Under the Jones Act and maritime law, offshore oil rig and platform workers are eligible for compensation if they become injured on the job. For instance, if a maritime worker suffers an injury or dies while in transit (including crane, helicopter or boat transit), compensation may be sought. A worker may also be eligible for compensation if the injury occurred on or near a fixed gas or oil platform and the injured party spends at least 30% of his time on a vessel. Lastly, the offshore rig worker can seek compensation if the injury or fatality occurred on a barge, floating platform or drilling vessel.

The majority of offshore rig injury claims stem from:

• Head injuries
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Falls
• Amputations
• Burns
• Wrongful death

Many of the above injuries are caused by a high turnaround rate, lack of attention to safety standards and fatigue from long hours.

Deepwater Oil Field Dangers

In the United States, the Gulf of Mexico is the only place where oil companies can drill. Unfortunately, these deepwater oil fields rest at more than 1,000 feet below the water, leaving offshore oil rig workers susceptible to injuries and even fatalities. Offshore oil rig workers are susceptible to injuries from:

• Explosions
• Fires
• Falls
• Chemical exposure
• Malfunctioning equipment

If you or a loved one has been injured working as an offshore oil or gas rig employee, speak to a maritime lawyer immediately following the accident.