An Offshore Accident Firm You Can Trust
Given the complexity of offshore work environments—from hazardous equipment to unpredictable weather conditions—it's crucial to have legal representation that understands the unique challenges of maritime law. Our Texas offshore accident firm actively aids in navigating clients through the legal intricacies involved in claims related to offshore injuries, ensuring that all legal rights are exercised and that full compensation avenues are explored. Our team is deeply committed to understanding the individual circumstances of each incident, which varies vastly from standard work accidents due to the high-risk and high-stakes nature of offshore employment.
We have secured landmark results in offshore accident cases, such as:
- $193 million for two offshore workers severely injured in a pipeline explosion.
- $125 million for the widow of a dredge worker killed in an offshore explosion.
- $68 million for a Texas offshore worker seriously burned in a pipeline explosion.
- $49.5 million for a young worker left paralyzed after an offshore platform accident.
Common Causes of Offshore Accidents
The years of experience that we have in dealing with offshore accidents have revealed a common thread in what causes these incidents to occur. As unfortunate as it may be, employer negligence is one of the most common causes of accidents for employees who are working offshore. Regardless of the specific occupation title, every offshore worker is put under the care of an employer for the majority of their day. It is the legal responsibility of an offshore employer to maintain a safe working environment and to protect employees against avoidable hazards.
Lack of adequate training and failures to comply with safety regulations contribute to all offshore accidents. Workers often face dangerous conditions without proper safety gear or procedures, increasing the potential for harm. The complexities of strategic operations and confined working spaces exacerbate these risks, requiring stringent adherence to safety protocols and regular safety audits, which offshore companies too frequently overlook in pursuit of productivity. Our team is dedicated to holding those accountable who fail to ensure safety and put worker well-being at risk.
Offshore workers commonly suffer injuries such as:
These accidents can be caused by fires, falls, equipment failures, or other deck accidents. Every offshore company is required to train employees on current safety standards and practices, but sometimes employers can become lazy or negligent, and it is the workers who pay the price.
Types of Common Offshore Accidents
Offshore Fires & Explosions
Because of the combustible nature of drilling, offshore rigs are at significant risk of fires and explosions. While these types of events occur infrequently, they are usually the most catastrophic type of offshore accident. One of the most notable explosions occurred in 2010 when the blowout preventer on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig failed. The ensuing explosion killed 11 workers and injured dozens more. Fires or explosions can also be caused by poorly maintained pipelines, improperly stored fuel, or collisions between multiple vessels. These incidents are no light matter.
After an explosion, the vessel may sink. A fire can be equally as damaging and may quickly spread across the entire offshore platform, trapping workers and leaving no room for escape.
If you have experienced the devastating consequences of a fire or explosion while working as an offshore worker, turn to our firm for caring legal help. At Arnold & Itkin, we have seen the ways that an offshore fire can wreak havoc on a worker's life. Serious physical injuries and emotional trauma are only the beginning. Often, injured workers rack up hefty medical bills due to hospital visits and rehabilitation, leaving them financially overwhelmed. Time and time again, these offshore workers have found relief from their helpless situation by contacting an attorney at our firm. If we take your case, we will fight for the compensation you need to make a full recovery and pay off your medical bills.
Oil Rig Injuries
Offshore oil drilling is dangerous work. The complex equipment needed to drill at such depths is a primary source of hazards. Additionally, most companies do not have the experience drilling offshore that they do with onshore oil rigs. The complexity of offshore drilling combined with the lack of experience increases the chances of an accident occurring on the rig. According to data from the U.S. Minerals Management Service (the federal agency that regulates offshore activity), a significant percentage of offshore accidents are caused by human error.
Oil rig operations demand attentive and detailed protocols to ensure worker safety, yet high turnover and long shifts can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of errors. Furthermore, offshore drilling often occurs in challenging environments, where weather and natural elements complicate operations. Addressing these conditions requires not only robust training programs but also a culture that prioritizes safety over speed and efficiency. We are here to support those impacted by injuries from these perilous conditions, offering a path to justice and restitution.
