The Gulf Coast is a global epicenter for the offshore oil and gas industry, a sector that provides vital energy but comes with inherent and often extreme risks. For the thousands of dedicated men and women working on oil rigs and platforms, injuries are not just a possibility—they are a daily threat. From routine tasks to catastrophic failures, the dangers of this demanding environment can lead to severe and life-altering injuries.
If you are an offshore worker who has suffered a oil rig injury, you need legal counsel from a firm that understands the unique complexities of maritime law and the specific dangers of your profession. At our firm, our experienced Oil Rig Injury Lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of injured offshore workers across the Gulf Coast, ensuring they receive the full compensation needed for their medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
Oil rigs and offshore platforms are dynamic industrial environments characterized by heavy machinery, volatile substances, unpredictable weather, and demanding schedules. This combination creates a workplace fraught with potential hazards.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and OSHA consistently report significant numbers of incidents and severe injuries in the offshore oil and gas extraction industry. From 2014–2019, hundreds of worker fatalities were identified, with vehicle incidents, contact injuries, and explosions being the most frequent fatal events. Many non-fatal injuries also occur daily, often due to preventable circumstances.
While various factors contribute to offshore accidents, many common oil rig injuries can be traced back to:
Given the nature of offshore work, the injuries sustained are often severe, debilitating, and can have lifelong consequences.
Oil rigs are a constant source of ignition risks and flammable materials. Workers frequently suffer:
Any blow or jolt to the head can result in a TBI, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage. Causes include:
The physically demanding nature of oil rig work, including heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and awkward postures, puts immense strain on the back and spine. Common injuries include:
Falls, crush accidents, or being caught in machinery frequently lead to:
Working with heavy equipment, pipes, and machinery creates a constant risk of workers being crushed between objects or caught in moving parts. These injuries can cause:
Despite being “common,” these are a leading cause of serious injury on oil rigs. Slippery decks, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered pathways contribute to falls that can result in:
Oil rig workers are routinely exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals and substances, which can cause:
The repetitive nature of many tasks, combined with awkward positions and heavy lifting, can lead to chronic conditions such as:
Navigating the legal landscape after an oil rig injury can be incredibly complex. Your rights depend on your employment status and the type of offshore facility where you were injured. These cases almost always fall under federal maritime law.
If you are a seaman (a crew member who spends a significant amount of your time working on a vessel “in navigation”), and you were injured on a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) such as a jack-up rig, drillship, or semi-submersible, you likely have a claim under the Jones Act. This federal law allows you to sue your employer for negligence that caused or contributed to your injury, even if that negligence was slight. Under the Jones Act, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. You are also entitled to “maintenance and cure” benefits, covering daily living expenses and medical treatment during your recovery, regardless of fault.
If you were injured on a fixed platform (a rig permanently affixed to the Outer Continental Shelf) or if you are a land-based maritime worker (like a longshoreman, harbor worker, or ship repairer) who works on or near navigable waters, your claim may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), as extended by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). This federal workers’ compensation program provides benefits for medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation. Unlike the Jones Act, you generally don’t need to prove employer fault, but compensation for pain and suffering is typically not available directly under LHWCA.
Beyond specific statutes, injured seamen can often pursue claims under General Maritime Law, particularly for unseaworthiness. This principle holds vessel owners strictly liable for providing a vessel that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. If the rig or vessel you were on was unseaworthy due to defective equipment, an unqualified crew, or unsafe conditions, and this contributed to your injury, you may have a claim.
Facing a major oil company and its powerful legal team after a devastating injury can feel overwhelming. You need an advocate who understands the intricate legal and operational landscape of the offshore industry.
Our team acts quickly to investigate your accident. This includes:
We are committed to securing maximum compensation for all your losses, which often include:
Oil and gas corporations will fiercely defend against injury claims to protect their profits. Our attorneys have a proven track record of standing up to these powerful entities, negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement, and taking cases to trial when necessary to ensure our clients receive the justice they deserve.
Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Report the incident to your supervisor and ensure an official report is filed. If safe, document the scene and your injuries with photos. Do not sign any documents or give recorded statements to your employer or their insurer without first consulting with an experienced maritime attorney.
The statute of limitations for offshore injury claims is typically three years under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. However, for LHWCA claims, notice to your employer is required within 30 days, and a formal claim within one year. It is crucial to contact a maritime attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all strict deadlines.
Under maritime law’s “comparative negligence” rule, even if you were partially at fault for your injury, you may still be able to recover compensation. Your damages would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery. Your employer cannot simply shift all blame to you.
If you qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, you are entitled to “maintenance and cure.” “Maintenance” covers your basic living expenses (like rent and food) while you are recovering, and “cure” covers all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your work-related injury until you reach maximum medical improvement. These are no-fault benefits.
Federal law protects maritime workers from retaliation for filing a legitimate injury claim. Any pressure, threats, or adverse actions taken by your employer for seeking legal counsel are illegal. If this occurs, you should immediately inform your attorney.
A serious oil rig injury can irrevocably change your life, leading to chronic pain, disability, lost income, and emotional distress. You don’t have to navigate this challenging period alone. At our firm, our Gulf Coast Oil Rig Injury Lawyers possess the specialized knowledge, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to fight for the justice and comprehensive compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you secure the resources needed for your long-term recovery and financial stability.
