The oil and gas industry is a prominent force in Louisiana’s economy and provides thousands of its citizens with employment each year. Unfortunately, the oil and gas industry can be a dangerous workplace and lead to severe injuries after accidents occur on an offshore platform. A severe injury on an offshore rig can be devastating to a worker and their family. It is important to keep in mind that you are able to bring a claim for your resulting damages after an offshore injury.

Louisiana and the federal government have protections put in place to protect offshore workers. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in walking through these statutes and determining which law your claim will fall within.

Common Offshore Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries sustained through the oil and gas industry can range from minimal to fatal. The most common types of injuries include:

• Back Injuries/Spinal Cord Injuries – Back injuries can include strain caused by overexertion, or sever injuries caused by falls or falling objects. The spinal cord plays an important role in the body, and any damage could be detrimental to the injured individual.
• Brain Damage/Head Injuries – A falling object can land on an offshore worker’s head, causing severe brain damage. Traumatic brain injuries are devastating to an individual and can lead to ongoing treatment for the rest of their lives.
• Burn Injuries – Offshore workers spend a lot of time working with machinery and chemicals, increasing the chances for burn injuries. The resulting injuries from offshore burns can lead to severe scarring and ongoing medical care.
• Crush Injuries – Offshore rig workers often handle extremely heavy machinery and equipment. The mishandling of any of these objects could lead to severe falls and crush injuries.

Louisiana is a comparative negligence state, which means that an offshore worker will be entitled to claim damages for an injury sustained offshore dependent on whether they were additionally at fault for the accident. The claim will take into consideration the victim’s own actions. If the victim’s actions were found to be 10 percent the reason for the injury, then total damages will be reduced by 10 percent.

Limitations on Time to File a Claim

It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the offshore injury occurs to determine the best route to take. If you fall within the Louisiana workers’ compensation statute, then you have a limited time to put your employer on notice of the injury. If you wish to file a personal injury claim, you have one year from the date of the injury to bring a claim.

Seek Experienced Offshore Injury Claim Counsel – Call Jones & Hill Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in an offshore accident, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of Jones & Hill. Our attorneys have years of experience in assisting our clients with their personal injury claims. We understand that offshore rig accidents can have devastating consequences on you, your future, and your family and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.