Working on an oil rig is a notoriously challenging and high-risk occupation. Its gigantic machinery and complex operations make it a demanding field where people work under difficult circumstances. When the unexpected occurs, the role of an oil rig injury attorney becomes paramount.
The Hazard of Oil Rig Work
Though financially rewarding, working on an oil rig comes with inherent risks and dangers. Accidents as a result of the hazardous nature of this occupation can lead to life-altering injuries. Thus, oil rig workers face a daily array of potential dangers, from the bustling operations on the deck to the confined spaces below.
What’s considered a common accident on the oil rigs presents a different level of hazardous environment. Accidents like explosions, falling from heights, fires, equipment malfunctions, and even exposure to toxic chemicals are common occurrences.
These incidents can result in a spectrum of injuries, ranging from burns, fractures, and lacerations to more severe outcomes such as fatalities. While the injuries may impact severely their lives, an oil rig injury attorney’s role offers opportunities for workers who experience accidents.
Oil Rig Owners and Employers
Rig owners are responsible for creating optimal work conditions, such as equipping the rig with proper handrails and lighting to minimize any incidents. Not to mention the oil pressure systems have to be working properly. In addition, rig owners must be responsible for the rig’s safety systems in case of an accident.
On the other hand, employers are responsible for employee training and workers’ safety equipment. Properly train workers about techniques and safety procedures using easier words to understand and make sure every worker has their own complete set of safety gear.
Apart from the oil rig, accidents could also occur on the way to and from the oil rig. If any of this responsibility is not fulfilled in your case, as the worker, you have the eligibility to file a lawsuit.
The Oil Rig Injury Attorney
An experienced attorney is necessary if your work is associated with an oil rig. Since oil rig environments bring a higher level of risk than the average work, oil rig companies typically fight these lawsuits aggressively.
Aside from the massive equipment and the environment, human errors and negligence add to the danger factors of this job. If you or your loved ones have ever been the victim of one of these accidents or injuries, then there is a good chance you are eligible for financial compensation.
The Importance of Legal Representation
When an oil rig accident happens, the injuries medical costs, and lost wages cause an overwhelming burden on the family. An oil rig lawsuit can confusing, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of oil rig law and maritime law. Hence, there are people dedicating their lives for this reason, namely an oil rig injury attorney.
The Role of An Oil Rig Injury Attorney
Oil rig attorneys specialize in representing individuals who have been injured in oil rig accidents. They help clients navigate the legal process, understand their rights, and obtain suitable compensation for their clients. Key responsibilities of the attorney include the five aspects, as follows.
1. Understand the Circumstances
Oil rig injury cases typically fall within maritime law, a specialized legal domain governing injuries on the waters. An experienced attorney possesses a deep understanding and the complexity of maritime law, which is crucial for determining the legal actions on your particular case.
In addition, understanding the dangerous nature of the job and each personnel’s responsibilities. This is a necessity to determine exactly which party is responsible.
2. Actions for Compensation
Traditional workers’ compensation typically doesn’t cover oil rig workers. Instead, they are often covered by specific maritime law.
The Jones Act protects offshore workers, including oil rig workers. It allows injured workers to seek compensation for their injuries due to their employer’s negligence. Moreover, the law allows the workers to sue their employer for personal injury, a right not granted to most other workers. It is mostly applicable to sea-going vessels.
Oil rig workers are also considered maritime workers, hence the legal doctrine of maintenance and cure is also applicable. This means, injured oil rig workers have the right to maintenance (financial support) and cure (medical care) until they reach a point where additional medical treatment no longer helps them.
The OCSLA extends the condition of the Jones Act to structure connected to the seabed. The federal law provides compensation for workers on the outer continental shelf.
On top of that, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act may apply to certain conditions. Oil rig workers can get temporary wage replacement, disability benefits, and medical treatment costs.
3. Establish the Cause
Oil rig injuries can result from a wide range of causes. In case the plaintiffs are unable to explain, an experienced oil rig injury attorney can establish the possible cause of the injury and factors that contribute to it.
4. Proving Negligence
Accidents often occur due to negligence, including insufficient training, human error, or lack of safety equipment. An attorney must sequentially gather evidence and build a strong case to prove negligence.
5. Navigating the Legal Process
Naturally, the role of an attorney is to guide their clients throughout the legal process. A good attorney will act as your advocate too, paying attention to their client’s interests and ensuring that they receive the compensation that they deserve.
3 Reputable Oil Rig Injury Attorneys
Here are some reputable law firms and attorneys for injured oil rig workers you may work with for your case.
1. Morgan & Morgan
For over 30 years, Morgan & Morgan has experience in personal injury law with a dedicated team of oil rig injury lawyers.
2. Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A.
They have experience representing injury victims and their families in injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits against offshore oil rig operators. Their attorneys fight for the clients’ compensation and hold the negligent companies accountable.
3. Herring Law Firm
Herring Law Firm is a law firm specializing in oil field accident cases and injured oil rig workers. They understand the legal options and chances of successful compensation. The law firm also offers a free consultation to discuss available legal action.
Get an Oil Rig Injury Attorney for Your Loved Ones!
In the aftermath of an oil rig injury, the collaboration between an injured worker and an attorney is akin to a quest for justice. Through an understanding of maritime law, injured workers can focus on healing while their rights and financial interests are safeguarded.
Thus, getting help to solve the case and ease your burden from an experienced legal advisor is an evident choice.
