An offshore explosion is one of the most catastrophic events an energy worker can experience, often leaving victims with severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, hearing loss, and other disabling and possibly fatal injuries.
If you were injured in an offshore explosion, you y have the right to to hold every negligent party fully accountable, whether that’s your employer, a vessel owner, or a third-party contractor whose failures contributed to the blast.
But exercising those rights under maritime law isn’t simple. Maritime cases are highly complex, and the companies responsible will do everything they can to protect their bottom line at your expense — no matter how serious your injuries or losses. Only the best maritime accident lawyers know what it takes to recover the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.
At Zehl & Associates, our trial attorneys have recovered Billions for injured workers and their families, including some of the largest maritime accident settlements in U.S. history. We have the resources and experience to stand up against the largest corporations in the world and not just win, but set records, ensuring our clients secure the full compensation they need to move forward.
Federal maritime law governs most offshore injury claims. There are several statutes and common law doctrines that protect workers injured at sea or on offshore platforms. These include:
The Jones Act
The Jones Act protects offshore workers who qualify as “seamen.” To qualify, you generally must spend a significant portion of your working time aboard a vessel on the water. If you meet that threshold, the Jones Act entitles you to sue your employer directly for negligence.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which limits what injured workers can recover, a Jones Act claim allows you to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Importantly, Jones Act cases can be filed in either federal or state court, including courts in Houston.
Unseaworthiness
In addition to a Jones Act negligence claim, qualifying seamen may also bring an unseaworthiness claim against the vessel owner. A vessel is considered unseaworthy when it is not reasonably fit for its intended purpose.
An explosion caused by faulty equipment, poorly maintained machinery, or inadequate safety systems may give rise to an unseaworthiness claim.
Maintenance and Cure
After an accident, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure from their employer, regardless of who was at fault. Maintenance covers daily living expenses while you recover; cure covers the cost of medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement.
If your employer fails or refuses to pay maintenance and cure in a timely manner, they can face additional penalties and damages.
Other Maritime Laws That Could Apply
Workers who do not qualify as seamen may be covered under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The OCSLA extends federal jurisdiction and certain legal protections to workers on the outer continental shelf, which includes much of the offshore oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.
These workers may also have access to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides a separate framework for workers’ compensation-type benefits.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
When an offshore explosion is caused in whole or in part by someone other than your employer, you may have the right to bring a third-party personal injury claim in addition to any claim against your employer. These claims can expand the damages available to you.
Third parties who may bear liability after an offshore explosion include:
- Equipment manufacturers whose defective products contributed to the blast
- Contractors or subcontractors working on the platform
- The platform owner (if different from your employer)
- Negligent engineering or inspection companies
Like a Jones Act lawsuit, a successful third-party claim allows you to pursue compensation for the full range of your losses, including pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of future earning capacity.
Contact a Houston Offshore Injury Lawyer at Zehl & Associates for Help Understanding Your Legal Options
Offshore explosion cases may entitle victims to compensation under multiple federal laws and doctrines. An experienced Houston offshore injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and identify all possible avenues for recovering compensation, including benefit claims and/or lawsuits against your employer or a negligent third party.
Contact Zehl & Associates today to schedule a consultation and learn what your claim may be worth.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
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