Offshore maritime work is crucial to the US economy, but it is one of the world's most hazardous occupations. The natural environment in which oil rigs, natural gas wells, and other offshore facilities are situated is frequently harsh and unforgiving. Workers are also susceptible to offshore maritime injuries and incidents resulting from faulty equipment, unseaworthy boats, or employer negligence.
Improper maintenance, lack of appropriate safety procedures & precautions, a safety mindset, lack of PPE use, and unsafe working practices resulted in numerous fatal explosions, fires, and blowout events, including the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in April 2010.
While catastrophic events are rare, injuries remain a serious concern. CDC data from January 2015 through July 2022 shows over 2,100 severe injuries (such as amputations, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalizations) among oil and gas extraction workers in the US. The industry continues to battle challenges such as slips, trips, and falls, which contribute to many lost-work-day cases. In 2024, 32 fatalities were reported among oil and gas industry workers globally, with offshore work comprising a significant share.
If you have been injured while working offshore, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Many accidents are preventable through proper safety measures and employer accountability, and legal advocacy can be crucial in pursuing compensation. Contact Chaz Roberts Law today to explore your options.
What Are the Most Common Injuries for Offshore Workers?
Offshore workers face an array of serious injuries due to the hazardous nature of their environment and the demanding physical conditions of their jobs.The risks are amplified by rough seas, heavy machinery, and the confined spaces typical of offshore platforms.
The most common injuries suffered by offshore workers include:
- Slip and Fall Injuries: Resulting in broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Often from falls or being struck by objects
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially causing paralysis or long-term disability
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Due to heavy equipment accidents or slips
- Amputations: Frequently caused by being caught in machinery or equipment
- Burns and Explosion Injuries: From fires or chemical exposure on rigs
- Cuts, Lacerations, and Contusions: Especially to the hands and fingers
- Respiratory Issues: From inhaling toxic chemicals or fumes
- Hearing and Vision Loss: Due to constant noise and hazardous environments
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Including chronic back and joint pain from vibration and heavy manual labor
Understanding the range of possible injuries offshore workers face is crucial for anyone seeking legal help after an injury. Each type of injury requires specific medical treatment and may allow injured workers to seek compensation.
What Are the Typical Causes of Offshore Injuries?
Offshore work remains one of the most dangerous industries with workers facing constant exposure to hazardous conditions. The unforgiving nature of working on oil rigs, natural gas platforms, and vessels means injuries often occur due to a combination of natural elements, complex machinery, and operational demands. Frequent causes of offshore injuries stem from both environmental risks and operational hazards, reflecting the widespread dangers workers confront daily.
Typical causes of offshore injuries include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Often caused by wet or uneven surfaces, leading to fractures, head injuries, or spinal damage.
- Being Struck by Objects: Tools, equipment, or materials falling or moving unexpectedly can cause serious trauma.
- Caught in or Between Machinery: Working near heavy, moving equipment presents risks of crush injuries and amputations.
- Falls from Heights: Working on elevated platforms or ladders increases the chance of severe injuries or fatalities.
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Chemical spills, gas leaks, or extreme temperatures can result in respiratory issues, burns, or poisoning.
- Fires and Explosions: The presence of flammable materials makes fire-related incidents particularly dangerous.
- Overexertion and Strains: Heavy lifting and repetitive tasks contribute to musculoskeletal injuries.
- Transportation Accidents: Incidents during shuttle or helicopter flights to offshore sites are a leading cause of fatalities.
What Should You Do if You Are Injured While Working Offshore?
First, seek immediate medical attention—even if injuries seem minor, some conditions may worsen without proper treatment. Report the incident promptly to your employer and ensure that an official record of the injury exists, as this documentation will be critical for any future claims. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses.
It’s equally important to avoid giving detailed statements without legal counsel, as insurance companies and employers may try to minimize the severity of your injury. Consulting with an experienced offshore injury lawyer as soon as possible can make a crucial difference, ensuring your case is handled properly and that responsible parties are held accountable.
Your safety and financial recovery depend on swift, informed steps taken right after your injury.
Can I Get Workers' Compensation for an Offshore Injury?
Yes, offshore workers can receive workers' compensation, but the regulations differ from traditional state workers’ comp systems. Most offshore injuries are covered under federal laws rather than state workers’ compensation programs.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers a specific group of maritime workers who perform duties on or near navigable waters in the United States. The law ensures these workers receive workers' compensation benefits for injuries sustained on the job, filling a gap not covered by state workers' compensation or other maritime laws like The Jones Act.
Workers covered under the LHWCA include:
- Longshore workers who load and unload ships
- Harbor workers, including ship repairers, shipbuilders, and ship breakers
- Dock and terminal workers
- Marine construction workers
- Shipyard employees
- Employees involved in loading, unloading, repairing, or building vessels on or near navigable waters, including piers, wharves, dry docks, and marine railways
- Non-appropriated fund employees (such as certain government contractors working offshore)
Employees such as clerical workers, marina employees not involved in construction or repair, and masters and crew members of vessels are not covered under the LHWCA because they are covered under other maritime laws. This coverage aims to provide medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to injured maritime workers under a federal compensation system suited to the unique risks of maritime and offshore employment.
