If you work in the maritime industry, you know that your job is not only rewarding but also risky. You face many hazards and challenges every day that can put your health and safety at risk. You may have to deal with heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals, high pressure, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable weather conditions. You may also have to work long hours, far from shore, and under stressful situations.
Unfortunately, these factors can lead to serious accidents that can cause severe injuries or even death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the fatal injury rate for workers in the oil and gas extraction industry was 15.6 per 100,000 workers in 2019, which was more than five times higher than the average rate for all industries (2.8 per 100,000 workers). The BLS also reported that there were 1,930 nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work for workers in the water transportation industry in 2019, which was higher than the average rate for all industries (880 per 100,000 workers).
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an offshore accident, you may be facing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. You may have to pay for expensive medical bills, lose your income or your ability to work, suffer from pain and suffering, and deal with the loss of your loved one. You may also have to deal with complex legal issues that involve your employer, your co-workers, your insurance company, and other parties.
That is why you need to hire an offshore accident attorney who specializes in this type of case. An offshore accident attorney is a legal professional who can help you protect your rights, prove your claim, and recover the compensation that you deserve. An offshore accident attorney can also help you navigate the complicated laws and regulations that apply to your case, such as the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and others.
In this article, we will explain what an offshore accident is, why it is different from a land-based accident, and why it is important to hire an offshore accident attorney who specializes in this type of case. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the best offshore accident attorney for your case. Finally, we will introduce some of the best offshore accident attorneys in USA that you can contact for a free consultation.
What Is an Offshore Accident?
An offshore accident is any injury or death that occurs on or near a vessel, platform, rig, or other maritime structure. Offshore accidents can happen in various locations and situations, such as:
- On a ship, boat, barge, tug, or other watercraft
- On an oil or gas platform, rig, or pipeline
- On a wind turbine, solar panel, or other renewable energy structure
- On a dock, pier, wharf, or terminal
- On a helicopter, plane, or other aircraft
- On a diving site, salvage site, or underwater construction site
Offshore accidents can involve various types of incidents and injuries, such as:
- Slips and falls
- Fires and explosions
- Equipment failures and malfunctions
- Collisions and crashes
- Diving accidents and decompression sickness
- Toxic exposure and chemical burns
- Electrocution and shock
- Falling objects and debris
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Infection and disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety
- Death
Why Is an Offshore Accident Different from a Land-Based Accident?
An offshore accident is different from a land-based accident in many ways. Some of the main differences are:
The Laws and Regulations
The laws and regulations that apply to offshore accidents are different from those that apply to land-based accidents. Offshore accidents are governed by maritime law, which is a body of law that regulates activities that happen on the water. Maritime law covers various aspects of offshore accidents, such as the rights and duties of maritime workers, the liability and compensation of maritime employers, the jurisdiction and venue of maritime courts, etc.
Some of the specific laws and regulations that apply to offshore accidents are:
- The Jones Act: This is a federal law that protects seamen who are injured or killed in the course of their employment on a vessel. The Jones Act allows seamen to sue their employers for negligence and recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. The Jones Act also requires employers to provide seamen with maintenance and cure, which are payments for living expenses and medical care until they reach maximum recovery.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to maritime workers who are injured or killed on navigable waters or adjoining areas. The LHWCA covers workers who are not considered seamen under the Jones Act, such as dockworkers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, etc. The LHWCA provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, death, etc.
- The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): This is a federal law that provides compensation to the families of maritime workers who are killed on the high seas. The high seas are defined as waters more than three nautical miles from the shore of any state or territory of the United States. The DOHSA provides compensation for funeral expenses and economic losses, such as loss of income, support, inheritance, etc.
These laws and regulations can be complex and confusing to understand and apply to your case. That is why you need an offshore accident attorney who is familiar and experienced with maritime law and can help you determine which law or regulation applies to your case and how to pursue your claim.
The Risks and Challenges
The risks and challenges that you face in an offshore accident case are different from those that you face in a land-based accident case. Offshore accidents can pose more risks and challenges for you, such as:
- The difficulty of preserving and collecting evidence: Offshore accidents can happen in remote and harsh environments that can make it difficult to preserve and collect evidence. For example, the weather conditions, the water currents, the marine life, etc., can damage or destroy the evidence. The evidence can also be tampered with or hidden by the parties involved in the accident, such as the employer, the co-workers, the insurance company, etc.
- The difficulty of proving liability and causation: Offshore accidents can involve multiple parties and factors that can make it difficult to prove liability and causation. For example, the employer, the co-workers, the manufacturer, the contractor, the operator, etc., can share or shift the blame for the accident. The accident can also be caused by a combination of human error, negligence, recklessness, poor maintenance, defective products, weather conditions, etc.
