An offshore accident lawyer typically supports his or her clients by: Providing legal advice relating to any type of offshore accidents on a ship , rig , platform or vessel Evaluating, investigating and assessing the legal recourse or cause of claim such as the unseaworthiness of a ship or the employer, shipowner or operator’s negligence.
Offshore Accident Lawyer (Overview: All You Need To Know)
What is an offshore accident lawyer?
What are the different types of offshore accidents?
How can you legally claim damages if you suffered an offshore accident?
In this article, we will break down the concept of “offshore accident lawyer” so you know all there is to know about it!
We will look at what it means to be an offshore accident attorney, what are the different types of offshore accidents, what type of injuries can be suffered, what to do after an accident on a vessel, the different types of legal resources possible such as Jones Act claims or maritime law claims and more.
You can refer to an offshore accident lawyer in different ways:
- Cruise ship accident lawyer
- Cruise ship lawyers
- Offshore injury lawyer
- Offshore injury attorney
- Offshore lawyer
- Offshore injury claim attorney
- Cruise ship injury attorney
- Offshore attorney
No matter how you refer to an offshore accident lawyer, he or she is a legal professional trained in legally pursuing maritime businesses, insurance companies, governments or other organizations in the event of an offshore accident to recover compensatory damages for their negligent acts or omissions, gross negligence, willful misconduct or other. Here
OFFSHORE ACCIDENT LAWYER
An offshore accident lawyer can help you determine the amount of damages you may be able to recover and negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get the best recovery possible. Depending on your case, you may be eligible for damages that include lost wages, medical expenses, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Alexandria la offshore accident lawyer
Working offshore can be exciting, but it can also be dangerous. No matter how many safety precautions you take, accidents and injuries are common — and sometimes fatal. Offshore workers can experience devastating injuries caused by dangerous conditions on offshore platforms, crew boats, jack-up rigs, and tankers, and in the ocean itself. Workers often aren’t sufficiently trained and work long hours with few breaks, making the risk of injury even higher.
When a serious injury occurs in an offshore accident, it can be emotionally and financially devastating for the victim. It can also be hard to determine where to start when it comes to recovering damages from personal injury or wrongful death. A good place to start is to contact an offshore accident lawyer with experience in personal injury and maritime law who can wade through the complex details of your case and help you get the best recovery possible. Here
OFFSHORE ACCIDENT LAWYER
We understand the hardships injured offshore workers or victims and their loved ones face as they try to heal and make sense of their accident. That’s why we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means no fee unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the verdict or settlement we obtain for you. Houston offshore accident lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury while working as a maritime employee or harbor worker, you have come to the right place. There is no such thing as an easy job for those who are involved in the commercial maritime industry. Offshore accidents are common and tragic occurrences. When a serious accident occurs, legal questions are likely to arise about the types of compensation that is available for certain types of injuries. With the help of our offshore accident attorneys, you can learn how to go about seeking compensation for you and your family.
The years of experience that we have in dealing with maritime accidents has revealed a common thread in what causes these accidents to occur. As unfortunate as it may be, employer negligence is one of the most common causes of accidents for employees who are working offshore. Regardless of the specific occupation title, every offshore worker is put under the care of an employer for the majority of their day. It is the legal responsibility of a maritime employer to maintain a safe working environment and to protect employees against avoidable hazards. Here
OFFSHORE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Offshore injury lawyer. Are you a maritime worker or a seaman, you definitely need offshore accident lawyer. Any kind of accident that occurs in the sea is known as an offshore accident or comes under the category of offshore accidents. Maritime jobs are very hard and really dangerous jobs and these kinds of jobs may cause accidents frequently. Mike doyle houston lawyer
Are you a maritime worker or a seaman, you definitely need offshore accident lawyer. Any kind of accident that occurs in the sea is known as an offshore accident or comes under the category of offshore accidents. Maritime jobs are very hard and really dangerous jobs and these kinds of jobs may cause accidents frequently. As a maritime labourer You have legitimate rights under Broad Sea Law and the Jones Act that ensures you in case of wounds continued while at work. The maritime laws are different from land based laws because maritime laws have their own rules and their own point of view; if you are facing an issue about a maritime accident you will need an experienced offshore accident lawyer because an offshore injury attorney have more knowledge about maritime laws and disability benefits; it will help you and that is totally different from land based lawyers. Please check what type of offshore accident attorney you need
What is an offshore injury lawyer and why offshore accident attorneys different from the land based lawyers
