Working offshore on a vessel or offshore oil rig often means working under hazardous conditions. Accidents can happen at any moment. Serious injuries and even death can result from bad weather, drowning, mechanical failures or human error on the part of the vessel’s owners, her captain and crew. Statistically, offshore workers are injured and killed on the job at a much rate higher than their dry land counterparts.
Like all employers, companies in the offshore and maritime industries have a legal obligation to provide their workers with as safe a working environment as possible. It’s critical in the potentially dangerous work conditions encountered by offshore workers. When they fail to do so, severe injuries and even death can result.
The Rights of Offshore Workers
As an injured offshore worker, you have the same rights as any other worker when it comes to collecting benefits and other compensation for your injuries. Don’t let your employers tell you any different.
- You have the right to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered, including medical bills, living expenses, lost wages, job loss and pain and suffering.
- You have a right to refuse an insurance company’s settlement offer.
- You have a right to fully recover from your injuries before going back to work.
- You have the right to be represented by an attorney.
We Protect Offshore Workers Legal Rights
The Houston maritime attorneys at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates are dedicated to protecting offshore workers legal rights after they have been injured, as well as the rights of surviving loved ones when an offshore worker is killed on the job. We represent offshore workers in all types of offshore accidents and in all areas of maritime law, including:
- General maritime law
- The Jones Act
- Longshoremen and Harbor Workers Act (LHWCA)
- Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)
Our attorneys possess the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident and uncover the evidence that will support your claim. Depending on the circumstances in your case, you may be able to collect compensation for maintenance (living expenses), care (medical expenses), pain, suffering, lost wages and job loss.
If you are an offshore worker who is unable to work due to an on-the-job injury, the law offices of Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates are here to help. Contact us to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our Houston maritime attorneys. We are here to listen to your story, explain your offshore workers legal rights, answer any questions you may have and provide professional legal advice on the best way to handle your case.
Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates is headquartered in Houston, but we serve clients working in ports, vessels and offshore platforms all over the Gulf of Mexico, from Texas to Florida, and connecting inland waterways.
