Maritime and offshore injuries occur all too frequently, especially in the Gulf Coast. Whether you or your loved one works on an oil rig or in commercial shipping, maritime work can be brutal, and these settings unfortunately see similar accidents and catastrophes as those in a refinery or manufacturing plant. Regardless, it is the responsibility of owners and management to provide safe working conditions for their employees.
There is no excuse for allowing Louisiana offshore workers to be injured by unsafe conditions or inadequate policies or training.
However, as many offshore workers know, management tries to get away with using smaller and smaller crews to accomplish the same tasks that usually require a full workforce. This increases the likelihood of a dangerous accident. One, because smaller crews require more work from every worker, the odds of exhaustion increase. Two, when individuals are asked to do things that require two or three people, they're far more likely to hurt themselves.
Our offshore injury lawyers in Louisiana have seen the results of these practices firsthand. When Gulf Region workers suffer life-changing accidents, they call Arnold & Itkin to help rebuild their lives and protect their families' futures.
In our experience fighting for maritime workers in the largest offshore disasters of the last 20 years, we’ve learned that companies will stop at nothing to protect their bottom line—even if that means depriving you of what you’re owed.
We’ve seen offshore employers and their insurance companies blame workers for their own injuries, file claims against the people they injured, and otherwise do whatever it took to evade responsibility. Their delay-and-deny tactics robbed plaintiffs of medical care, income, and financial stability when they needed it most.
Our job, in those situations, is to make sure our clients get what they need immediately while preparing their case for the long haul, if necessary. As a result, our clients get access to the best specialists and treatments for their injuries, giving them peace of mind while robbing big companies of leverage. Our legal team leverages extensive knowledge of maritime laws, like the Jones Act, to ensure offshore workers receive rightful compensation. We understand that each injury is unique and requires personalized attention to detail.
Types of Offshore Injuries & Their Causes
Offshore work is among the most dangerous professions in the world, exposing workers in Louisiana and across the planet to numerous risks that, if not properly addressed and mitigated, can lead to catastrophic injuries. These injuries vary widely depending on the circumstances of the accident, but they share one common thread: many could have been prevented if employers upheld their responsibility to provide a safe working environment.
Some of the most common types of offshore injuries include:
Head Injuries: Caused by falling objects, slip-and-fall accidents, or improper use of equipment.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Often the result of falls from heights, heavy lifting, or being struck by equipment.
Burns: Frequently caused by fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous materials.
Amputation: Resulting from machinery malfunctions or lack of proper safety protocols.
Drowning and Hypothermia: A constant risk for those working on vessels, platforms, or in harsh sea conditions.
The causes of these injuries often point back to employer negligence, including inadequate training, poorly maintained equipment, insufficient staffing, and failure to implement proper safety measures. Offshore companies have a legal and moral obligation to prevent such accidents, yet too many prioritize profits over worker safety. Knowing what to do after an accident and when to involve a local offshore injury attorney in Louisiana can make all the difference. Our firm places an emphasis on educating our clients about their rights to enable informed decisions post-injury.
What to Do After an Offshore Injury
The moments following an offshore injury are critical—not just for your physical recovery but also for protecting your right to compensation. Here’s what you can do to safeguard your health and legal interests:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention Your health is the top priority. Report the injury to your supervisor and request medical care as soon as possible. If you’re on a vessel, you may need to see the medic on board or be evacuated to a medical facility.
Document Everything Collect as much evidence as you can, including photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions that contributed to the incident. If possible, get contact information from witnesses.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice Employers and their insurance companies may try to have you sign statements or waivers that could harm your case. Do not sign anything before consulting with a knowledgeable offshore injury lawyer in Louisiana.
File a Report Under maritime law, injured workers are typically required to notify their employer of the injury within a specific timeframe. Ensure this step is completed but avoid providing excessive details until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Louisiana Offshore Injury Attorney Offshore injury claims are complex, involving unique maritime laws like the Jones Act. An experienced offshore injury attorney can ensure your rights are protected and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Your recovery matters—not just physically but financially. By taking these steps, you can strengthen your case and hold negligent employers accountable for their actions. Our Louisiana offshore injury attorneys are here to help by offering deeper insights into maritime laws and rights.
Call Louisiana Maritime Lawyers for Handling All Offshore Injury Claims
Maritime workers don’t get the same protections as their counterparts on land. Instead, you rely on laws like the Jones Act, the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or the Death on the High Seas Act to protect you. We emphasize the urgency of understanding these laws to effectively navigate injury claims.
