Working offshore has developed a reputation as a dangerous profession. There are countless ways that injuries can occur, and they will vary based on the type of work that you do. In some situations, it could be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages.
If you were hurt in an offshore accident, a dedicated workplace injury attorney might be able to provide you with guidance on whether legal action is available to you. Let a Bellaire offshore injury lawyer evaluate your case and advise you on the strength of your claim.
How Offshore Accidents Happen
Offshore accidents can happen under many different circumstances. These accidents can be related to reckless behavior, management failures, poor maintenance, or mechanical failures.
Whether or not an injury lawsuit is a possibility in these cases depends on how the incident happened and who was responsible. While the law does prevent legal action against employers in some cases, it is possible to file suit against negligent third parties that cause an injury. A Bellaire attorney could pursue legal action for offshore injuries in the following cases:
- Equipment malfunction
- Negligent training or hiring
- Falls
- Crane accidents
- Explosions
- Inadequate vessel maintenance
- Boat collisions
Because of the unique nature of offshore claims, it is best to work with a seasoned professional who understands which laws will apply.
Possible Compensation for Offshore Work Injuries
When offshore injury lawsuits are successful, they can lead to a wide range of monetary compensation. The compensation in these cases is designed to apply to the financial, emotional, and physical hardships experienced by injury victims. A Bellaire offshore injury attorney could sit down with a worker and identify which losses they should include in their claim.
Lost Wages
For many people, the consequences of an injury include being unable to return to work right away – or potentially the inability to return to the same type of physical job. Physical injuries or illnesses could make it impossible to perform vital work tasks, and it can take months or longer to fully recover. When this happens, damages could replace the wages lost during a person’s recovery.
Medical Costs
The cost of medical care is frequently high for those involved in offshore accidents. A successful lawsuit could provide an offshore worker with compensation that pays for their medical treatment, like surgeries, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. This includes not only past medical care but future medical needs as well.
Pain and Suffering
The injuries associated with offshore accidents are often painful. Sometimes that pain will fade, while in other situations, chronic pain can last forever. This long-lasting pain usually stems from injuries like amputation or nerve damage. It could be possible to recover a monetary award based on the pain and suffering sustained in offshore injuries. While these losses are subjective, it could be possible to use compelling evidence to show a jury what the plaintiff is experiencing.
Diminished Future Earning Power
It is one thing to miss time away from work due to an injury. It is another thing to lose out on future income due to permanently disabling conditions. If a person is able to return to the workforce – in the offshore industry or not – in a limited capacity, it could impact the wages they are able to earn. Any diminished wages could be recovered through a civil suit.
Contact a Bellaire Offshore Injury Attorney Today
You deserve legal counsel who will aggressively fight for fair compensation due to the harm you endured while on the job. This includes working to resolve your case through a settlement or pursuing litigation when needed. The attorneys at the Gutierrez Law Firm are ready to serve as your advocates. Reach out to a Bellaire offshore injury lawyer right away and schedule a free consultation.
