Oil rigs are hazardous places to work. If you’ve been injured or you lost a loved one due to an oil rig accident, know that you have rights.
Our Louisiana maritime injury lawyers are prepared to fight on your side as you seek an appropriate settlement or judgment for your injuries and other losses. We will file your claim or lawsuit, negotiate for your financial award, and represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial. Focus on your recovery, and we will handle the rest.
The Jones Act and Compensation
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (also known as the Jones Act) made it possible for seamen injured offshore, or for the loved ones of a seaman who passed away while working offshore, to bring a lawsuit against their employer for damages.
Damages you may be eligible to demand under the Jones Act include:
- Loss of income
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Short-term or long-term care
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and companionship
What Qualifies You to Participate in a Jones Act Claim
Oil rigs come under the protection of the Jones Act. A seaman, in this case, would be someone who spends at least 30 percent of their time working on a rig at sea. It doesn’t have to be one particular rig—it can be multiple rigs owned by the same company, and to benefit from the Jones Act you must be a legal alien or US citizen working for an American company.
The Jones Act may allow you to bring your case to federal or state court, and you may have the right to a jury trial.
The Jones Act may not apply if the rig you were injured on was permanently fixed to the seafloor and immovable. However, you may still pursue compensation. Our oil rig injury attorneys can assess your eligibility using criteria such as your maritime profession, vessel, injury, and available benefits.
“Maintenance and Cure” Benefits for Oil Rig Workers
Under the Jones Act, if you’re injured while working at sea, you have the right to receive:
- Maintenance, which covers your regular living expenses, and
- Cure, which covers your medical costs until you’re “fit for duty”
During the consultation, our attorneys will go over maintenance and cure as it applies to your case.
Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
Under the Jones Act, you may make a claim for damages if you are injured due to the oil rig being unseaworthy. The owner of the rig is the party responsible for ensuring it is seaworthy.
It is considered seaworthy if the rig, its parts, and equipment are “reasonably fit” for their purpose, and the crew is “reasonably adequate or competent” to perform their tasks.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientHow Our Oil Rig Attorneys Help You
We understand that working at sea can be a perilous duty. Add to that the different approaches necessary to recover compensation for a maritime-related personal injury and you can quickly be overwhelmed.
Our attorneys understand maritime law and will help you by:
- Explaining your rights as a seaman injured on the job
- Confirming your employment as required by the Jones Act
- Investigating the accident which caused your injury and identifying potentially liable parties
- Reviewing your options to pursue damages for your losses
- Building a strong case
- Representing you in negotiations and court
Even if you were injured under different circumstances, like a plant and refinery explosion, we might still be able to help. In this case, a Louisiana plant and refinery explosion lawyer from our team will compassionately guide you through the claim process.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientLaborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Our Louisiana oil rig injury attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of our clients. We are fierce advocates who will work hard in the pursuit of a fair settlement or judgment on your behalf.
Our personal injury attorneys have a combined 350 years of experience in the legal arena, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, whose opinions speak volumes:
- “I was feeling more and more pain and went to the doctor. I had two surgeries in my neck and my back. I made an appointment with David and it was a real good experience. He worked with me all the way and was like a good friend in a time of need. I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than he did.” — Keith
- “The staff at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is top notch. From the attorneys that handled my case to all the paralegals and other staff that assisted me with my case, all were awesome. Would highly recommend!” — Kyle
How Much Our Injury Attorneys Cost
The costs of a workplace injury often lead to unexpected consequences. We understand that many who need our help aren’t financially stable due to the nature of their accident. Your situation, however, shouldn’t prevent you from seeking legal help.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers we do everything we can to make our services accessible. We offer a free initial consultation and, should you decide to move forward with our law firm, we work on a contingency basis. This means that you pay no attorneys’ fees until we successfully recover an appropriate settlement or judgment for you.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientStatute of Limitations
You have to file a claim within a certain amount of time from the date of your injury, but the time limit varies, depending on several factors. Our attorneys will be able to clarify how much time you have when you have your initial consultation.
In general, the sooner you move forward the better, as the passing of time may allow witnesses to forget important details, and evidence may become lost.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientContact Our Oil Rig Injury Attorneys Today
Our attorneys have spent years in maritime law to be able to support your rights and appropriately apply the benefits of the law to your case. We encourage you to come in for a free consultation to discuss your accident and potential options.
Call us today. We are here for you.
