Louisiana Oil Rig Accident Attorney | Expert Help

Working on an oil rig is extremely dangerous. In 2018, over 104 oil and gas workers died in the U.S1.. Louisiana has more than 4,000 platforms and rigs off its coast1. This puts many workers at risk of serious injuries or death. For example, a 2017 explosion in Lake Pontchartrain injured at least 7 people1.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an oil rig accident, we can help. At Gordon McKernan, we’ve been fighting for injury victims for over 40 years2. We know the challenges and legal issues of these cases. Our team will give you the attention and advice you need to get the compensation you deserve1.

Key Takeaways

  • Oil rig workers face many dangers, like bad equipment, poor training, and slippery conditions1.
  • Offshore accidents can cause serious injuries. It’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer1.
  • The Jones Act protects injured seamen, offering benefits and the right to sue employers32.
  • Our team at Gordon McKernan is available 24/7 for free consultations. We have offices across Louisiana2.
  • Working with a skilled oil rig accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of success1.

Dangers Faced by Oil Rig Workers in Louisiana

Working on an oil rig in Louisiana is very dangerous. Offshore workers can get hurt badly while working. Oil companies must keep the work area safe for everyone4.

But, accidents still happen. This includes problems with drilling rigs, gas leaks, and bad weather4.

Common Causes of Oil Rig Accidents

Explosions on oil rigs are very dangerous for workers in Louisiana5. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found big cybersecurity risks in 20225. Workers often face accidents from bad equipment and the environment4.

Injuries Sustained in Oil Rig Accidents

Workers can get burns, broken bones, and head injuries4. These accidents hurt not just the workers but their families too. Families lose money, worry, and sometimes face grief4.

Workers on oil rigs can get help under the Jones Act4. But, they might face challenges from their employers. That’s why they need strong legal support4.

Incident Location Outcome
Wild Well Control well explosion Louisiana 4 contractors severely burned
Texas Petroleum crude oil leak Louisiana 2,100-gallon leak, area contaminated
Texas Petroleum oilfield platform boat explosion Louisiana 2 men died
Breton Island platform fire Louisiana Oil spill, 28 people evacuated
Beauregard Parish tank explosion Louisiana 14-year-old girl killed
Seacor Power lift boat capsizing Louisiana 19 workers aboard, 6 rescued, 6 deceased, 7 presumed dead or missing
Shell Auger Platform accident Louisiana 2 worker deaths during routine operation
Talos Energy platform accident Louisiana Contractor seriously injured, later died
Petrobras Americas drillship accident Louisiana Offshore contractor died

Oil rig workers have a high likelihood of facing employer contests against their claims and attempts to avoid compensating for injuries, thus the importance of having a solid legal support system.

The Jones Act: Protecting the Rights of Offshore Workers

For oil rig workers in Louisiana, the Jones Act is key. It gives them legal protections and compensation if they get hurt. This law spells out the rights and duties of seamen who get injured at sea6.

Key Provisions of the Jones Act

The Jones Act gives injured maritime workers two main rights. First, they get “maintenance and cure,” which is like room and board at sea, plus medical care6. Second, they can sue their employer if the injury was caused by negligence or if the vessel was not safe6.

Employers are considered negligent if they don’t provide a safe work environment or if the rig or vessel is unsafe6. Workers have three years to file a Jones Act claim, in federal or state court6. Even independent contractors might be seen as employees under the Jones Act, based on their work and relationship with the vessel6.

The Jones Act covers many maritime workers in Louisiana, like deckhands, captains, and cooks67. These workers can get compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages, besides medical costs7.

It’s important for Louisiana oil rig workers to get legal help fast if they’re hurt on the job76. A skilled Jones Act lawyer can help protect their rights and make sure they get the compensation they deserve6.

Jones Act claims

“Broussard Injury Lawyers have recovered over $100 million in compensation for their clients, and our experienced maritime lawyers have a history of helping clients to recover more than $100 million in compensation.”

oil rig accident attorney louisiana

If you’ve been hurt in an oil rig accident in Louisiana, knowing your legal rights is key. The Mahone Firm, a top maritime law firm, offers the help you need8.