Offshore accident attorneys only work for maritime accident cases and they are different from land based lawyers they have different low factors and different regulations. Why are maritime laws different from land based laws? because they created their laws for protecting their marine industry and maritime workers from accidents, injuries. Offshore attorneys are specially focusing on maritime laws and they have the best knowledge and experience in offshore accident cases. Today we have lots of lawyers around us like truck accident lawyers, two wheeler accident lawyers, semi truck accident lawyers, four wheeler accident lawyers, etc but marine laws are different from land based laws they have their own point of view. So that kind of laws are managed by specialised offshore accident attorneys; they have the experience in the maritime accident cases. Here
Hiring the right offshore accident lawyer is important if you or a family member has been hurt while working as a dock worker, seaman, or oil and gas industry employee. These jobs are very difficult and dangerous. You rely on your employer and other responsible parties to put in safety measures and make sure they are followed. Read More
Working offshore, be that as a sailor, oil worker, or on a cruise ship can be very hazardous, and many workers deal with serious risks and hazards on the job. Unfortunately, there are also some fatalities most years, which is why it is critical to have an experienced offshore accident lawyer available in case you are one of those people injured as a result of your job. Offshore accident lawyer leesville la
There are a lot of specific maritime laws, which need to be enforced and navigated, and this requires knowledge and expertise, which is why the victims of these incidents need to employ the services of a specialist offshore injury lawyer. If you or a family member have been injured offshore, then an offshore injury lawyer can guide you, represent you and perhaps most importantly of all, prevent you from making mistakes. Simple legal errors could ultimately result in your case being rejected due to a lack of legal knowledge on your behalf. An offshore accident lawyer will work hard to help you be financially compensated for that incident, which in turn will help you and your family get back on their feet.
There is the potential for literally hundreds of accidents to happen at sea every day, cold, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, and unforeseen situations mean that the life of an offshore worker is fraught with risk. That is one of the reasons why so many laws have been written to try and cover every situation. These laws aim to protect and support offshore workers. Unfortunately, these laws, by their very nature, are technical; many people are surprised to learn, for instance, that anyone who works on an oil platform or rig, is not considered to be a seaman. In this situation, any case they are involved in is covered by the Outer Continental Shel Lands Act (OCSLA). Think of this law as a federal workers’ compensation plan specifically created to cover those workers who were not classified as seamen or harbour workers.
People who do qualify as a seaman are covered under a different type of legislation known as the Jones Act. Any accident which occurs on your ship, which is offshore at the time, is covered by this act and qualifies you to recover damages under the law. Because there are so many complexities with maritime laws, you must have a lawyer who is well versed in the law as it applies to offshore accidents.
Not all accidents involve blame; perhaps there was a particularly violent storm, which caused you to be thrown onto the deck, causing a broken arm, which then prevented you from working for six weeks. All of the equipment on the boat was maintained correctly; there was nothing that your employer could have done to avoid the accident. There is still potential for you to claim some compensation even though your employer can demonstrate that there was no negligence involved. However, to do this, you will need to employ the services of am offshore injury lawyer.
It is true to say in our experience that the vast majority of accidents do involve some aspect of negligence. If your employer had put suitable precautions in place, then it is highly unlikely that the accident would have occurred in the first place. If your employer has neglected to train their staff correctly, has not maintained the equipment, or ensured that proper safety equipment is on board, then he or she is negligent, and it is highly likely that you would be able to pursue a claim against them. Offshore accident lawyer louisiana
How Can An Offshore Injury Lawyer Help You?
Unfortunately, in many of the situations that we have seen in the course of our work, when a maritime worker has been injured on the job, either the employer of their insurance company tries to deny any compensation or offers an inadequate settlement figure. These are the two main reasons why you need a fully qualified offshore accident lawyer. Always consult with an offshore accident lawyer before signing any offer from an insurance company or employer. Once you have signed and agreed to the initial offer, then in most cases, you are unable to sue for further compensation at a later date.
Unfortunately and understandably, for many people, the thought of fighting their employer, who is backed up by an insurance company, can be very intimidating. Our team of maritime lawyers go toe to toe with the big insurance companies on a daily basis and are not scared to challenge them on your behalf. If you have been the victim of an injury at work, either offshore or in harbor, book a free consultation today with one of our maritime lawyers. It could be the best decision you will ever make.
An offshore accident lawyer will work hard to help you be financially compensated for that incident, which in turn will help you and your family get back on their feet. There is the potential for literally hundreds of accidents to happen at sea every day, cold, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, and unforeseen situations mean that read more
Offshore Accident Lawyer
Offshore maritime is the most perilous industry to be working for and protecting yourself from harm is the first thing every maritime employee needs to do. Fires, explosions, and equipment related injuries and accidents are most common for an offshore worker to suffer from due to the negligence of the employer or their sister companies involved.
