What to Do if I’m Injured in an Offshore Accident?

Along with the pride you have in your work, you may have questions, such as, “What to do if I’m injured in an offshore accident?” Oil rig work and other offshore jobs are highly dangerous, and maritime law is very complicated. It can be unclear where to turn for the benefits you need and deserve.

If you were injured in an offshore accident, contact a New Orleans maritime lawyer to get the answers to all your questions and concerns.

Your attorney will listen to the details of your accident and determine which laws apply to your case. They can help you file your claim and will be at your side throughout the process, fighting for you until you receive the compensation you need.

Your First Action if You’re Injured in an Offshore Accident is to Get Medical Attention

Because offshore work on oil rigs, vessels, and floating structures is so risky, you’re likely to need emergency medical care. It’s vital that you call for help and get the first aid and other treatment you need. Once your condition is stable, you can move on to documenting what happened.

You’ll also need to report your accident to your supervisor or manager, preferably in writing, within 30 days in most cases. Sooner is better, but it’s important to do this so you establish a connection between your injuries and the on-the-job accident that caused them. You should also see a company-approved doctor to add to your medical records for your benefits claim.

Once you’re beginning to heal, contact an experienced maritime attorney who can begin guiding you through what to do if you’re injured in an offshore accident.

You must complete the application forms correctly, supply robust documents, and ensure you aren’t jeopardizing your claim. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to appeal if your claim is denied or even file a personal injury lawsuit against those at fault to get the compensation you deserve.

Common Ways You Could Get Injured in an Offshore Accident

Regardless of whether you’re assigned to a cargo ship, oil structure, supply vessel, or other location, you likely face many of the same dangers as other offshore workers.

You’re around heavy equipment, hazardous substances, and the ocean itself. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get hurt in an offshore accident, even if you are careful and take every precaution.

The following are common offshore injuries in New Orleans:

• A crane loading heavy cargo onto a platform or deck fails, dropping the freight onto crew members.
• Engine systems malfunction, releasing scalding steam or dangerous fluids.
• The ship or rig owner fails to provide the right safety equipment for all workers, putting them at risk while handling toxic substances.
• The employer fails to train new employees on proper procedures and safety skills, putting all other workers at risk.
• Unpredictable weather changes lead to massive waves or extreme heat, causing illnesses and injury on board.

Regardless of how you are hurt, you need dependable and aggressive legal representation to ensure all at-fault parties are held accountable. You need someone who will manage the details while you concentrate on getting better.

Your lawyer will explain what the average maritime injury settlement is, then fight hard to secure the maximum compensation possible in your claim. 

Laws that May Apply When You are Injured in an Offshore Accident

There are a number of state, federal, and even international laws that could impact what you need to do if you’re injured in an offshore accident. Your attorney can help you by educating you so you can determine where to apply for benefits and how to pursue any civil lawsuits.

Common laws your lawyer may consider include the following:

• Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act of 1851

If you pass away as a result of your injuries in an offshore accident, your family is entitled to certain benefits under many of these laws. They can also file a Death on the High Seas claim if the accident occurred more than three nautical miles offshore from the U.S. coast.

A compassionate and highly trained maritime lawyer can help your family understand what the Death on the High Seas Act covers.

Injuries You May Suffer in an Offshore Maritime Accident

There’s a wide range of injuries and illnesses you can suffer after you are involved in an offshore accident. It’s vital to get medical treatment and keep careful records so you can receive every penny you deserve.

Your offshore accident injury claim may include documentation for conditions such as:

• Amputation
• Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones
• Blunt force trauma
• Chemical and thermal burns
• Crushing or caught-between injuries
• Drowning
• Head injuries, including lacerations, burns, or other disfiguring conditions
• Hearing and vision loss
• Hypothermia or heat stress
• Puncture wounds from explosions or falling debris
• Respiratory and internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that those working in offshore jobs, especially for the oil and gas industry, are substantially more likely to be hurt or die on the job than the average U.S. employee. 

Under laws such as the Jones Act, you’re eligible for many living expenses, partial wages, and medical payments. Securing these can be more confusing and frustrating than you expect, which is when your maritime lawyer can come to your rescue.

We Can Help You Secure Compensation After You’ve Been Hurt in an Offshore Accident

Whether you are filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit against a third party, the most important thing to do after you’re injured in an offshore accident is to get seasoned and superior legal help.

By partnering with a New Orleans maritime lawyer at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, you can put your trust in our hands while we work the compensation you require. 

We can help you demand financial relief for expenses such as:

• All your medical bills, including your projected care and treatment costs
• Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
• Your lost income while recovering and any reduction in your earning capacity
• Your daily living expenses while you heal
• Job retraining and education if you can’t go back to your old job
• Acknowledgment for your pain and suffering

Don’t wait to find out that you missed out on money and benefits you could have won. Contact us and arrange a free consultation to learn more today.