Working on an oil rig is dangerous, fraught with various hazards. If you or a loved one was injured in an oil rig accident or a loved one was fatally injured, a local law firm can help. A lawyer will explain how to claim compensation, starting with understanding the Jones Act and its impact on your case.
They can investigate your case and determine whether to file a claim against your employer or a third party. They will also document the negligence that led to your accident, your post-accident consequences and expenses, and every aspect of your case. This way, they can help ensure you receive the financial award you need.
How Do Oil Rig Accidents Happen?
Understanding how and why your accident occurred is an important part of your claim. When a maritime injury lawyer accepts your case, they will document the nature and cause of your accident. Commonly reported oil rig accidents include:
- Chemical and toxic substance exposure
- Drilling blowouts and line snaps or breaks
- Burns, explosions, and electrocutions
- Equipment failures and malfunctions
- Same-level falls and falls from heights
- Falling or flying rig or field debris
- Slick or slippery floors and other surfaces
Your legal team will obtain all accident and incident reports related to your case. In addition, they will conduct an independent investigation into your accident. The investigation can include interviews with oil field and oil rig, medical, and other relevant experts.
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What Compensation Can I Get After an Oil Rig Accident?
An accident in an oil field can leave you with injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. Your lawyer will demand compensation for all emergency, ongoing, and long-term medical and rehab expenses. In addition, you may be entitled to recover:
- All lost income related to your accident
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lasting disabilities and disfiguring injuries
Your family is also entitled to compensation if a loved one was fatally injured in an oil rig accident. This form of financial recovery includes the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial and domestic support, and loss of guidance, society, and companionship.
Let your lawyer calculate the value of your case—overlooking or omitting valid recoverable damages can be easier than you think. They will work hard to avoid having your lawsuit undervalued or underpaid.
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How Will I Get the Compensation I Need After an Oil Rig Accident?
Many maritime workers cannot recover workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Instead, as an injured oil rig worker, you can file a claim via the Jones Act. You qualify to file this type of claim if you spend a minimum of 30% of your working hours onboard an oil rig.
Filing a Jones Act Claim includes:
- Promptly reporting the accident and resulting injury
- Receiving—and documenting—any and all medical care you require
- Reviewing your case with a lawyer who will explain each successive step
- Allowing your lawyer to compile and organize supporting evidence
- Determining whether to settle your case or take the other party to court
You might have to provide a written statement. Do so only after speaking to your attorney.
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Is There a Statute of Limitations That Applies to the Jones Act?
Civil lawsuits always have a statute of limitations. In general, according to 46 U.S. Code § 30106, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Otherwise:
- You probably cannot file it at all.
- Its merits will never be heard in court.
If either of the above outcomes occurs, you will have no legal recourse available to compel the other party to compensate you. However, retaining a lawyer sooner rather than later can help you comply with the deadline and avoid a poor outcome.
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Do I Need a Lawyer, or Can I File My Claim on My Own?
While you don’t have to hire a lawyer, understanding the legal parameters of recovering Jones Act compensation and building a strong case can be challenging on your own. Preparing and filing your case can be even more challenging if you are simultaneously focused on your physical and emotional recovery.
If a local attorney represents you, their familiarity with state, local, and federal law can work in your favor. Their involvement can also mean you have time to concentrate on taking care of yourself without losing valuable time to file your case.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Oil Rig Accident Case?
As an injured oil rig employee, you have rights that must be respected and that entitle you to financial recovery. If you have a lawyer, they will take all of the following steps on your behalf:
- Investigate your work-related injury
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Interview coworkers and witnesses
- Clarify your employment and legal rights
- Meet all the requirements of the Jones Act
- Negotiate the best possible settlement
- Represent you in court if they cannot reach a settlement
Before your lawyer makes a settlement demand or enters the negotiation phase, they will carefully assess your recoverable damages. They will collect bills, receipts, proof of income, and other evidence to determine the monetary value of your case.
Let Us Review Your Oil Rig Accident Case for Free
If you or a loved one was injured in an oil rig accident, you can file a claim for compensation. Our results-driven legal team can help by handling the details of your case and demanding appropriate monetary recovery.
Laborde Earles was founded in 2014 and brings more than 250 years of combined personal injury experience to your case. Contact one of our team members to get your free case review and start fighting for compensation today.
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