Offshore Accident Attorney
Consider the scenario where you suffer a serious offshore injury and are away from your husband or wife, children, relatives and other support network. It’s a frightening scenario, but the appropriate legal moves can change everything in recovering the compensation you need. The reality is, accidents at sea can have life-altering, and oftentimes legally ambiguous consequences. So when an injury happens in such a high-risk environment, what should you do?
In this article, we will walk through the vital steps you need to take after an injury at sea, dispel the mystery surrounding the legal process, and empower you to protect your rights. Let’s dive in.
EXPERIENCE — THE SEEN AND UNSEEN The Risk of Offshore Work
Offshore accidents typically occur in difficult and high-risk environments. Whether one works on land based oil rigs, ships, and wind farms, the dangers of accident are immense. Out in waters, oil and gas workers encounter dangers you don’t see on land, from drops and mechanical failures to blasts and exposure to hazardous materials. Despite advances in technology and safety protocols, offshore accidents are still alarmingly frequent, causing injuries to workers ranging from broken bones to life-altering, long-term injuries.
But something many don’t know is that offshore injuries aren’t handled in the same way as accidents that occur on land. This is why consulting an offshore accident attorney is so important.
Step 1: Get to a Medic Immediately
You must ALWAYS put your health first. Report to a doctor ASAP—regardless of how minor your injury may seem. Some offshore injuries like concussions or internal injuries may not produce symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures that your injuries are treated properly and documented accurately, which helps your case later when you seek compensation.
Real-Life Example:
A worker on an oil rig fell 20 feet in 2019. At first the injury appeared to be a bruise at most. But a complete medical evaluation showed the worker had a severe concussion and broken vertebrae. If they would have waited longer the outcome could have been catastrophic.
Step 2: Report the Violation to Your Employer
After medical treatment, the next step will be to report the accident. It should be done in writing. Offshore employers must legally document workplace injuries, and your formal report will create a record of what happened. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to file a claim.
Expert Opinion:
“Reporting an accident is required by safety laws, and this must be done timely,” John M. Blackwell, a maritime law expert, said. “It helps to ensure the facts of what occurred are known and that there is no question about them later on.”
Step 3: Collect Evidence and Statements from Witnesses
In offshore accidents the environment can get chaotic, and details go missing in the aftermath. Collect as much evidence as possible to support your case. This means photographs of the scene, of any equipment involved and, most important, statements from coworkers who saw what happened.
Surprising Fact:
Studies have demonstrated that eyewitness testimony may be the most critical aspect in establishing a positive outcome for injury claims. Workers on offshore platforms may hold the keys to winning your case, with critical insight into safety lapses or negligence.
Step 4: Consult with an Offshore Accident Attorney
Now, the most crucial thing to do: get a lawyer. Unlike oil rigs on land, injuries on offshore accidents are regulated by certain laws such as the Jones Act designed to keep maritime workers safe. These laws can be complex, and navigating them without the assistance of an attorney can be daunting. An experienced offshore accident attorney understands the nuances of maritime law and how insurance companies operate — and will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Case Study:
Consider the case of Robert H., a deckhand who sustained a knee injury on a commercial fishing vessel. Robert contacted a seasoned offshore accident attorney who was able to settle the case for three times what the employer’s insurance company had initially offered him. The lawyer proved that the injury was due to poor equipment maintenance that the company did not remedy.
Step 5: Submit a Claim or a Lawsuit
Now, with your attorney’s help, you will determine whether to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. If the circumstances of the accident warrant it, you might even be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You must consider if your injury is covered by federal maritime law or state law, and your injury will determine what kind of law applies to your case. Your attorney will decide which legal footing is most appropriate for your situation.
Step 6: Prepare for a Negotiation or Litigation
Be prepared to negotiate once you file your claim. Offshore accident claims are often a fight against insurance company interests, which want to close out claims as quickly and as cost effectively as possible. Rest assured, with a competent lawyer at your side, you will be prepared for whatever negotiations and litigation follow. Your lawyer will work hard to be able to guarantee that you get the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Real-Life Example:
Sarah L. is a former oil rig worker who was severely burned in a fire caused by flawed equipment. At first, the company made a settlement offer well below the medical costs. After her lawyer engaged in months of negotiations, Sarah was able to settle for much more, enough to cover all of her medical, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Stage 7: Follow Through With Your Recovery
Your attorney will manage the legal issues; all you need to do is concentrate on your recovery. Go to any medical appointments and listen to your doctor. How you recover will impact not just your health, but also how your injury will affect you in the long term. The more thorough and consistent your medical records are, the better your chances of filing a successful claim.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
A powerful offshore accident can change your life in a single moment. The decisions you make right after the injury will affect both the financial and emotional consequences for you in the future. Seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, collecting evidence, and consulting a dedicated offshore accident attorney are steps that will put you in a strong position for obtaining the compensation that you deserve.
Don’t wait! If you or someone you know suffered injuries offshore, contact us today. We are working with a dedicated offshore accident lawyer to ensure they acquire the compensation they deserve.