You not only deserve legitimate and timely compensation for any injury or accident that takes place while you are offshore, you also need someone knowledgeable to stand by your side and fight your case. Our offshore accident lawyer can help you file your case for justice no matter what the nature of injury is. Maritime laws are wide and deep to protect the rights of the offshore employees and an offshore injury lawyer is well versed with all the laws and acts that can be helpful for you to build a strong case against the individual or party responsible for your loss.
Offshore injury attorney is aware of all the factors that affect your rightful claim that can be alleged post thorough investigation and documentation keeping in mind the offshore law in the court of law with proper jurisdiction that involves a lot of brainstorming and building a strong case in favor of the claimant. Offshore accident lawyer odessa
Hiring an offshore attorney will not only help putting up your case in the rightful manner but also increase your chance of winning the case at the court of law. Thorough knowledge of offshore law and past experience of an offshore accident attorney who represents your interests and design a legal strategy can help you collect medical bills, lost wages, and expenses incurred due to the offshore accident or injury.
Our team of offshore accident lawyers can help you receive the compensation and justice in case you or your loved one has suffered an offshore accident. Get in touch today for more details. HERE
Offshore Accident Lawyer. Offshore maritime is the most perilous industry to be working for and protecting yourself from harm is the first thing every maritime employee needs to do. Fires, explosions, and equipment related injuries and accidents are most common for an offshore worker to suffer from due to the negligence of the employer or their read more
Offshore Accidents & Injury Lawyers
Ship and rig owners and operators have a duty to provide the safest environment that is reasonably possible for crew members. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen. If the accident is the result of the owner or operator’s direct negligence, or because of the unseaworthiness of a ship or rig, victims may be eligible to file an offshore injury claim.
Anyone who has experienced an accident, physical injury, or medical emergency while in the service of their vessel or rig has the right to contact an offshore accident lawyer to determine their legal options.
What Type of Offshore Accidents Can Occur?
The types of accidents that can take place will vary based on location. For example, some accidents can stem from explosions and fire. Individuals who work on vessels, platforms, and rigs are routinely surrounded by materials that are flammable and perhaps explosive. If a ventilation system malfunctions, if fuel is stored improperly or if vessels crash into each other, explosions and fire can take place and the injuries from such accidents can be disastrous and even deadly.
Accidents can also occur due to falling objects. In fact, being hit by a flying or falling object is one of the more common injuries to occur on oil rigs and other vessels. Support structures, as well as large, heavy machinery that are not properly or correctly secured, can potentially injure the people who are on deck.
Another type of accident that can take place is a slip and fall. In inclement weather, oil rigs and the decks of ships can be very difficult places to work. Wet surfaces tend to cause those working onboard to slip and fall. But it is not only bad weather than can lead to slips and falls. Loose stairway welds, corroded walkways, and ledges that do not have handrails can also play a role in causing a worker’s injuries. Get full story
Offshore Injury Facts
Below is a list of offshore accident facts according to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This report details accidents that were reported to the HSE from April 2012 to March 2013.
- 47 major offshore injuries were reported to the HSE, as compared to 36 the year prior.
- The most common injuries are due to handling, lifting, or carrying.
- The second most common injuries result from being hit by moving objects, slipping and tripping, and falling from heights.
- Handling, lifting and carrying; being hit by moving objects; slipping and tripping; and falling from heights result in 90 percent of reported injuries.
- Other top causes of injuries include exposure to dangerous substances, fire, electrical shock, and accidents resulting from working with machinery.
- Nearly 91 percent of all major injuries were to limbs.
- Maintenance and construction work continues to be the most dangerous environment and results in the most injuries.
- The second most dangerous work environment is desk operations, which produced the most major injuries.
- Other dangerous work environments include: diving, drilling, management, and production.
What to Do After an Offshore Accident
There are a number of steps that injured offshore workers should take following an accident. Although many workers may be shaken and scared at the time of the injury, it is important for them to be aware of these steps and follow them to the best of their ability. Offshore injury attorney
1. Seek Medical Attention
On land, if you suffer an injury, help is available much more readily. On a vessel, victims are more isolated. Telephone and other communication services may not be working, which means emergency crews may not be reached until hours later. Even if they are reached quickly, a vessel may be out at sea in the middle of nowhere, and it can take several hours for an emergency team to reach the victim. Furthermore, not every vessel is equipped with onboard medical facilities. On land, victims who are injured can be transported to a number of hospitals or clinics, but that’s not the case at sea.
