Offshore Accident Lawyer in Metairie, LA

Fighting for Accident Victims & Their Families Throughout Southwest and Southeast Louisiana

An offshore accident refers to any unfortunate incident or injury occurring on or near bodies of water, typically related to professions such as maritime, oil and gas extraction, fishing, and other industrial activities at sea or on offshore installations.

Working offshore is often highly hazardous due to the unpredictable nature of the marine environment and the complexity of the industrial operations conducted. Workers are constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions, from fierce storms to treacherous waves, which can lead to accidents or contribute to the severity of incidents. 

At the Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson, we know the risks and dangers offshore workers face daily. Our firm is here to cover the legal burden of workers’ compensation and personal injury claims stemming from offshore accidents. 

We fight to ensure that you and your family secure the benefits and compensation you are entitled to under Louisiana law. Our team knows how to conduct meticulous investigations, document evidence, consult with medical experts, and build claims that can be successfully negotiated, appealed, or litigated in civil court.

Arrange for a free case assessment with our Metairie offshore accident attorney by contacting us onlineor calling (985) 531-1945. 

The Dangers of Working Offshore in Louisiana

The isolation of offshore facilities poses significant risks for emergency response and medical aid, which may be hours away should an accident occur. The combination of heavy machinery, flammable materials, and corrosive seawater further increases the potential for catastrophic mechanical or equipment failures and accidents. 

Additionally, the physiological impact of working long shifts under such strenuous conditions can lead to fatigue, significantly contributing to human error and subsequent accidents.

These accidents commonly occur on oil rigs, drilling platforms, sea vessels, docks, or harbors and can happen in state inland waters and federal waters off the coast. Industries primarily involved in offshore accidents are those related to offshore drilling and production, commercial fishing, maritime transportation, shipyard work, and other ocean-related activities. 

Injuries & Workers Subject to Offshore Accidents

Accidents can range from equipment malfunctions and vessel collisions to slips, falls, fires, explosions, jack-up rig accidents, dredging accidents, well blowouts, and drilling accidents. Injuries can harm drilling and rig workers, dockers, tugboat operators, harbor workers, cruise ship and commercial ship personnel, and others associated with offshore work. 

Injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, changing the lives of victims forever. 

These can include but are not limited to:

The trauma of such accidents and injuries can be substantial, resulting in emotional repercussions like anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks, and nightmares. Long-term or permanent disability can also lead to severe depression. 

The stress of financial insecurity can compound the psychological turmoil due to loss of income and high medical expenses. To aid in recovery, comprehensive medical treatment plans need to address these mental health concerns alongside physical rehabilitation. 

Laws Applicable to Offshore Accidents in Louisiana

In Louisiana, a combination of federal and state laws apply to offshore accidents, each catering to different types of workers and incidents: 

• The Jones Act: This federal statute offers protection to seamen who are injured in the course of their employment, allowing them to make claims and collect from their employers for the negligence of the ship owner, the captain, or fellow members of the crew.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This act provides workers’ compensation to maritime employees who are not considered seamen but work on or near navigable waters. It covers those who work on docks, in shipping terminals, or shipyards and provides compensation for lost wages, medical treatment, and rehabilitation for injuries sustained on the job.
• The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA): The OCSLA extends the provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to cover workers on the Outer Continental Shelf in the exploration and development of natural resources, such as offshore drilling for oil and gas.

Injury Claims for Offshore Accidents: How We Can Help

The Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson is well-versed in navigating the complexities of maritime laws to ensure injured workers receive the appropriate workers’ compensation benefits.

We diligently work to gather critical evidence, from accident reports to witness statements and medical records, to build a compelling case for our clients. Our firm collaborates with medical professionals to ensure the full extent of our clients’ injuries is documented and understood. 

By meticulously preparing claims and appeals, we aim to secure the fullest compensation possible for lost wages, medical costs, and rehabilitation expenses allowable under Louisiana workers’ compensation law.