5 Steps to Claim Compensation After an Oil Rig Accident

Suffering an injury on an offshore oil rig can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. However, understanding your legal rights and following critical steps can help secure the compensation you deserve. This guide from Low Law Firm outlines five essential actions accident victims should take to pursue injury claims after accidents on rigs off the Texas coast.

This guide will provide an overview of offshore injury claims in Texas to help you better understand your legal rights and options if you were hurt offshore. Our team of personal injury attorneys is resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Low Law Firm today at 325.455.1889. 

Notify Key Parties About the Incident

Injured workers should alert their employer and appropriate governmental authorities as soon as possible after an accident. Under federal law, offshore operators must report occupational fatalities and injuries that result in lost work time to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) within two days. Accident victims should also document details, take photos of injuries/damage, and obtain contact and insurance information for parties involved. 

Get Prompt Medical Care After the Accident  

Even seemingly minor injuries could worsen over time without proper treatment. Doctors familiar with the physically demanding work required on rigs should address the unique medical needs of offshore workers. Promptly scheduling appointments can not only promote recovery but also create vital documentation if litigation becomes necessary down the road.  

Consult an Experienced Offshore Injury Attorney

Navigating the complex legal and insurance issues following offshore accidents requires trusted guidance from attorneys well-versed in admiralty and maritime law. When deciding on representation, consider a law firm’s experience handling cases involving offshore platforms and drilling vessels off the Texas Gulf Coast. An offshore injury attorney can launch an investigation, preserve evidence, determine liable parties and legal options, and negotiate strongly on your behalf. 

Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim

In addition to the documentation gathered post-accident, offshore injury victims should immediately work closely with their legal teams to collect supplementary evidence. This may involve securing witness statements, employment records, equipment maintenance logs, inspection reports, doctor evaluations, therapy notes, and other materials that substantiate damages. Consulting experienced maritime lawyers helps offshore workers build the most substantial possible claims. 

File Legal Action If Warranted 

If attempts to settle out-of-court stalls or offers fall short of complete and fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be warranted. The Jones Act and other maritime laws afford extensive protections for offshore workers injured by negligence. Before the statute of limitations expires, a lawyer can assess options, help victims weigh pros and cons, determine venue, and initiate litigation to secure justice. Thorough preparations position victims to obtain full recoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are Common Causes Of Offshore Injuries?

The physically intense combination of heavy equipment, flammable materials, and exposure to elements contributes to higher rig injury rates than most workplaces. Frequent accidents involve struck-by hazards, slips/trips/falls, burns/explosions, and overexertion. 

2. What Damages Can I Seek Compensation For?

Injury cases can seek recovery for medical bills, lost income and benefits, diminished earning capacity, cost of rehabilitation/training for new careers, pain/suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Experienced offshore injury lawyers ensure offshore clients’ unique circumstances are considered.

3. How Do I Pay An Offshore Injury Lawyer? 

Reputable offshore injury firms work on contingency, collecting fees only if client compensation is recovered. This removes financial barriers to justice for injured oil rig staff.

 

4. How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After An Offshore Injury?

Time limits differ depending on the factors of each case. While Texas statutes of limitations give claimants two years or longer in some cases, preliminary action should begin promptly before evidence disappears. Consult qualified lawyers quickly.

5. Can My Employer Fire Me For Reporting An Offshore Accident?

Federal laws bar retaliation against offshore workers who report work-related injuries/illnesses. Whistleblower statutes also protect reporting safety violations or cooperating with BSEE inspectors. Employees facing retaliation should contact attorneys immediately. 

Work with an Oil Rig Accidents Lawyer

Suffering any injury can disrupt lives immensely, and those that happen on remote rigs create additional challenges. However, understanding legal rights, preserving evidence, securing professional counsel, and taking action can help offshore oil and gas crew access fair compensation. Partnering with experienced attorneys guides victims toward justice and brighter futures beyond their accidents. 

Call Low Law Firm at 325.455.1889 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. The path to recovery and justice starts with one call – make it today!