The oil and gas industry is a lucrative business, but it comes at a cost. According to the CDC, there are more accidents in the oil and gas industry than any other occupation in the United States. The injuries sustained on an oil rig are detrimental and often require life long medical attention.
Workers’ compensation is limited and almost never provides enough to adequately compensate for medical bills and lost wages. Contact a maritime lawyer if you or a loved one was injured are or killed in an oil rig accident.
Oil Rig Accident Attorney in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska
You have rights as an injured sea worker. Whether your employer unfairly denied benefit, is delaying payments or fired you for seeking compensation, BOATLAW, LLP is here to help. We vow to aggressively advocate on your behalf so you receive what you are entitled to.
Call 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a confidential consultation. BOATLAW, LLP fights for the rights of injured maritime workers in Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, California and Alaska.
Information Center
- Common Oil Rig Accidents
- Oil Rig Accidents and the Outer Continental Shelf Act
- Are Oil Rig Accidents Covered Under the Jones Act?
- Additional Resources
Common Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rig workers have one of the most dangerous jobs. They are required to work long hours around hazardous equipment and under harsh weather conditions. With all of these variables, oil rigs are a hotbed for accidents. Many accidents and injuries can occur on an oil rig. Some of the most common accidents include the following:
- Fire and explosions: Due to the prevalence of highly flammable vapors and gases alongside welding and electrical work, the fires and explosions on oil rigs are often catastrophic.
- Transportation accidents: Oil rig workers largely depend on helicopters and water vehicles as transportation to and from a rig. A large number of transpiration accidents are related to mechanical failure and hazardous weather.
- Slips, trips and falls: Falling, slipping or tripping from higher ground onto a lower level or into the ocean can cause serious injuries and sometimes death. Slip and fall accidents typically happen when oily or web substance collect on the rig’s floor.
- Contact with equipment and objects: Workers can be hit with falling objects or crushed between unsecured equipment. According to the CDC, contact with equipment and objects account for 16% of all oil rig injuries and death.
When an oil rig accident isn’t fatal, it still causes excruciating injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained on an oil rig include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Toxic inhalation or chemical poisoning
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Oil Rig Accidents and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries or the death of your loved one through the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). The OCSLA is an extension to the Longshore and Harbors Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This extension was added to include employees working on the outer continental shelf.
Your injuries must have occurred while working on the outer continental shelf to be eligible for compensation under the LHWCA. The outer continental shelf is submerged lands seaward of state coastal waters and under the jurisdiction of the U.S government. Your work on the self must have also involved extracting natural resources.
Compensation under the LHWCA is similar to workers’ compensation. You will receive maintenance and cure until fully healed. Maintenance is compensation for room and board, which is made on a per-day basis. Cure, on the other hand, is money for necessary medical care needed to fully recover and return to work.
The LHWCA also allows you to receive two-thirds your pay every week until the injuries are healed. In the event of wrongful death, a surviving spouse can receive half of the deceased’s wages while surviving children can receive up to 16 2/3rd percent.
Are Oil Rig Accidents Covered Under the Jones Act?
Injuries sustained while working on jack-up rigs, semi-submersible platforms, drilling ships and tension leg platforms are entitled to maintenance and cure under the Jones Act. The Jones Act provides maintenance and cure regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
The act also allows you to file suit against your employer in both state and federal court. Additional compensation will be received if it’s proven your employer’s negligence or unseaworthiness was the cause of your injuries.
If the case is successful, you may be able to receive compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of past and future wages
- Physical impairments and disfigurements
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Additional Resources for Oil Rig Accidents
The Jones Act – Follow the link provided to learn more about the Jones Act. Section 33 of the act covers compensation for injuries and death out at sea. You can also read up on how a vessel should be properly owned and operated.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act – Visit the Department of Labor’s website to read the section of the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act that extends to employees working on the outer continental shelf. You can also find out what the outer continental shelf is and information about the Submerged Lands Act.
Oil Rig Accident Lawyer in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska
Being injured on the job is a stressful situation. You are out of work and left with medical bills that pile up quickly. BOATLAW, LLP will ensure you receive the compensation necessary to recover fully. Schedule a time to speak with us about your case. Call 1-800-262-8529.
BOATLAW, LLP represents injured maritime workers in Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, California and Alaska.