- The difficulty of dealing with multiple claims and lawsuits: Offshore accidents can result in multiple claims and lawsuits that can make it difficult to deal with. For example, you may have to file a claim or a lawsuit against your employer, your co-workers, your insurance company, or other parties involved in the accident. You may also have to defend yourself from a claim or a lawsuit filed by another party involved in the accident.
- The difficulty of negotiating a fair settlement or winning a favorable verdict: Offshore accidents can result in high-value claims and lawsuits that can make it difficult to negotiate a fair settlement or win a favorable verdict. For example, you may have to deal with powerful and wealthy parties who have more resources and influence than you. You may also have to deal with hostile and biased judges or juries who may not understand or sympathize with your situation.
These risks and challenges can make your offshore accident case more complicated and more difficult to win. That is why you need an offshore accident attorney who has the resources and skills to handle your case. An offshore accident attorney can help you preserve and collect evidence, prove liability and causation, deal with multiple claims and lawsuits, negotiate a fair settlement or win a favorable verdict.
How to Choose the Best Offshore Accident Attorney for Your Case?
Now that you know what an offshore accident is, why it is different from a land-based accident, and why it is important to hire an offshore accident attorney who specializes in this type of case, you might be wondering how to choose the best offshore accident attorney for your case. There are many factors that you need to consider before making your decision, such as their qualifications and experience, their free consultation and questions, and their comparison and instincts.
Check Their Qualifications and Experience
The first factor that you need to consider when choosing an offshore accident attorney is their qualifications and experience. You want to make sure that the attorney that you hire is qualified, licensed, certified, specialized, reputable, awarded, rated, reviewed, testified, and successful in handling offshore accident cases.
To check the qualifications and experience of an offshore accident attorney, you can use some online tools and resources such as:
- State Bar Association: This is an organization that regulates the legal profession in each state. You can search for an attorney by name or location and see their license status, disciplinary history, education, admission date, etc. Their website and contact details are also available. For example, you can visit the Texas State Bar Association website to find an offshore accident attorney in Texas.
- Martindale-Hubbell: This is a website that provides information on attorneys and law firms based on their peer reviews and client ratings. You can search for an attorney by name or location and see their profile page that includes their biography, practice areas, awards, ratings, reviews, testimonials, case results, etc. You can also compare different attorneys and see their strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can visit the Martindale-Hubbell website to find an offshore accident attorney with a high rating.
- Super Lawyers: This is a website that selects and lists the top attorneys in each state based on their peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research. You can search for an attorney by name or location and see their profile page that includes their biography, practice areas, awards, ratings, reviews, testimonials, case results, etc. You can also compare different attorneys and see their strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can visit the Super Lawyers website to find an offshore accident attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer.
- Avvo: This is a website that provides information on attorneys and legal issues based on their ratings, reviews, endorsements, answers, guides, etc. You can search for an attorney by name or location and see their profile page that includes their biography, practice areas, awards, ratings, reviews, endorsements, answers, guides, case results, etc. You can also compare different attorneys and see their strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can visit the Avvo website to find an offshore accident attorney with a high rating.
Some of the qualifications and experience that you should look for when choosing an offshore accident attorney are:
- Their license to practice law in your state is current.
- They have a certification or specialization in maritime law or personal injury law.
- They have a good reputation and recognition among their peers and clients.
- They have won awards or honors from reputable organizations or publications.
- They have high ratings or reviews from independent sources or platforms.
- They have positive testimonials or feedback from previous clients or colleagues.
- They have impressive case results or settlements in offshore accident cases.
Schedule a Free Consultation and Ask Questions
The second factor that you need to consider when choosing an offshore accident attorney is their free consultation and questions. You want to make sure that the attorney that you hire is available, affordable, strategic, realistic, communicative, and compatible with you.
To schedule a free consultation and ask questions to an offshore accident attorney, you can use some online tools and resources such as:
- Attorney’s Website: This is the online platform that showcases the attorney’s services, achievements, and contact information. You can visit the attorney’s website and fill out an online form or call the phone number to request a free consultation. You can also browse the website for more information about the attorney’s background, practice areas, case results, etc.
- Attorney’s Social Media: This is the online platform that connects the attorney with their audience, clients, and potential clients. You can follow the attorney’s social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc., and see their posts, videos, stories, etc. You can also message or comment on the attorney’s social media to ask questions or request a free consultation.
- Attorney’s Email: This is the online platform that allows the attorney to communicate with their clients and potential clients via electronic mail. You can email the attorney’s address and ask questions or request a free consultation. You can also attach any documents or photos that are relevant to your case.
Compare Different Options and Trust Your Gut Feeling
The third and final factor that you need to consider when choosing an offshore accident attorney is their comparison and instincts. You want to make sure that the attorney that you hire is the best one for your case. You don’t want to regret your decision or miss out on a better opportunity.
