If you’ve been injured while working offshore, you already know how overwhelming the aftermath can be. Between managing your recovery, dealing with lost wages, and worrying about how to support your family, navigating complex maritime law is the last thing you need to do alone. That’s where our offshore accident lawyers step in.
Whether you’re a parent sidelined by chronic pain after a preventable fall or a crew member struggling to make ends meet after weeks without work, you deserve answers and compensation. We’re here to help you fight for both.
Louisiana’s many bodies of water offer a wide range of offshore job opportunities. But while these jobs support countless families, they also carry serious risks. Injuries on oil rigs, fishing vessels, barges, or ships happen fast, and often with devastating consequences.
Unlike most land-based jobs, maritime workers don’t fall under traditional workers’ compensation laws. That’s why it’s critical to understand your rights under maritime and admiralty law and why working with attorneys who know this field is essential.
At The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, we’ve spent more than 25 years helping Louisiana’s offshore workers recover from life-changing injuries. We’re ready to help you too.
Key Takeaways
- Offshore accidents are often severe and involve unique legal protections under maritime law.
- The Jones Act, Longshore Act, and General Maritime Law protect injured workers at sea.
- Offshore accident lawyers specialize in navigating these complex laws and pursuing compensation.
- Common causes of injury include falls, machinery mishaps, toxic exposure, and overboard accidents.
- Even contract or temporary workers may be eligible for claims.
- Consulting an offshore injury lawyer early is key to preserving your rights and gathering the right evidence.
Maritime Law and Admiralty Law: What’s the Difference?
Maritime and admiralty law govern legal claims that occur on navigable waters, oceans, large lakes, and rivers. These laws apply when a worker suffers an injury while aboard vessels, oil rigs, or other floating offshore structures.
Offshore injury lawyers use these laws to hold employers, shipowners, and negligent parties accountable.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a critical piece of legislation that protects seamen. Under the Jones Act, if you’re injured while working aboard a ship due to someone else’s negligence, like a careless coworker or faulty equipment you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Future loss of earning ability
Our offshore accident attorneys have extensive experience in Jones Act claims and can help you determine if you qualify under this powerful protection.
Who’s Liable in an Offshore Injury?
In land-based work accidents, the liable party is often an employer or property owner. But in offshore cases, liability can include:
- The ship owner
- Equipment manufacturers
- Third-party contractors
- The captain or crew
- The parent company of the oil platform
Offshore attorneys help investigate complex multi-party liability and preserve evidence before it disappears.
How Offshore Accident Lawyers Build Strong Cases
Offshore cases are more complex than most personal injury claims. Multiple parties may share responsibility, like the shipowner, equipment manufacturer, or contractors on the vessel. Proving your case takes more than just filing paperwork.
Here’s how our offshore accident attorneys get to work:
- We investigate the scene thoroughly, before evidence is altered or lost.
- We pull maintenance records, safety logs, and crew reports.
- We consult with marine engineers and medical experts to build credibility.
- We calculate the full long-term impact of your injury, not just short-term costs.
This is especially important if you’re a parent because you’re not just fighting for your recovery, but for your family’s future stability too.
How To Support Your Potential Legal Claim
After an accident has occurred, it can be overwhelming to know what steps you should take. Here are a few suggestions from experienced offshore lawyers that you can follow to help you after experiencing an injury:
- Inform your employer- It’s important to let your employer know immediately that you were injured on the job.
- Seek medical attention- Even if your injury does not appear to be severe, it’s still important to see a doctor.
- Keep a record of all your expenses- Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may need future treatment to recover. It’s in your best interest to keep track of your expenses in order to receive fair compensation.
- Contact our offshore accident lawyers– When you contact one of our personal injury attorneys, we will review your case to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
Common Maritime Accidents That Require Legal Action
According to an offshore injury lawyer, common maritime accidents can include:
1. Falling Overboard
One of the most dangerous maritime accidents, falling into open water can quickly turn fatal. Contributing factors include:
- Lack of guardrails or safety harnesses
- Poor lighting on deck
- High seas or bad weather
- Fatigue or inattention
Victims can suffer from drowning, hypothermia, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.
2. Fishing Injuries
Dangerous equipment, long hours, and poor weather increase risks. Workers often suffer:
- Lacerations
- Crush injuries from winches or nets
- Slips on wet surfaces
- Overexertion injuries
3. Equipment Accidents
Machinery like cranes, pulleys, winches, and loading arms can cause serious trauma if malfunctioning or misused. Offshore accident lawyers often handle cases involving:
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Blunt force trauma
- Electrocution
4. Slip and Falls
Slippery, cluttered, or unstable walkways contribute to a large percentage of offshore injuries. These often cause:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Joint dislocations
5. Chemical Burns & Toxic Exposure
Toxic fumes and liquids are common offshore. Workers exposed to hazardous materials may experience:
- Respiratory issues
- Skin burns
- Long-term neurological damage
6. Fires and Explosions
Fuel leaks, engine issues, or electrical malfunctions can lead to devastating explosions. These accidents often result in:
- Severe burns
- Loss of limbs
- Smoke inhalation injuries
7. Enclosed Space Injuries
Small spaces like tanks or engine rooms may contain low oxygen levels or toxic gases. Injuries include:
- Asphyxiation
- Poisoning
- PTSD or trauma from entrapment
Common Maritime Injuries Handled by an Offshore Accident Attorney
Injuries caused by maritime accidents can vary and will depend upon the severity of the accident. Some of the most common injuries our offshore accident lawyers see are:
Brain Injuries
In some cases, head injuries can cause serious damage to the brain. Some head injuries include concussions, hemorrhaging, and cognitive issues.
Acoustic Trauma
Hearing damage can lead to long-term struggles and make it challenging to work.
