Working offshore in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico as a seaman, engineer, sailor, or crewmember can be very rewarding. It can also be fairly dangerous.
The Louisiana personal injury attorneys at Mansfield Melancon help people injured in a wide range of offshore accidents focus on recuperation and obtain the full amount of compensation available to them under the law. That includes money for medical expenses, missed wages and other consequences of an accident.
We are seasoned lawyers who have dedicated our careers to helping people injured through no fault of their own. Our firm also has a strong track record of successful results for people injured offshore and in other situations.
We take pride in having a personalized approach to legal representation, making ourselves directly available to clients and taking the time to understand their unique individual situations and needs. You will not need to navigate a maze of administrative assistants and paralegals in order to speak with a Louisiana personal injury attorney at our firm.
Common Offshore Accidents and Injuries
Offshore accidents, like those on dry land, come in many varieties. They can be particularly hazardous, however, because of the nature of the circumstances and the long distances that may need to be traveled in order to get adequate medical care.
Some of the most common offshore accidents include:
- Slips and falls
- Falling objects
- Waterblasting incidents
- Welding fume exposure
- Vehicle and other collisions
- Explosions
- Chemical exposure
These and other offshore accidents can cause a number of injuries ranging from relatively minor to catastrophic and even fatal. Common injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Burns
- Eye damage
- Knee and ankle impairments
- Amputations
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Spine injuries
At Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick – Injury Lawyers, we understand that offshore accidents can cause not only physical pain, but also mental and emotional suffering. Our lawyers help clients focus on their recuperation with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we are working aggressively to protect their legal rights and pursue the full compensation available under the law.
Sadly, a number of offshore workers have also reported being victimized by physical and sexual assaults while working on rigs. Although these situations do not qualify as accidents, our lawyers are committed to helping ensure that assaulters are made fully accountable for their actions.
Compensation for Offshore Injuries
Workers on stationary offshore oil rigs and natural gas wells are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries on the job. Others, including those working on boats, may be covered by specific laws covering longshore and harbor workers.
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance in which an employer pays into the system and makes benefits available for employees who suffer work-related injuries and illnesses. Those benefits include compensation for current and future medical bills, as well as missed wages.
The Jones Act and the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act are the primary sources of protection for seamen and others injured while working on the “navigable waters of the United States.” That includes workers on mobile oil extraction vehicles, like drillships and jack-up rigs.
The Jones Act entitles maritime workers to certain medical benefits for any injury or illness sustained while working aboard a ship, regardless of who is to blame. The federal law also permits covered workers to seek compensation for missed wages, future medical expenses, reductions in earning capacity and pain, suffering and emotional distress, in certain situations.
The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act offers similar compensation for workers who load and unload cargo. Compensation for missed wages is based largely on the nature of the injury and the amount of money that the person was making at the time of the accident.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
If you have recently suffered an injury while working offshore, you should seek the counsel and advice of an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because big companies and corporations tend to be backed by powerful legal teams and insurance companies, it would be extremely difficult for you to face them on your own. The good news is our attorneys are equipped to work on your behalf. We will do everything we can to help you receive the compensation you need to cover your pain and suffering, medical care, and lost wages.
