Providing Offshore Platform Accidents Answers
An injury on an offshore platform can create many questions and few answers. At the J. Minos Simon Law Firm, we want to provide you with the answers you need to help you get started on your pursuit of fair compensation.
What law applies to a worker injured or killed on a fixed offshore platform?
As a general proposition, the law of the adjacent state applies to accidents that occur on fixed offshore drilling and production platforms.
Does maritime law ever apply when a platform worker is injured or killed?
Sometimes. For example, maritime law will apply to a platform worker’s accident if the platform worker was engaged in a maritime-related activity at the time of his accident, such as working on the back deck of a boat unloading equipment or supplies.
Can an offshore worker sue his employer for negligence and recover damages for items like pain and suffering, mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of life?
Usually not. However, a lawsuit for damages can be filed against any other company or person – other than a platform worker’s employer – who may be responsible for his injuries or death.
Does a platform worker have any rights against their employer if they are hurt or killed at work?
Yes, he or she does. If the fixed platform is located within the territorial waters of a particular state, the injured or killed platform worker is entitled to be paid benefits by his or her employer under the state workers’ compensation statute where the platform is located. If, on the other hand, the fixed platform is located in federal waters – on the Outer Continental Shelf – the injured or killed platform worker is entitled to be paid benefits by his or her employer under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Get The Answers You Need
If you have more questions after reading these answers, contact our office by calling 337-294-8581 or emailing us here to schedule your initial consultation today. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner you can get the necessary information to secure the compensation you deserve.