To compare different options and trust your instincts when choosing an offshore accident attorney, you can use some online tools and resources such as:
- Attorney’s Portfolio: This is the collection of the attorney’s work samples, such as their case results, settlements, verdicts, awards, etc. You can review the attorney’s portfolio and see their performance and achievements in offshore accident cases. You can also see their style and approach in handling different types of cases.
- Attorney’s Testimonials: This is the collection of the attorney’s feedback from their previous clients, such as their reviews, ratings, comments, etc. You can read the attorney’s testimonials and see their satisfaction and dissatisfaction in working with the attorney. You can also see their personality and attitude in dealing with different types of clients.
- Attorney’s References: This is the collection of the attorney’s contacts from their previous clients, colleagues, or partners, such as their names, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. You can contact the attorney’s references and ask them about their experience and opinion on working with the attorney. You can also ask them for any advice or recommendations on choosing an offshore accident attorney.
Some of the instincts that you should trust when choosing an offshore accident attorney are:
- They are professional and courteous in their communication and behavior.
- They are passionate and enthusiastic about your case and your cause.
- They are compatible and comfortable with you and your situation.
- They are confident and competent in their abilities and skills.
- They are honest and trustworthy in their promises and expectations.
Best Offshore Accident Attorneys in USA
Now that you know how to choose the best offshore accident attorney for your case, you might be interested in knowing some of the best offshore accident attorneys in USA that you can contact for a free consultation. Here are some examples of reputable and effective offshore accident attorneys in USA that you can choose from:
Arnold & Itkin LLP
Arnold & Itkin LLP is a law firm that specializes in maritime law, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to fight for justice for its clients who have been injured or killed by the negligence or wrongdoing of others.
Arnold & Itkin LLP has been serving clients since 2004. It has a team of skilled and experienced attorneys who have won numerous awards and honors from various organizations and publications, such as The Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers®, The National Law Journal®, etc.
Arnold & Itkin LLP offers a free consultation and a contingency fee arrangement to its clients. It does not charge any fees unless it wins the case. It also covers all the expenses related to the case, such as expert fees, court costs, etc.
To contact Arnold & Itkin LLP, you can fill out an online form or call 888-493-1629. You can also visit their website for more information.
Willis Law Firm
Willis Law Firm is a law firm that focuses on maritime law, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to help its clients who have been injured or lost a loved one in a maritime accident by providing them with personalized and aggressive representation.
Willis Law Firm has been serving clients since 1982. It has a team of knowledgeable and dedicated attorneys who have received recognition and respect from various organizations and publications, such as The National Trial Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Avvo®, Houstonia Magazine®, etc.
Willis Law Firm offers a free consultation and a contingency fee arrangement to its clients. It does not charge any fees unless it recovers compensation for its clients. It also advances all the costs related to the case, such as investigation fees, filing fees, etc.
To contact Willis Law Firm, you can fill out an online form or call 800-468-4878. You can also visit their website for more information.
FVF Law Firm
FVF Law Firm is a law firm that handles personal injury and wrongful death cases, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to help its clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially after a devastating accident.
FVF Law Firm has been serving clients since 2014. It has a team of qualified and experienced attorneys who have earned recognition and praise from various organizations and publications, such as The National Trial Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Avvo®, The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys®, etc.
FVF Law Firm offers a free consultation and a no win no fee guarantee to its clients. It does not charge any fees unless it wins the case. It also pays for all the expenses related to the case, such as expert fees, medical records, etc.
To contact FVF Law Firm, you can fill out an online form or call 512-982-9328. You can also visit their website for more information.
Other Offshore Accident Attorneys
Besides the three examples above, there are many other offshore accident attorneys in USA that you can choose from. Here are some of them with their brief descriptions and contact information:
- Lapeze & Johns: This is a law firm that represents victims of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to provide compassionate and effective representation to its clients. To contact Lapeze & Johns, you can fill out an online form or call 713-739-1010. You can also visit their website for more information.
- The Lambert Firm: This is a law firm that specializes in maritime law, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to fight for the rights and interests of maritime workers who have been injured or killed on the job. To contact The Lambert Firm, you can fill out an online form or call 800-521-1750. You can also visit their website for more information.
- Morrow & Sheppard LLP: This is a law firm that handles personal injury and wrongful death cases, including offshore accident cases. Its mission is to help its clients obtain justice and compensation for their losses. To contact Morrow & Sheppard LLP, you can fill out an online form or call 800-489-2216. You can also visit their website for more information.
Offshore accidents are serious and complex events that can cause severe injuries or death to maritime workers or their families. Offshore accidents are different from land-based accidents in many ways, such as the laws and regulations that apply to them, the risks and challenges that they pose, and the compensation that they offer.
That is why you need to hire an offshore accident attorney who specializes in this type of case. An offshore accident attorney can help you protect your rights, prove your claim, and recover your compensation. An offshore accident attorney can also help you navigate the complicated laws and regulations that apply to your case, such as the Jones Act, the LHWCA, the DOHSA, and others.
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