What Are My Rights if I Have Been Injured Offshore?
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides special protections for seamen and maritime workers injured while working on vessels in navigable waters. Unlike typical state workers’ compensation programs, the Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to sue their employers for negligence or unsafe vessel conditions. This fault-based system means you must show that your employer was negligent or that the vessel was unseaworthy to recover damages.
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—offering broader remedies than standard workers' compensation. The law also guarantees injured workers “maintenance and cure,” which covers living expenses and medical treatment until maximum medical improvement.
To be covered, you generally must be classified as a “seaman,” meaning you work a significant part of your job on a vessel and your duties contribute to the vessel’s function. The Jones Act applies to workers on commercial vessels, offshore platforms considered navigable, tugboats, barges, and similar vessels.
Are There Any Time Limits for Filing an Offshore Injury Lawsuit?
Yes, there are strict time limits known as statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file an offshore injury lawsuit. Generally, under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers have three years from the date of the injury or accident to file a claim.
For claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), the deadline is typically one year from the date the employer stops paying injury benefits.
However, these limits can vary based on specific circumstances, including if the injury involves a government-owned vessel or other special conditions. Importantly, even if it seems like you’ve missed a deadline, there may be exceptions or ways to preserve your claim. An experienced offshore injury attorney can review your case, determine which laws apply, and help identify any exceptions to the statute of limitations that might extend your time to file.
What’s an Offshore Injury Lawyer? Should I Hire One?
An offshore injury lawyer is an attorney with deep experience in maritime law, focusing specifically on cases involving injuries that occur on oil rigs, ships, or other offshore installations. At Chaz Roberts Law, our maritime attorneys understand the unique regulations, federal statutes, and industry standards that apply to offshore work—areas that are often very different from traditional workplace injury law.
If you’ve been injured working offshore, hiring a dedicated offshore injury lawyer brings critical advantages: we can assess which laws cover your situation, handle negotiations with your employer or insurance companies, and build a strong case to recover the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Our specialized knowledge ensures every deadline is met and every angle of your claim is explored.
Do I Need an Offshore Injury Lawyer?
An offshore injury lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine your legal rights and the types of compensation you may be entitled to—whether for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, or pain and suffering. They will handle important tasks such as investigating the accident, gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, and negotiating with insurance companies to maximize your claim.
At Chaz Roberts Law, we have extensive experience filing maritime and offshore injury claims. Our dedicated offshore personal injury lawyers understand the unique risks and hazards of offshore work. We have successfully represented injured workers in these demanding cases, fighting to secure the full compensation they deserve while providing clear guidance and personal support every step of the way.
What If I Can’t Afford an Offshore Injury Lawyer?
While a few attorneys may handle select cases pro bono (for free), this is rare in offshore injury law. Instead, the contingency model is far more common and ensures you can get experienced representation without financial strain.
At Chaz Roberts Law, we offer free consultations so you can understand your rights and make an informed decision—without any risk or obligation. If you’ve been injured offshore, don’t let financial concerns stop you from getting the legal help you deserve. Reach out to Chaz Roberts Law for guidance on your best path forward.
How Much Money Do These Types of Cases Typically Cost?
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring an offshore injury lawyer, you aren’t alone. The good news is that most offshore injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees—your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you. Their fee is then a percentage of your settlement or verdict, making skilled legal help accessible even if you can’t afford to pay hourly rates.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in an Offshore Injury Lawsuit?
If you’ve suffered an offshore injury, an injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation that goes beyond immediate medical costs to address both your present and future needs. These cases allow you to seek financial recovery for the broad impact an injury can have—not just on your health, but also your ability to earn a living and participate fully in your career.
Types of compensation you can seek in an offshore injury lawsuit include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, ongoing treatment, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery, including overtime and bonuses.
- Future Earnings: Damages for diminished earning capacity if your injury limits your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Compensation for injuries that permanently alter your body or your ability to earn a living.
- Vocational Retraining: Assistance to help you learn new skills if you can’t return to your previous line of work.
- Maintenance and Cure: Maritime-specific compensation that covers daily living expenses and medical care until maximum recovery is reached.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make a massive difference—not only in covering today’s medical costs but also in safeguarding your long-term financial health and future career prospects. Working with an experienced offshore injury attorney helps ensure you pursue every avenue of compensation the law provides.
How Do I File an Offshore Injury Lawsuit?
Starting an offshore injury lawsuit means taking a series of clear steps, with your attorney guiding you at every stage. After securing medical care and reporting your injury to your employer, connect with a qualified offshore injury attorney. During your initial consultation, your attorney will review your injury, discuss your legal rights, and outline possible legal strategies suited to your situation. Together, you’ll move forward with filing your claim—your attorney will handle the paperwork and ensure your case is filed accurately and on time.
Contact Chaz Roberts Law Today to Get Started on Your Case
Offshore injuries can be extremely serious, often resulting in lifelong disabilities. If you or someone you love has been injured while working offshore, it is critical to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
An offshore injury lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit and can guide you through the process of filing a claim. Contact Chaz Roberts Law today to discuss your legal options.
