What They May Not Tell You After An Oil Rig Injury

As an oil rig worker, you have legal rights that could entitle you to compensation if you have sustained an offshore injury. You may be contacted by the insurance company following an oil rig accident, but what you probably will not be told is that you may be able to file a lawsuit and obtain a substantial amount of compensation, if negligence was involved.

There are federal laws that protect offshore oil rig workers, including the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. These laws are meant to protect you and allow you to hold the vessel owner or third party accountable for their negligent actions. You may be entitled to compensation if there was negligence by your employer, co-workers, operators or officers, which caused you to sustain offshore injuries.

As an injured maritime worker, you are able to sue your employer or other responsible party directly. Jones Act lawsuits are different than workers’ compensation claims in that they are not limited to “no fault” arrangements and other non-negotiable terms.

Compensation from a Jones Act case can be substantial and often includes lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and disfigurement. To be eligible for Jones Act compensation, you must be considered a seaman under the law. Generally, people who work on offshore oil rigs are considered seamen.

Don’t let your employer or their insurance company bully you into signing documents or accepting a settlement until you talk with an experienced maritime attorney. If you agree upon a settlement before talking with a maritime injury lawyer, you could be forfeiting money that you deserve. Too often employers and insurance companies offer settlements far below what the injury cases are worth.