Florida Offshore Injury Attorney
It’s no secret that working offshore can be a dangerous profession. In fact, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), there were 164 reported injuries and 2 fatalities resulting from offshore incidents in 2021. That said, many more offshore injuries occur each year that may not be reported by the BSEE for one reason or another.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an accident off the shore of Florida and you’re not sure where to turn, the offshore injury attorneys at Arias and Abbass Your Attorneys are here to help. Use our guide below to learn more about offshore injury accidents and what compensation you may be entitled to recover. Then, speak with an experienced offshore serious injury attorney in our office to discuss your case and start the pathway to recovery.
Your Trusted Offshore Rig Worker Injury Attorney
While there are many personal injury lawyers in Florida, here are a few reasons why we think Arias and Abbass Your Attorneys can be a great fit for you and your needs:
- Our team has experience representing many of our current opponents, so we understand how to handle these cases from all angles.
Offshore injury cases are complicated legal disputes in a niche area of law. Thus, it’s important to hire someone with the background and experience necessary to help you navigate your claims.
Offshore Injuries: What You Need to Know
If you’re not quite ready to hire an attorney, that’s okay—we understand that you may want to consider your options before moving forward. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about offshore injury claims and whether you may qualify for accident compensation.
What Is an Offshore Injury
An offshore injury is a type of personal injury that occurs while an individual is working or engaged in activities on an offshore structure or vessel. Such offshore structures typically include oil rigs, platforms, or drilling ships.
Causes of Offshore Injuries in Florida
Offshore work is commonly considered a high-risk occupation. This is due to the hazardous conditions and nature of the work environment, which can include heavy machinery, dangerous equipment, rough seas, and confined spaces.
That said, many of these hazardous conditions are avoidable. Such conditions are frequently the direct result of negligence by one or more parties who have failed to provide a safe and seaworthy environment.
Common causes of offshore injuries include:
- Fires,
- Explosions,
- Gas releases,
- Machinery malfunctions,
- Collisions,
- Slip and falls, and
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
Regardless of the precise cause, if you sustained your injuries while working offshore due to the wrongful or negligent actions of an employer or other party, you may be entitled to legal relief.
Common Offshore Personal Injuries
Some of the most common types of offshore personal injuries include:
- Burns,
- Spine injuries,
- Head trauma,
- Crush injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Eye injuries,
- Electrocution, and
- Paralysis.
If you have sustained serious injuries in an offshore accident, be sure to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as practicable. Once you’ve received treatment contact an offshore injury attorney today.
Do I Qualify for Accident Compensation?
After an offshore injury, there are several options you may be able to pursue. For example, workers on ships and boats who legally qualify as a “seaman” may be able to pursue an injury claim against their employer under the Jones Act. Such claims typically seek monetary compensation for injuries caused by the employer’s negligence.
Another option is through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Under this federal statute, maritime workers who are not considered “seamen” under the Jones Act may still have the ability to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
Importantly, the options available to you will vary depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
Florida Offshore Injury Damages
The type of compensation you may be entitled to recover will ultimately depend on the underlying claim you choose to pursue.
For example, the LHWCA generally provides compensation for medical care and vocational rehabilitation services to employees who become disabled from covered on-the-job injuries. However, the amount of compensation will depend on a variety of factors, such as the individual’s loss of earning capacity and whether the injury resulted in a total or partial disability.
Under the Jones Act, injury victims can typically seek compensation for their actual damages, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Lost wages,
- Loss in earning capacity,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Disability and impairment, and
- Pain and suffering.
Of course, each case is different, so there is no average amount of compensation that you may be entitled to recover. Thus, if you have questions about the potential damages available in your case, speak with a qualified offshore personal injury to discuss your rights and options moving forward.
How an Offshore Serious Injury Attorney Can Help
While there is no legal rule requiring an offshore injury victim to hire legal counsel, doing so is often one of the best things you can do for your case. An experienced offshore injury attorney can help you:
- Analyze the facts of your case and determine the proper avenue for pursuing your legal claims;
- Gather evidence to help support your case;
- Negotiate potential settlements with opposing parties, their insurers, and legal counsel; and
- Litigate your claims to conclusion where appropriate.
Offshore injury claims are notoriously complex, but having an experienced professional on your side can go a long way toward simplifying the process and increasing your chances of success.
Speak with Florida’s Top Offshore Injury Attorney Today
At Arias and Abbass Your Attorneys, we pride ourselves on helping offshore injury victims and their families during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
With our extensive background and experience in maritime law, we are confident that we have what it takes to guide you through what can be a complicated and emotional process. We’ve earned the trust of our many past clients, and we hope we have the opportunity to serve you too.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Florida offshore injury attorney and see how we can help you.