Deck Accidents
The deck has a lot of activity. Workers who are not careful could be struck by heavy equipment, slip on a wet surface, or fall off an unsecured ladder. Additionally, a sudden movement of the ship or vessel could cause workers to lose their balance, resulting in back or head injuries.
Equipment Failure
Equipment on offshore vessels presents a number of hazards to the workers who are operating the machinery. Limbs can get caught in dangerous parts of the equipment, workers can be pinned underneath a heavy load, or they can be burned or shocked by active equipment.
Equipment failure is almost an inevitable part of life on offshore vessels, but it shouldn't be. Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are critical to avoiding equipment malfunctions that jeopardize safety. Our firm targets these oversights, advocating for the rights of employees subjected to faulty and dangerous machinery. We emphasize accountability for maintenance failures and push for comprehensive safety audits to protect future workers from similar dangers. Safety should always be a priority, ensuring that equipment is inspected regularly to meet standard safety requirements.
Weather-Related Accidents & Capsizing
While it's true that offshore companies cannot control the weather, they can protect their crew from storms that they know are coming. Tropical storms and hurricanes present a serious hazard for offshore workers and increase the risk of accidents and even capsizing. This happened to the El Faro, a cargo ship that went down with her entire crew on October 1, 2015, after she steamed straight into the path of Hurricane Joaquin. The entire 142-man crew of the Globetrotter II was left to weather Hurricane Ida in September of 2021, and though no lives were lost, the vessel nearly capsized 3 times and everyone on board thought they were going to die.
In extreme weather, advanced precautionary measures and robust emergency protocols can make a significant difference in safeguarding lives. It is imperative for companies to invest in high-level forecasting tools and make informed decisions regarding offshore operations and evacuations during adverse weather forecasts. We insist on heightened responsibility and preparedness from all offshore operators, emphasizing their duty to minimize risk to seafarers.
Barge & Tugboat Injuries
Tugboats need to be extremely powerful to assist barges back to shore. However, along with their power comes an added risk of injury. Working on a tugboat is increasingly dangerous while the boat is attached to a barge.
- Tow lines parting
- Handling heavy lines and shackles
- Equipment failure
- Crew negligence
- Slippery decks
- Falls overboard
When these incidents injure workers or claim their lives, our Texas offshore accident attorneys stand ready to protect their interests.
Common Causes of Offshore Injuries
At Arnold & Itkin, we recognize that offshore injuries can be debilitating to the victim. We also know that no two offshore cases are the same. Should you choose to work with our legal team, you will be able to rest assured knowing you will have an advocate on your side who is deeply knowledgeable about all areas of maritime law.
No matter the reason for the offshore accident that caused you harm, you can trust that we will go the distance in our efforts to protect you and your family. We handle cases involving:
Distracted Mariners
Shipping accidents on navigable waters may occur because the navigator of a ship or crew is distracted by a cell or other wireless device. Just as phones and texting can distract drivers on the highway, wireless devices can lead to serious accidents at sea, including collisions and groundings. The U.S. Coast Guard recently issued a safety advisory warning the industry of the risk of using cell phones and other wireless devices while operating a vessel.
Understanding the potential ramifications of negligent distractions is vital. Our firm focuses on the broader issue of safety culture and training on vessels to highlight the importance of maintaining attention and having clear operational communication. Addressing these issues requires a commitment to creating policy changes onboard that strictly limit wireless device usage, particularly during critical navigational tasks.
Ships & Cell Phone Use
The Coast Guard strongly recommends ship owners and operators develop policies regarding the appropriate use of cell phones and wireless devices while on duty. When mariners are navigating a ship, the use of wireless devices unrelated to the task at hand may cause lapses of attention, disrupt the exchange of information, and lead to serious offshore accidents involving injuries and fatalities. Similarly, full attention and active communication are demanded when crew members are loading or unloading cargo, taking on fuel or other hazardous activities.
