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Common Types of Offshore Injuries and Legal Actions You Can Take

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Offshore oil and gas jobs are among the most hazardous professions. Working on drilling rigs and offshore structures exposes employees to risks every day. According to the Bureau of Security and Environmental Enforcement, over the past decade, 23 people have died and more than 2,000 have been injured while working offshore.

The nature of offshore work involves operating heavy machinery in close quarters and dealing with volatile materials, which makes accidents more likely. If you work in this industry, knowing the common hazards, potential injuries, and your legal rights can help you stay protected. An experienced Texas maritime accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process.

What are the most common offshore workplace hazards?

Offshore work environments are full of risks, and even small mistakes or overlooked safety measures can lead to serious accidents. Some of the most common hazards offshore workers face include:

  • Cable or block breaks: Equipment under tension can snap suddenly and cause severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Slip and fall accidents: Slippery decks, narrow walkways, and moving equipment make slips and falls a frequent occurrence.
  • Grease and oil on the deck: Spills create slick surfaces, which increase the risk of falls and injuries.
  • Damaged grating and pipe tongs: Worn-out or faulty equipment can malfunction, leading to unexpected accidents.
  • Cathead slips: Misuse or malfunctioning catheads can result in crushing injuries.
  • Falling objects: Tools, equipment, and materials can fall from heights, causing serious head and bodily injuries.
  • Irresponsible equipment operation: Inexperienced or careless workers operating machinery can put others at risk.
  • Explosions: Offshore structures contain flammable substances that can ignite due to equipment failure or human error.
  • Unseaworthiness claims: A vessel that lacks proper maintenance, equipment, or crew training poses a serious threat to worker safety.
  • General negligence: Poor training, inadequate supervision, and ignored safety protocols contribute to many offshore accidents.

What are the most common offshore injuries?

Offshore work is physically demanding and dangerous. Workers regularly face serious injuries that can lead to long-term health problems or even permanent disability. Some of the most common offshore injuries include:

Head injuries

A sudden blow from falling equipment, a swinging pipe, or an explosion can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe, long-term impairments that can affect speech, memory, and motor functions. Even minor head injuries can lead to lasting issues, including dizziness, blurred vision, and cognitive difficulties.

Back injuries

Heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and working on unstable surfaces can cause severe back injuries. Offshore workers often suffer from herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries. Falls from unsecured ladders or slippery decks can lead to life-changing mobility issues that prevent workers from returning to their jobs.

Burn injuries

Offshore environments contain flammable materials that can easily ignite. Fires and explosions often occur due to equipment failure, improper handling of hazardous substances, or lack of maintenance. Severe burns can result in disfigurement, months of recovery, and even permanent disabilities.

Limb loss

Working with heavy machinery and high-tension cables presents the risk of losing a limb. Workers may suffer traumatic amputations when caught in mooring lines or crushed between vessels. These injuries can permanently impact your physical abilities, emotional well-being, and financial stability.

Wrongful death

Unfortunately, offshore accidents sometimes result in fatalities. Explosions, falls, electrocutions, and equipment malfunctions are common causes of offshore worker deaths. When negligence plays a role, surviving family members may have legal options to seek compensation.

What should you do if you get injured offshore?

If you suffer an injury while working offshore, acting quickly can help protect your health and your legal rights. Follow these important steps:

Report and document the offshore accident

Inform your supervisor or captain about your offshore accident as soon as possible. Maritime law requires workers to report job-related injuries within seven days, but reporting immediately strengthens your case.

Insurance companies may argue that a delayed report means your injury wasn’t serious, so it’s important to act quickly. Be thorough in your report and include details about the cause and severity of your injury.

Seek medical attention

Your employer must provide medical care for your injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, the Coast Guard may need to transport you to a hospital. If you’re in international waters, your employer is responsible for arranging medical treatment and transportation back home. Always follow through with medical evaluations to create a record of your injury.

Choose your own doctor

While your employer may recommend a doctor, it’s best to consult a physician of your choice for an unbiased medical opinion. Your medical records will play a key role if you need to file a claim, so ensure your doctor documents everything accurately.

Follow doctor’s orders

Sticking to your treatment plan helps you recover and strengthens your legal case. Missing medical appointments or failing to follow prescribed treatments can give insurance companies an excuse to downplay your injuries.

Avoid providing recorded statements

Insurance companies may try to reduce or deny your compensation. They may ask for a recorded statement and twist your words to reduce liability. Providing one without first seeking legal advice can harm your case.

Consult a maritime lawyer

A maritime lawyer can help you understand your rights and the benefits you’re entitled to. They will guide you through the claims process and fight to get you fair compensation.

What legal options for compensation are available for offshore injuries?

Depending on the circumstances of your offshore accident, you may be eligible for compensation under several legal frameworks.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act allows injured seamen to file claims against their employers for negligence. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, this law lets you seek damages for pain, suffering, and lost wages. Filing a claim under the Jones Act requires proving that your employer’s negligence played a role in your injury.

The death on the high seas act (DOHSA)

If an offshore worker dies more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores due to negligence or misconduct, their family can seek compensation under DOHSA. Eligible family members include spouses, children, and dependent relatives.

The longshore and harbor workers’ compensation act (LHWCA)

The LHWCA provides benefits to maritime workers who aren’t classified as seamen, such as dockworkers and shipbuilders. It covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.

General maritime law

General maritime law protects offshore workers by providing compensation for medical care and living expenses. This law applies regardless of fault, meaning workers can receive benefits even if their actions contributed to the accident. Under maritime law, employers must provide injured workers with “maintenance and cure” benefits.

Maintenance covers basic living expenses such as food and housing while you recover. Cure includes all necessary medical expenses related to your injury until you reach maximum medical improvement. Unlike other forms of compensation, maintenance and cure don’t require proof of negligence.

How can a Texas maritime accident lawyer help?

If you’ve been injured while working offshore, the challenges ahead can feel overwhelming. Maritime law is complicated, and figuring out your rights without professional guidance can be tough. A Texas maritime accident lawyer at Smith & Hassler in Houston can walk you through the legal process, help you understand which laws apply to your situation, and fight to maximize your compensation.

Our legal team can investigate your offshore accident thoroughly and gather indisputable evidence to build your case. Whether your offshore accident was caused by one or multiple parties, our Houston lawyers can hold the right people accountable while ensuring you get the financial support you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

During your free consultation, you’ll get the chance to ask questions, learn more about our legal services, and map out the next potential steps. To get started, contact us online or call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “Common Types of Offshore Injuries and Legal Actions You Can Take.”

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