Everything You Need To Know About Offshore Injury Cases

Offshore work refers to oil rigs, natural gas wells, and other maritime facilities. And while the work done on these job sites is crucial, offshore facilities are stationed in harsh conditions. 

Due to the nature of the work, the weather conditions, toxic chemicals, explosive material, and heavy machinery, offshore injuries are common on maritime work sites. 

But workers’ comp often offers an amount too low to cover your expenses. And if your employer’s carelessness caused your offshore injury, you could be entitled to significantly more than what insurance gives you.

 Offshore Injury Cases – Key Takeaways

• Offshore workers face risks from harsh environments, faulty equipment, and employer negligence

• Common offshore injuries include burns, fractures, amputations, or brain injuries.

• Maritime workers have rights. While workers’ comp typically covers offshore injury, insurance companies often offer low settlements that fail to cover all your expenses

• If your employer, a subcontractor, or a machine manufacturer’s negligence caused your injury, you could be entitled to money for lost wages,  pain and suffering, medical bills, and loss of earning capacity–more than what workers comp offers

• If you accept a workers’ comp settlement, you give up your right to dispute their insufficient offer or to sue for negligence.

• An experienced oil rig injury lawyer can go over the details of your injury and let you know if the offer is fair and what the best course of action is for fair coverage 

This article covers everything you need to know about offshore injuries. We’ll discuss common injuries, their causes, and the rights of offshore workers. We’ll also discuss the benefits of a free consultation with a seasoned offshore injury lawyer from Zinda Law Group.

Common Causes of Offshore Injuries

Offshore rigs and fracking sites consist of various moving parts, meaning an injury can occur in multiple ways. The situation leading up to the accident is the first thing we’ll use to determine if accepting a workers’ comp insurance settlement is the best option or if a negligent party should be held responsible. 

Machine failure: 

If your employer failed to maintain, inspect, or update the heavy machinery, they may be legally responsible for your injury. If the equipment was defective, the machine manufacturer might be at fault.

Negligent co-worker: 

If a machine operator wasn’t taking proper precautions before, or a co-worker didn’t use the proper safety guidelines when handling ‌dangerous materials, your injury may be covered under workers’ comp. If a coworker’s intentionally reckless behavior caused your injury, you may be liable to sue.

Negligent employer: 

In addition to maintaining the equipment, employers have a responsibility to provide proper training, protective gear, and opportunities to report safety issues. If the employer fails to secure a healthy working environment and keep things up to code, they may be considered liable for your injury.

What Are the Most Common Offshore Injuries for Oil Rig Workers?

The most common offshore injury types on maritime job sites are:

• Burns: Oil and gas are flammable and can lead to fires and explosions, causing burns. Particular chemicals and solvents used in oil rig work can also cause chemical burns. 

• Accidental Amputation: Offshore rig machinery is heavy and can cause accidental amputation from poor equipment maintenance or if someone isn’t paying attention. 

• Broken Bones: Fractured bones can be caused by slips, trips, falls, explosions, and accidents involving heavy machinery.

• Head Injuries: Offshore head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are sometimes ‌caused by explosions, equipment, and falls. 

• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Back and spine damage, whether from falls or a heavy equipment injury, can result in different levels of paralysis. 

• Hearing Damage: Exposure to explosions, loud machinery, or toxic fumes can result in hearing damage.

• Eye and Facial Injury: Explosions or dangerous chemicals sometimes cause harm to the eyes or face of an offshore rig worker.

• Toxic Chemical Exposure: Hydrogen sulfide is highly flammable and can damage the nervous system if proper ventilation isn’t provided. Prolonged exposure without fresh air can be deadly. 

What To Do After You Suffer an Offshore Injury

Seek medical help

Some offshore injuries obviously need medical attention, such as amputations or traumatic injury in an explosion or fire. Injuries resulting from chemical exposure or a fall, however, might not show symptoms right away. Get medical help regardless of how mildly you think you’re hurt. A doctor can prevent injuries from getting worse. Plus, documenting the incident with a professional can strengthen the connection between your accident and the injuries.

Report the accident to your employer

Adhere to your employer’s guidelines for accidents and injuries, which may involve informing HR or a supervisor. Share essential information about your injury–refrain from revealing every minor detail until you’ve gotten advice from an offshore injury lawyer.

Document the incident‌ — gather evidence

Take photos of your injuries and the accident site. Document medical records, witness reports, and witness contact information. When going up against oil company lawyers, be overprepared.

Schedule a consultation with an offshore injury lawyer

Our oil rig injury lawyers at Zinda Law Group offer free attorney consultations, where they can assess your case and advise you accordingly. Proving your claim against oil company lawyers and insurance adjusters is challenging without professional help. 

Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for an Offshore Injury?

You may be eligible for workers’ comp insurance settlement if your offshore injury was work-related and sustained during working hours on the job site. 

What are my rights if I’ve been injured offshore?

The Jones Act safeguards offshore workers injured on the job, allowing them to sue their employer for damages. To qualify, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident.  You may also sue under maritime law if you can prove negligence factored into your injury.

Do you need to hire an offshore injury lawyer? How Zinda Law Group can help

Offshore injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities. An injury this severe impacts your quality of life, resulting in medical bills and lost wages and hindering your capacity to earn a living. If you or someone you love has been injured while working offshore, it’s critical to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Offshore workers have legal rights, but oil companies and insurance lawyers play dirty. Workers comp insurance ‌knows how desperate an injured worker can feel. They’ll often offer an insufficient amount while they know your bills are piling up. And once you cash the check, you give up your right to future compensation.

The offshore injury lawyers at Zinda Law Group can review your case during a free consultation. We’ll let you know if their offer is fair or if a negligent party could be held liable for an accident. We see it as our duty to hold negligent employers accountable to prevent future injuries or even death. 

If we take your case, we’ll guide you through the legal process of filing a claim. Our seasoned team has experience fighting challenging legal battles alongside our offshore injury clients. And the best part is you’ve got nothing to lose–you won’t pay us anything until we win due to our No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee. 

If you or a loved one has suffered an offshore injury while working, call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our oil rig injury lawyers.