The National Transportation Safety Board has found that the use of cellphones and other mobile communication devices can slow response times, hinder performance, and increase attention lapses of those in safety-sensitive positions. All crew members are supposed to act as lookouts for potential accidents aboard ship. In two recent investigations, the NTSB determined that Coast Guard crew were engaged in texting or cell phone conversations unrelated to work at the time of two offshore collisions involving patrol boats that left 1 child dead and 10 injured.
The casual use of a cell phone or wireless device by a co-worker or crew member before a serious offshore accident may reflect a lack of proper supervision or lack of attention to safety and may be evidence of negligence. The Coast Guard has said it now recognizes the hazard of distracted mariners and says offshore employers should work to reduce preventable accidents.
Understanding Texas Offshore Accident Laws
Offshore accidents in Texas fall under specific legal frameworks that aim to protect the rights of workers and ensure they receive appropriate compensation for injuries sustained on the job. The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides remedies for seamen who are injured due to the negligence of their employers. This law allows injured seamen to file claims for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Texas offshore workers should explore their options under this act as it offers broader protection compared to standard workers' compensation laws.
Additionally, other laws, such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), extend benefits to shore-based workers involved in maritime employment, providing them with coverage similar to that of the Jones Act. Employers in the oil and gas sectors on the Gulf of Mexico are also subject to these regulations, making legal advice crucial when pursuing a claim. Legal support can make a significant difference in interpreting these complex laws and ensuring that workers receive full recompense.
Why Choose Our Offshore Accident Lawyers in Houston?
Choosing Arnold & Itkin means selecting a team devoted to fighting for justice while prioritizing your recovery and financial stability. Since our founding, we have committed ourselves to representing injured offshore workers with diligence and compassion. Our track record of securing over $20 billion in verdicts and settlements speaks to our ability to deliver results, not just promises. Our relentless commitment to our clients ensures that each case is met with personalized attention and strategic planning.
Beyond offering legal services, we are committed to our clients' well-being throughout the legal process, helping them access necessary medical and rehabilitation services. In a high-stakes environment like offshore work, knowing that you have a seasoned legal team on your side can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate through a challenging time. At Arnold & Itkin, we stand ready to advocate for you every step of the way.
Understanding Offshore Accidents: Fault & Compensation
Determining fault in an offshore accident typically involves a thorough investigation of the incident's circumstances. Factors such as employer negligence, equipment maintenance issues, and adherence to safety regulations are examined to establish liability. The Jones Act plays a critical role in such evaluations, as it only requires showing that employer negligence played any part in the injury, making it relatively advantageous to the seaman.
Witness statements, inspection reports, and safety records are often used to substantiate claims of negligence or unsafe work environments. Having an experienced attorney is crucial in meticulously documenting and arguing these factors, providing you with the best chance of securing favorable results in your claim.
Compensation for offshore accident injuries can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for claims under the Jones Act, which permits injured seamen to claim damages due to negligence. Alternatively, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act may provide coverage for certain maritime workers not covered by the Jones Act.
Understanding the full extent of potential compensation requires an experienced attorney familiar with maritime law to evaluate your situation and assert your legal rights. Don't let the complexity of legal processes deter you from pursuing deserved compensation—our team is here to offer thorough guidance.
Contact a Texas Offshore Accident Attorney for Help: (888) 493-1629
At Arnold & Itkin, we are acquainted with your rights as an offshore worker. We have dedicated countless hours to studying laws such as the Jones Act and the Limitation of Liability Act so we can provide the best possible legal representation. If your family has lost a loved one because of an accident, our Texas offshore death law firm can help. We can fight for the funeral costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and anything else that the death of your loved one caused. While we can't change what happened, we can fight for answers from those who could have.
If you are suffering from an offshore accident, now is the time to act. Call (888) 493-1629 or fill out our online form for your free, private consultation. We're ready to listen and help.