Back Injuries
These types of injuries vary from strains to herniated disks.
Amputations
Sometimes injuries can result in the loss of a limb, which can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Burns
Burns can create emotional scars and physical disfigurement, issues that often require the assistance of offshore injury lawyers who understand the complex nature of such cases.
Eye Injuries
The loss of vision or impairment can make it difficult for an individual to return to work.
If you have suffered any type of injury due to a maritime accident, seek the advice of an offshore accident attorney.
Can Contract Workers File an Offshore Injury Claim?
Yes. Even if you’re not a full-time employee, you may still qualify for compensation. Offshore lawyers can review your employment status to determine if you’re covered under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
What Types Of Damages Are Available For Injuries
The injuries listed above can dramatically impact the livelihood of an individual and their family, but compensation is meant to help ease some of the burdens after suffering injuries on the job. Some of the compensation you may be entitled to can include the following:
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Living expenses
- Disfigurement
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
In order to know what type of compensation you may be able to receive, it’s important to speak with our offshore injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case. Even if you think your injury is minor, you may still be able to receive compensation.
The Difference Between Maintenance & Cure vs. Full Compensation
Some employers try to offer “maintenance and cure” immediately after an offshore injury. These benefits are required under maritime law and only cover basic medical care and living expenses.
But here’s the problem: that’s often far less than what you deserve.
Maintenance and cure do not include:
- Long-term pain and suffering
- Disability adjustments
- Future medical care
- Lost earning potential
- Family impact or emotional distress
Many workers, especially those supporting families, accept this quick offer because they’re overwhelmed with bills. Our job as your offshore injury lawyer is to step in, document your real losses, and make sure you get everything you’re legally owed.
What to Expect When Working With Offshore Accident Lawyers
Here’s how our offshore injury attorneys typically help:
- Free consultation – We review your case, answer your questions, and explain your rights.
- Investigation – We gather medical records, witness accounts, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
- Legal strategy – We determine whether your case falls under the Jones Act, General Maritime Law, or another federal statute.
- Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and employers.
- Litigation – If necessary, we’re ready to take your case to federal court.
Our goal is to handle the stress so you can focus on healing and taking care of your family.
FAQs: Offshore Injury Claims
Do I need an attorney to file an offshore injury claim?
Yes. Maritime law is complex, and having experienced offshore accident lawyers improves your chances of full compensation.
Can I sue if my injury happened on an oil rig?
Yes, especially if the rig is considered a vessel under maritime law or if employer negligence is involved.
What if I waited to report my injury?
Delays can hurt your case. Contact an offshore accident attorney immediately to begin damage control and preserve your legal rights.
Are offshore injuries covered under workers’ comp?
Not always. Traditional workers’ compensation doesn’t apply to most maritime workers. That’s why it’s vital to work with an offshore injury lawyer who understands the Jones Act and other applicable laws.
Can I still file a claim if I returned to work after my injury?
Yes. Returning to work does not disqualify you from filing a maritime injury claim, especially if you’ve had delayed symptoms or your condition worsened over time. Our offshore accident lawyers can help prove that your injuries are directly related to the incident and deserve compensation, even if you initially resumed working.
What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under maritime law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. The court may reduce your settlement based on your share of fault, but you won’t be denied entirely. This is where experienced offshore attorneys make a major difference, they’ll protect your rights and fight against exaggerated blame.
Can I sue my employer for pain and suffering?
Yes, under the Jones Act, eligible seamen can sue for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. Unlike standard workers’ comp, maritime law allows broader recovery, but you need an offshore accident attorney to navigate these legal differences effectively.
Do I need to be on a boat to qualify for offshore injury compensation?
Not always. You may qualify under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) if you work in shipbuilding, longshoring, or repair, even if your injury occurred on land near navigable waters. Let our offshore injury attorneys determine which laws apply to your unique case.
Will my family receive compensation if I die from an offshore accident?
Yes. If a loved one dies due to a maritime injury, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation under the Jones Act or general maritime law. This can include funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. Our team of offshore injury lawyers will handle every step with compassion and skill.
How much does it cost to hire an offshore accident lawyer?
Most maritime injury attorneys, like our team, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures you can pursue justice without adding financial strain to your family during recovery.
How Offshore Injuries Affect Families
When an offshore accident happens, the impact doesn’t end with the injured worker, it ripples through their family. For parents, this can mean weeks or months without being able to pick up your children, help with schoolwork, or provide emotional support during recovery.
An offshore head or back injury may seem like a personal setback, but if you’re a parent, it can affect your ability to earn income, transport your kids, or even lift a toddler safely. Over time, this loss of stability places added pressure on the entire household.
That’s why our offshore accident lawyers take the family impact seriously. We’ll help document and account for these ripple effects in your claim, from therapy bills to loss of companionship and the emotional trauma of having a parent sidelined.
Why Offshore Injury Claims Are Time-Sensitive
After an offshore injury, time is not on your side. Even though the federal statute of limitations under the Jones Act is typically three years, waiting can still cost you your case.
Here’s why:
- Key evidence may be “cleaned up” or lost
- Witnesses may change stories or become unreachable
- Medical conditions may worsen without timely documentation
If you’re a parent, this urgency matters even more. Delays mean more time out of work, more disruption to your household, and fewer resources to keep things stable at home.
Hiring a seasoned offshore accident lawyer early gives you the best chance to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
If You’re In Pain, Call One of Our Offshore Accident Lawyers
Our offshore accident lawyers know the laws surrounding these types of cases, and we are ready to help you through the legal process.
Our offshore attorneys represent clients who have suffered an offshore injury and need legal guidance to help them receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux is ready to evaluate your case to see what legal options you may have for your injuries. Call us today at (337) 989-1212 or fill out our free case evaluation form.