Off-shore work can be thrilling and often offers a tempting pay scale. It’s also notoriously dangerous and full of potential hazards that can result in injury to the brave workers who face these risks every day.
If you’re a maritime worker who has been injured in an off-shore accident, you’re entitled to seek compensation against all negligent parties, including your employer. A Meaux off-shore accident lawyer could safeguard your rights during the claim process, determine all potential damages, identify the liable party, and negotiate your settlement.
Common Off-Shore Injuries
The physical work performed by off-shore workers creates risks that can lead to injury or death. Here are some common types of injuries oil rig or platform workers could experience after an off-shore accident:
- Hypothermia and Frostbite: Off-shore workers are often exposed to extreme working environments day and night. Therefore, extreme cold conditions can cause workers to suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.
- Spinal and Back Injuries: Carrying heavy loads, operating equipment, lifting, and hours of hard labor can cause back or spinal injuries. Off-shore workers can also sustain spinal and back injuries from unstable loads, being struck by vehicles, or from a fall. Even after treatment, you can have a disability due to these injuries.
- Lung Damage: When safety procedures are not enforced or followed when handling hazardous materials, off-shore workers can be exposed to severe chemical injuries. Inhalation of toxic chemicals can cause long-term severe lung damage.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):An injury to the head from unsecured cargo, slip, or fall can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). Severe TBI can result in personality changes or permanent cognitive damage.
- Slips and Falls: Injuries through slips and falls are pretty common. These accidents usually result in broken bones, contusions, or concussions. In some rare cases of slipping on a platform or a ship, a slippery deck can make you fall overboard, escalating a dangerous situation.
- Fatalities: Every year in the U.S., off-shore workers tragically lose their lives due to various accidents. If you lose a loved one in an off-shore accident due to negligence or intentional actions, you could recover damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. A Meaux off-shore accident lawyer can answer your questions and gently guide you through the legal side of this difficult time.
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.
ClientCauses of Off-shore Platform Oil Rig Accidents
Unlike other work environments, many factors can cause an off-shore accident to occur, including:
- Explosions: Off-shore accidents have more fatalities when fire and explosions occur due to highly flammable substances and gas aboard the vessels.
- Dangerous Machines:Massive lifts, drills, hoists, and chains are all pieces of equipment used by oil and gas workers regularly. If the workers disregard safety precautions when operating the machines, they can cause injuries.
- Chemical Exposure:Off-shore workers in the oil and gas industry are exposed to toxic substances. Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals can cause cancer, chemical burns, or paralysis.
- Transportation: The majority of off-shore accidents happen during oil and gas transportation. Cargo boats can capsize in rough waters, and helicopters can crash after lightning strikes.
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 | ClientWays to Avoid Off-shore Accidents
The following are steps that off-shore employers and their employees can use to reduce the likelihood of an off-shore accident happening:
- Adequately train new and transferred workers on operating the machines or equipment
- Communicate safety precautions regularly with the workers
- Take new employees through orientation
- Ensure regular maintenance of all machinery
- Wear required protective equipment when working
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDetermining Liability in a Meaux Off-shore Accident
Negligent parties are held accountable by law when someone is injured in a preventable accident. This helps employers in the off-shore industry provide a safe working environment for their workers.
Here are the parties that can be held responsible after an off-shore accident:
- Employers: Most importantly, employers must ensure they protect the safety of their workers. Employers must train their workers on operating machines, regularly maintain the machines, and provide a safe working environment for workers to perform their duties.
- Manufacturers: Sometimes off-shore accidents occur due to manufacturing defects in the vessel or equipment. Regular maintenance practices aren’t enough to ensure safety if a manufacturer makes defective parts. A manufacturer could be held liable if an off-shore accident occurs due to the failure of a defective part in the machines.
- Other Workers: In some situations, the careless behavior of other workers can lead to an off-shore accident. Workers can cause an accident by failing to perform their duties safely. Also, a worker can harm others through violence; for instance, an individual can lose their temper and physically attack their colleague.
- Third Parties: The off-shore industry relies on contractors to thrive; for instance, tugboats guide large barges and dredges clear channels for big ships. If a third party or a contractor causes an accident due to negligence, you can seek financial compensation from them.
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.
ClientThe Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen can sue their employers for compensation. To file under the Jones Act, you must contribute your work to the overall mission of the vessel, and spend at least 30 percent of your time on board the vessel. In addition, negligence must have played a part in your accident. A Meaux off-shore accident lawyer can help determine liability and advise you on every step of your claim.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
If you’re an injured maritime worker who doesn’t qualify for the Jones Act, your lawyer could choose to file under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA covers maritime employees who work on or near navigable waterways, including wharves, piers, and docks.
Compensation in an Off-shore Injury Claim
If your off-shore accident was due to negligence of your employer, you could recover the following damages:
- Medical Expenses:Your medical bills could be enormous if the injuries you suffered from the accident were severe. You’re entitled to claim present costs and estimated future medical expenses for lifelong treatment if necessary. Medical costs include prescription medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, surgery, and mental healthcare.
- Lost Earnings: A claim for lost wages during the recovery period can be essential to the victims and their families. If the injury resulted in a disability, you could pursue the income you’ve lost, continue to lose, and would lose in the future due to a lack of ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: These are physical and emotional pains from a traumatic accident. Physical pain emanates from disfigurement, scarring, and other complications from your injuries. Emotional pain includes stress, depression, mental distress, and anxiety.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
The injuries in an off-shore accident can permanently affect your life. You could be experiencing physical and emotional distress (not to mention financial burdens) due to substantial medical bills. A Meaux off-shore accident lawyer from our firm can handle your claim while you rest and recover. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free case review.
