If you or someone you love has suffered a severe injury – or even wrongful death – in an offshore oil rig accident, The Burkett Law Firm may be able to help. Our oil rig accident attorneys understand the risks involved in this industry and will stand for your rights. Call us today to book a free initial consultation and learn how we can help.
Common Causes and Injuries in Offshore Oil Drilling Accidents
Oil rig drilling companies in Texas have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all workers. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for these employers to put profits above workers’ safety. What that means is that an employer could fail to provide proper safety equipment or adequate training and supervision, poorly maintain equipment, or even force offshore workers to work for extended hours. All of these could lead to an accident.
Whether minor or severe, an oil rig accident can cause serious injuries to offshore workers. Some of the most common injuries include burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, amputations, and disbursement. If you sustained an injury or someone you love died in an offshore oil rig accident, The Burkett Law Firm is available to help. Our oil rig accident attorneys will carry out a thorough investigation into your case to ensure that your rights are protected. Not only will we establish the cause of the accident, but we will go the extra mile to determine the extent of damage and even help you get maximum compensation from the responsible parties.
Legal Options Available for Injured Texas Offshore Workers
Under Texas maritime law, an offshore worker who sustains an injury in an oil rig drilling accident may have numerous legal options. It is critical that you hire an experienced oil rig accident attorney who understands all the available options. Some of these will include the following:
Jones Act – when an employer or co-worker is responsible for an oil rig accident, the Jones Act allows the injured offshore workers to sue and collect monetary damages for their injury or illness. In order to get these benefits, however, one must fit the legal definition of “seamen” and prove that the rig was “in navigation” when the accident happened.
Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) – offshore oil rig workers who get injured while on the job may also seek compensation through LHWCA. Much
like the Texas Workers Comp Act, this federal law (33 U.S. Code § 901) allows disabled offshore workers to recoup compensation for past and future medical expenses as well as vocational rehabilitation costs. Nonetheless, there must be evidence that the injuries occurred on the navigable waters of the United States.
Maintenance and Cure – under federal maritime law, offshore workers who suffer injuries in the scope and course of their maritime job may qualify for maintenance and cure benefits. As the name suggests, the compensation covers a worker’s medical costs (cure) and day-to-day living expenses (maintenance) until the worker reaches full medical recovery or is fit for duty.
Death On the High Seas Act (DOHSA) – under this law, you may be able to seek compensation if someone you love dies in an oil rig accident caused by another person’s negligent or wrongful act. Nevertheless, there must be evidence that the accident that caused their death happened beyond three nautical miles (5.6 km) from the Texas shore.
Contact an Oil Drilling Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in an oil rig accident, The Burkett Law Firm is ready to fight for you vigorously. With more than a decade of experience in helping Corpus Christi maritime workers, our personal injury attorneys are well acquainted with your rights as an offshore oil rig worker. We will use that legal expertise to help you pursue a positive outcome for you and your family.
Talk to our skilled and compassionate team to book a free initial consultation. A skilled attorney from our firm is waiting to you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your injury claim so that you can recover the maximum amount of compensation available!