San Antonio platform accident lawyers helping injured workers
Our attorneys will stand up to protect your rights
Offshore oil production workers in the Gulf of Mexico near Texas often work long days in all types of weather conditions. Unfortunately, serious work injuries happen here all the time, and when they do, injured workers can turn to the San Antonio platform accident lawyers from the Herrera Law Firm for help. Our attorneys will take a tough stance against drilling companies or whoever was responsible for your accident. That way you can get the compensation you deserve and focus on what really matters ─ your recovery. Let our law firm get started on your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What are oil platform accidents?
Oil production platforms are permanently attached to the sea floor. An accident on a platform can lead to complex legal issues, especially since oil platforms are sometimes located in international waters.
Most work accidents that occur offshore near the United States are governed by the Jones Act. The Jones Act does not apply to most oil platform accidents because an oil platform is not considered a vessel. The Jones Act has changed over time and, as a result, professions not previously under its jurisdiction now may benefit from its provisions. Depending on the circumstances, rig workers and general tradesmen injured in an offshore or maritime accident may qualify. We urge you to contact us with any questions about your case.
If the Jones Act does not apply, injured production platform workers may be entitled to compensation under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and under state law on platforms in state waters. That’s why it’s critical that you contact our law firm right away to discuss your case.
Legal issues involving platform accidents
Employers sometimes try to get around regulations for safety and worker protection on a seagoing vessel, a production platform or on submersibles, jack-ups, inland barges, or drill ships. They may use any of the following excuses to deny your claim:
- A drilling accident is the fault of the operator.
- The injured parties in a barge accident were not under their control.
- They are not responsible for an accident that occurs when a boat is still moored at a wharf or pier.
- We know the games oil production companies play, and we know how to get results.
How our lawyers can help
In most cases, production platform workers cannot sue their employers, but they can pursue a claim through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA is similar to state-law workers' compensation and provides injured maritime employees with workers' compensation remedies against their employers for work-related injuries. The LHWCA usually applies to workers hurt on drilling platforms.
If a third party (someone other than your employer) was negligent or contributed to the accident, you may be entitled to pursue additional damages. In many cases, the most effective way to get that compensation involves filing a third-party lawsuit.
We can help you with all of these legal issues and more. Don’t take chances with your future. Take back control. Contact us today for a free consultation.
