Offshore Injuries
Offshore injuries occur while a person is on navigable waters, usually working aboard a ship. Offshore injuries are subject to admiralty and maritime laws, and therefore are often treated differently by many insurance agencies and medical providers. Understanding these laws is important. Offshore oilrig attorneys and other maritime attorneys can help answer your questions and determine who is responsible for your medical expenses.
Offshore injuries usually occur while working on oilrigs, production platforms, lay barges, supply boats and helicopters. If a seaman receives an offshore injury, for example, the Jones Act allows that seaman to seek compensation for lost wages and medical expenses if the injury was due to an act of negligence on the part of the employer or other workers. If the seaman dies, his family may file a wrongful death suit under the Jones act, maritime law or the Death on the High Seas Act.
Examples of neglect include hiring untrained employees, buying and installing faulty equipment and not replacing faulty equipment, having slippery working surfaces and sailing or working with malfunctioning equipment.
Offshore injuries don’t only include those working at sea, however. Offshore injuries also include accidents that happen while on vacation. Pleasure boaters are subject to the same laws as large ocean vessels and people who work at sea.
Which laws apply depend upon each individual situation. Questions for an attorney to consider include:
- How large was the vessel?
- Were you working at sea or vacationing?
- Where did the injury take place?
- What is your occupation?
- Who is your employer?