Most people who work on offshore rigs know that the job carries some inherent dangers. However, nobody can be prepared for the catastrophic injuries that can occur due to an offshore rig collapse. The consequences of such a dramatic event are often devastating and far-reaching, touching every aspect of the victim’s life.
If you have suffered injuries in an offshore rig collapse, you have a right to recover compensation for your losses. While state workers’ compensation laws might not apply to injuries you have sustained at sea, you may still be eligible to file a claim under federal maritime and admiralty laws.
Common Injuries Sustained in Offshore Rig Collapses
The injuries sustained in an offshore rig collapse can be severe and life-altering. Victims may suffer from broken bones, burns, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and even amputations. The emotional trauma and physical pain that accompanies these injuries can be immense, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, the injuries may be so severe that the victim cannot return to work, leading to lost income and financial stability.
Jones Act Coverage for Offshore Rig Injuries
The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides crucial protections for seamen who suffer injuries while working on vessels in navigation. This law recognizes the unique risks and challenges maritime workers face and aims to ensure they have access to fair compensation in the event of an injury.
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen have the right to seek compensation from their employers if the injury was caused by negligence. Negligence can include failure to provide a safe working environment, inadequate training, or defective equipment. In the case of an offshore rig collapse, the Jones Act may provide coverage for injured workers, allowing them to recover damages for their losses.
To be eligible for coverage under the Jones Act, a worker must meet the definition of a “seaman.” This generally means that the worker must spend a significant amount of their time working on a vessel in navigation, contributing to the vessel’s function or mission. Offshore rig workers who are injured in a collapse may qualify as seamen under the Jones Act, depending on the specific circumstances of their employment.
Compensation available under the Jones Act can include money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
How an Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation
An experienced offshore rig collapse attorney can take over the claims process to seek compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will investigate the collapse, collect evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. They will also work to protect your rights throughout the legal process and fight tirelessly to acquire the maximum compensation available for your losses. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., Today
The aftermath of an offshore rig collapse can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and anxious. You might have questions about how you will be able to afford medical care, whether you will ever be able to return to work, and whether you will be capable of enjoying your life to the same degree as before the accident.
Working with an experienced offshore rig collapse attorney at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. can help you chart a clear path toward a brighter future. Our firm has proudly stood up for injured North Dakotans’ rights for over a century, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks and Minot, as well as the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
