maintenance
Offshore vessels like ships and boats suffer corrosion after spending a long time in the water. Broken or corroded vessel parts can also lead to incidents if not properly maintained.
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Common Offshore Injuries
Drilling alone offers over 2,000 jobs for qualified workers. However, offshore work is physically demanding and poses a high risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), hundreds of on-the-job injuries are reported in the U.S. every year.
Injuries you may sustain after an offshore accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lost limbs and fractures
- Cuts and bruises
- Injuries from repetitive use
- Electric shock injuries
- Drowning
- Hearing loss from continual exposure to loud machines
If you were involved in an accident while on the job, you must immediately report the event to your supervisor and seek medical care. Taking these steps will help protect your right to recover compensation.
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What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue in Louisiana?
Knowing your available legal options when seeking compensation for your offshore injuries is important. Remember that laws governing maritime accidents differ from regular personal injury claims.
An offshore injury lawyer from our Lafayette branch will explain anything you may find confusing, guiding you through the process. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific situation surrounding the incident, you could be entitled to the following:
Medical Expenses
Many offshore accidents result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care and specialized treatment. However, as the victim, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, including treatment costs like therapy and rehabilitation.
Loss of Wages
After an accident, you may have to take time off work for an extended period to recover. In this case, you could be eligible for compensation for the loss of income during your recovery.
If you suffer a permanent disability, you could seek compensation for losing future earning capability since you can no longer perform the same tasks.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents often lead to severe psychological distress and negatively affect personal relationships. You could also suffer isolation and depression after the traumatic event.
Your personal injury lawyer will assess the emotional distress and mental anguish you experienced to calculate a fair compensation amount for your intangible losses.
Death Benefits
If you have lost a loved one in an offshore accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of the victim’s financial contribution to the household
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the victim’s injuries
An offshore accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, will help you pursue compensation and guide you through the process. Our family-oriented law firm understands the difficulties surviving loved ones experience, and we offer compassionate legal counsel.
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The Jones Act vs. the LHWCA
The Jones Act is a federal law that enables seamen to sue an employer directly for compensation after an offshore accident. A seaman is someone who works on a navigating vessel and spends a significant amount of time onboard. Under the Jones Act, you can file your claim up to three years from the incident date.
There’s the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) for offshore workers who don’t qualify as seamen. Under the LHWCA, you may file an injury claim within one year of the event.
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How Can a Lafayette Offshore Accident Attorney Help?
When you’ve been injured, dealing with an offshore accident on your own can be overwhelming. To help lessen this burden, an attorney will handle all legal matters regarding your case. An offshore accident lawyer could help in a lot of ways, including:
- Collecting critical evidence, taking photos at the scene, and statements from eyewitnesses
- Determine whether to use the Jones Act or the LHWCA
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters and your employer’s attorneys
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Keeping you updated on the status of your case
- Ensuring all paperwork is filed within time limits
- Addressing all your legal concerns and giving sound advice
Call Laborde Earles Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you have been injured on the job, our offshore accident attorneys in Lafayette, LA, will help. It can be hard to focus on the details when you’re in pain. Let Laborde Earles handle the complexities of your compensation claim so that you may take time to rest and recover.
We even work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. If we win the case and you obtain a settlement, we take a percentage of that to cover our expenses. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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