But to file claims under these laws, you need a lawyer who understands them—how they work, how to argue that they apply to you, and which ones suit your needs best.
Our firm’s track record shows that we’re equipped to handle any Louisiana offshore injury claims:
$193 million settlement for offshore workers injured in a pipeline explosion.
$125 million settlement recovered for the widow of a dredge worker who suffered fatal burn injuries in an explosion.
$68 million settlement recovered for a dredge worker injured in a pipeline accident.
$49.5 million settlement recovered for an offshore platform worker left paralyzed by company negligence.
$40 million settlement won for three Jones Act seamen injured in a vessel collision caused by poor management.
As Louisiana offshore injury attorneys, we can fight for your future using any and all legal tools available to us. Even if you’re not a citizen of this country or you were working on a foreign-flagged vessel in a U.S. port, Arnold & Itkin has the experience and resources to pursue the full and fair compensation to which you're entitled. We are committed to exploring every avenue to ensure justice is served without bias.
Beating the Offshore Company Playbook
Crew members who get injured on poorly maintained vessels in navigable waters will most likely need to file a Jones Act claim to recover what they need. However, in the worst of these situations, vessel owners often resort to filing a limitation of liability action, which essentially limits your recovery to whatever the vessel was worth after the accident.
These and other tricks in the maritime company playbook have all been thoroughly studied and beaten by our trial team. It’s why we’ve become one of the highest-performing maritime firms in the country. We stay ahead of deceptive tactics and ensure our clients remain protected and informed.
These are just a few Louisiana offshore injury cases we’re currently investigating:
Louisiana's unique position along the Gulf of Mexico makes it a hub for maritime activities, which are governed by an intricate set of laws differing from standard state or federal laws. These include the Jones Act, which allows seamen to bring claims against employers for negligence, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), extending U.S. laws to offshore workers. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone involved in maritime industries, whether you're working on deck or in administration. Violations of these laws can significantly impact safety standards, making it vital to seek knowledgeable legal advice if you're harmed in this sector.
For offshore workers in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, the complexities of maritime law can be daunting. Navigating claims by yourself can lead to missed opportunities for compensation or even case dismissals. Consulting with experienced offshore accident attorneys can provide the strategic insight needed to successfully pursue such complex claims. It's not just about understanding the laws but about applying them effectively to your situation to achieve a favorable outcome.
How Baton Rouge’s Offshore Industry Influences the Economy & Safety
Baton Rouge is more than just Louisiana’s capital—it’s a key hub for the Gulf Coast’s offshore sector. The industry provides a steady flow of jobs, fueling local businesses from logistics companies to engineering firms. But big opportunities also mean big responsibilities. When operators cut corners on safety—by ignoring maintenance, pushing crews beyond safe limits, or skimping on proper training—the entire community feels the impact.
The offshore world can be high-stakes. Lives depend on following strict safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and ensuring everyone knows how to handle emergencies. If companies fail to do their part, it’s not just workers who suffer: the economic benefits that come from offshore operations are also at risk. Baton Rouge’s position as an offshore powerhouse means local leaders, businesses, and policymakers all share a duty to keep this industry running safely. By staying focused on protecting workers, we protect the region’s economic lifeline and uphold the standards that make Baton Rouge a driving force in the Gulf Coast.
The Seacor Power Capsizing
On April 13, 2021, the Seacor Power, a commercial lift boat, set sail despite warnings from officials that a strong storm system was approaching the area. Within two hours of leaving, the vessel had capsized because of strong winds and rough waters. Nearby vessels and responders from the U.S. Coast Guard were able to pull six people from the water. One person was pulled from the water and the search for 12 more missing people was underway as of late the next day.
Causes of Louisiana boat capsizing accidents include:
Operator inexperience
A lack of training
Heading out despite severe weather warnings
Improperly loaded boats
Personal accounts from other mariners reveal treacherous conditions, with many of them saying they weren't sure if they'd make it safely back to land. One worried person—who said she was the fiancée of one of the missing—told reporters that she begged her partner not to go out that day. He expressed to her that he felt he had no choice. While investigators are looking into why the vessel was attempting to go out during rough waters, one thing seems to be clear: the Seacor Power should not have been attempting to sail in the conditions that it did.