In Louisiana, the time limit to file a claim for oil rig injuries has changed. Now, you have two years to file a claim for accidents after July 1, 20248. But, if your injury happened before that, the old one-year limit still applies8.

Our team of offshore injury lawyers and maritime law firm experts know a lot about jones act claims and oilfield accident lawsuits. We’ve helped many clients get good results, including oil field injury attorney and drilling rig accident claims8.

If you were in a barge accident, platform accident, or any oil rig accident, our louisiana oil and gas attorney team is here for you. We make sure your rights are protected and you get the platform accident compensation you deserve89.

oil rig accident attorney louisiana

Don’t wait to contact our team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys if you’ve been hurt in an oilfield accident in Louisiana. Our oil rig accident attorney louisiana team is ready to help you through the maritime law process and get you the compensation you need89.

Conclusion

Oil rig workers in Louisiana face many dangers on the job. These include faulty equipment, bad weather, and the chance of serious injuries like burns and broken bones10. These risks are made worse by the carelessness of their employers and the owners of the rigs10.

The Jones Act helps protect these workers. It gives them the right to “maintenance and cure” and lets them sue their employer if they were careless1011. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) also helps. It provides compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses, without needing to prove the employer was at fault11.

If you’ve been hurt in an oil rig accident in Louisiana, you need a good lawyer. Look for someone like the team at Broussard, David & Moroux or the Chopin Law Firm1011. They can guide you through the legal process, make sure you file on time, and fight for the best compensation10. Don’t wait to get a free consultation. Your recovery and financial health could depend on it.

FAQ

What are the most common causes of oil rig accidents in Louisiana?

Oil rig workers face many dangers. These include faulty drilling rigs and gas leaks. Also, bad weather and rig damage are big risks.

What types of injuries can oil rig workers sustain in an accident?

Workers often get burns, broken bones, and head injuries. These can hurt their families too, causing money problems and stress.

What rights do offshore workers have under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act gives workers two main rights. They get money for living expenses and medical care. They can also sue their employer if they were hurt because of negligence.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an oil rig accident in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you now have two years to file a claim for accidents after July 1, 2024. If your injury happened before that, you still have one year.

Why should I hire an experienced oil rig accident attorney in Louisiana?

A skilled maritime law attorney can guide you through the legal process. They know the Jones Act well and will fight for your rights. They make sure you get all the help and compensation you deserve.

Source Links

  1. Baton Rouge Offshore Accident Lawyer – Free Consultation – https://www.daylawgroup.com/baton-rouge-offshore-accident-lawyer/
  2. Louisiana Oil Rig Injury Lawyers – Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyers – https://www.nbalawfirm.com/louisiana-oil-rig-injury-lawyers/
  3. Oil Rig Accidents – https://cuerialawfirm.com/new-orleans-injury-lawyer/maritime-lawyer/oil-rig-accidents/
  4. Oil Rig Accident Attorney in Louisiana – https://www.getgordon.com/oil-rig-accident-lawyer/
  5. Offshore Oil Rig Explosion Accident Lawyer in Louisiana | Over $1 Billion Won – https://onmyside.com/areas-we-serve/louisiana/maritime-injury-lawyer/oil-rig/explosion/
  6. Louisiana Offshore & Maritime Accident Lawyer | Jones Act Attorney – https://www.broussardinjurylawyers.com/practice-areas/jones-act-offshore-maritime/
  7. PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS – https://www.charbonnetlawfirm.com/personal-injury-attorney/offshore-worker-jones-act-louisiana/
  8. Offshore Accident Lawyer | Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello – https://tcmlawoffice.com/practice-areas/oilfield-accidents-injuries/
  9. Louisiana Oil & Gas Drilling Injury | Floating Vessels & Drilling Rigs – https://www.markslear.com/personal-injury/drilling-rig-accidents/
  10. Offshore Injury | Lafayette Maritime Law Lawyers Broussard, David & Moroux – https://www.broussard-david.com/offshore-injury.html
  11. New Orleans Maritime Lawyers: Injuries on Rigs | The Chopin Law Firm LLC – https://www.chopinlawfirm.com/personal-injury/maritime-injury/injuries-on-rigs/

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