Regardless of when or where you receive an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately following the incident. Your health and wellbeing are of utmost importance, but some people choose to self-medicate or simply disregard their injuries altogether. Our attorneys advise against this and urge accident victims to promptly seek attention from their own doctor or a local hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
2. Inform Your Employer About the Injury
Injured offshore workers should always advise their employers of their injuries as soon as possible. That means at the very least, the harmed individual should advise his or her immediate supervisor or superior directly. Depending on the nature of the injuries, fellow co-workers may take it upon themselves to inform the employer of the accident; however, accident victims should not rely on those workers to handle that for them. In fact, accident victims are encouraged to write down what happened and provide the employer with a copy of that report as soon as they are physically able to do so.
3. Compile Necessary Information
Unfortunately, some employers will do their best to avoid properly compensating an accident victim for his or her injuries. That is why it is crucial for injured offshore workers to maintain complete documentary evidence of everything that took place after the occurrence of the accident. The documents should include contact information for all witnesses to the incident, as well as photos of the accident area and all equipment that may have caused the injury.
4. Keep Quiet and Never Sign Anything
While it is true that offshore workers should report their injuries to their employers, they should never speak to others about the specifics of the incident. Simple comments made to a friend at work or other co-workers may be used against you at a later date, should it become necessary to sue your employer. Likewise, victims should never sign any documents presented to them by their employers or accept any settlement offers without first consulting with a lawyer or admit any level of fault.
5. Seek Legal Guidance
The laws protecting offshore workers are very specific and can be quite complex. Accordingly, injured workers should seek legal advice from lawyers who are knowledgeable in maritime and offshore injury law. Working with such attorneys will provide victims with the best opportunity of obtaining just compensation for their injuries.
Employers have specific rules and obligations under the law, and when they fail to follow those rules, they can be held legally responsible. Offshore injury lawyer
Types of Offshore Claims
Generally, there are four possible ways in which most injured offshore workers and their families can recover. However, individuals should note that many factors must be considered when determining which method is best to use based on the specific facts of the case that caused the worker’s injury or illness. For instance, one must consider the kind of work being done at the time of the accident or the occurrence of the illness, along with where the accident or illness took place.
If an offshore worker has been injured or killed due to a maritime-related accident, he or she (or his or her loved ones) may be entitled to recovery under general maritime law, the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act or the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Recovery Under Maritime Law
Over the years, maritime law was developed through common law and various court decisions. Today, the laws offer certain maritime workers benefits and protections. Some of the more significant developments in the law include shipowners’ obligations to provide seaworthy vessels, as well as maintenance and cure.
Vessel seaworthiness refers to the duty that owners have to properly maintain and equip their vessels. If an offshore worker or another type of seaman is hurt or becomes sick due to a vessel being deemed unseaworthy, the owner of that vessel can be held legally responsible for the worker’s damages. If you believe you have sustained injury or illness due to a vessel’s unseaworthiness, let a Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. lawyer help you protect your rights.
The Jones Act
Maritime workers undertake many dangerous jobs that have a very high risk of injury. Under the Jones Act, seamen who are hurt or become ill as a result of their job duties are entitled to sue their employers if it can be demonstrated that the vessel owner or another crew member negligently caused their injury or death. Injured individuals and/or their loved ones may be entitled to file claims under the Jones Act, and working with a knowledgeable attorney can help such victims obtain the just compensation they deserve.
Death on the High Seas
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) was enacted in 1920 in an effort to protect the legal position of families of seamen who die on international waters due to unseaworthiness or negligence. Under the Act, a seaman’s children, spouse, and other dependents are able to pursue damages to cover burial costs, medical bills, and lost support, among other things. Such individuals are referred to as dependant survivors. The claims for wrongful death must be brought by the personal representative of the estate. This person can be selected in a will or can be appointed by the court in accordance with state law.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides workers with certain protections related to work-related injuries and occupational diseases. More specifically, the law provides medical care and compensation to those who are disabled by injuries that happened while on U.S. navigable waters or adjoining areas that are used to unload, load, repair and build certain types of vessels.
Some of the workers covered by the Act include longshoremen, harbor workers, shipbuilders, shipbreakers and ship repairers. Seamen who are covered under the Jones Act are not covered under LHWCA. State workers compensation may also be an alternative. This is a very tricky area of the law known as the twilight zone.