Your Rights As an Offshore Worker in Louisiana
As an offshore worker in Louisiana, you are entitled to specific rights and protections under various maritime laws, including the Jones Act, which allows seamen to pursue legal claims against employers for on-the-job injuries caused by negligence. The Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act also provides benefits for workers who do not spend the majority of their time at sea, such as harbor workers and longshoremen. These laws help ensure that you receive compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other damages incurred as a result of workplace injuries. It is advisable to consult with a qualified offshore injury lawyer in Baton Rouge to fully understand your rights and explore the options available for your situation.
An offshore injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by guiding you through complex maritime laws to determine which type of case may be best for you. They can work to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Their in-depth understanding of laws such as the Jones Act can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, helping you seek the compensation you deserve. They can also help ensure that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met, improving the likelihood of a favorable result.
Putting Louisiana Offshore Workers & Their Families First
Imagine spending 10 or 20 years of your life working offshore. The work is hard but rewarding, and you feel that you are a valuable part of your employer's team. But then one day, you're seriously injured on the job. Instead of being supported by the company you've given your blood, sweat, and tears to, you're treated like nothing. You're told you need to return to work even though you haven't fully healed. You watch the medical bills pile up with no way to pay. Unfortunately, this is a common story for offshore workers in Louisiana and worldwide.
As Louisiana offshore injury attorneys, we take it upon ourselves to fight for the interests of workers and their families. We do what others can't: we take our battle to court and make oil and gas giants pay for their wrongdoing. We never back down, because we know what we're doing is right. We fight to win, no matter what.
If you've suffered an offshore injury, put a powerful ally in your corner. Call Arnold & Itkin at (888) 493-1629 today for a free consultation with our Louisiana offshore injury attorneys.
Our firm proudly helps clients throughout the state of Louisiana, including in Bunkie, Plaucheville, Columbia, Grayson, Galliano, Rayville, Many, Zwolle, Saint Rose, Franklin, Newellton, Angie, Sibley, and more.
CommonQuestions
I Was Injured Offshore. Do I Need to See the Company Doctor?
If you were injured in an offshore accident, your employer may ask you to see the company doctor. They may even try to pressure you into signing a statement that says you are well enough to return to work, or they may tell you that you cannot seek medical attention elsewhere.
You should know that offshore workers have the right to seek medical care from where they desire. You are not required to see the doctor that your employer wants you to see. You can seek a second opinion. Your health should come first, and that means seeking care from the doctor, facility, or specialist that’s right for you. If you have more questions about seeking medical care after an offshore injury, our attorneys are standing by to help.
What Is My Offshore Injury Case Worth?
Every case is different. Some offshore workers may have Jones Act claims and others may be entitled to compensation through other legal means. At Arnold & Itkin, we take care to understand the approach that is right for an injured crew member’s case. We look at the true and complete impact that an offshore injury has had on our client and his or her family. We take everything into consideration because it takes everything to try to rebuild and find stability after a catastrophic injury. The value of your claim may be based on medical expenses, physical and occupational therapy, the cost of ongoing treatment and care, lost earnings and benefits, loss of future earnings, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Your employer may try to put a price on the trauma you’ve experienced, but this is impossible. Holding them accountable and recovering a fair settlement or award is the only thing that can bring peace of mind and an assurance that you’ll be taken care of for the rest of your life.
What Offshore Injury Cases Has Arnold & Itkin Handled?
Our firm has taken on some of the largest offshore cases in history–and won. We represented one-third of the Deepwater Horizon crew and three of the widows of the El Faro sinking. We’ve fought for workers who have suffered life-changing injuries in all types of offshore accidents. In all, our firm has recovered over $20 billion for people in all walks of life who have been injured or have lost loved ones because of the negligence and wrongdoing of others.
What Compensation Can I Claim for Offshore Injuries?
The compensation available for offshore injuries typically includes medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and disability or disfigurement compensation. In some instances, it may also cover the failure of an employer to provide adequate maintenance and cure. The specifics will vary depending on the circumstances of your case and the applicable laws, such as the Jones Act or OCSLA. A knowledgeable Louisiana offshore injury lawyer can assess your situation, determine the right avenues for seeking compensation, and guide you through the process to maximize your claim.
Why Is Baton Rouge Significant in the Offshore Industry?
Baton Rouge's significance in the offshore industry stems from its strategic location and its role as a logistical and administrative center for countless offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The area boasts a skilled workforce and serves as a focal point for engineering, supply chain coordination, and reclamation projects. Being centrally located, it also provides essential infrastructural and logistical support, making it vital to the offshore sector's economic impact on Louisiana. As such, Baton Rouge remains pivotal in facilitating offshore activities and upholding high standards of safety and efficiency.
