Offshore & Longshore Injuries
Offshore and longshore workers face some of the most dangerous conditions of any industry. Whether you’re working on an oil rig, commercial vessel, or in a port, your risk of injury is significant. In Houston, Texas, where the offshore energy industry thrives, injuries on the water are, unfortunately, far too common. McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., a dedicated Houston personal injury law firm, is committed to helping injured workers pursue the compensation they deserve when injured by the negligence of others.
Common Types of Offshore & Longshore Injuries
Offshore and longshore workers are exposed to various hazards, often leading to severe injuries. These types of injuries may occur due to dangerous conditions on ships, oil platforms, or in harbors. Common injuries include:
- Slips and Falls: Wet surfaces and uneven flooring on vessels or rigs can lead to slips, trips, and falls, often causing serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Burn Injuries: Explosions, fires, or contact with hazardous chemicals are major risks for workers on oil rigs or ships, leading to severe burns.
- Back and Neck Injuries: Lifting heavy equipment without the proper supports or being struck by falling objects can cause lasting spinal injuries, leading to chronic pain or permanent disability.
- Amputations: Working with heavy machinery or in unsafe conditions can result in the loss of limbs or severe crush injuries requiring surgical amputation.
- Drowning and Hypoxia: Workers on vessels or oil rigs are at constant risk of falling into the water. Hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen, can occur during diving or exposure to confined spaces.
These injuries can have devastating effects on a worker’s ability to return to their job and provide for their family. If you’ve suffered an injury while working offshore or as a longshoreman, McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. can help you pursue the financial recovery you need.
Offshore Injuries and the Jones Act
For offshore workers injured on ships, oil platforms, or other vessels, the Jones Act provides a path to compensation. Under this federal law, seamen can sue their employers if their injury resulted from negligence or unsafe (unseaworthy) conditions on a vessel. To qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, the worker must spend a substantial portion of their work time aboard a vessel.
The Jones Act allows injured offshore workers to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and loss of future earning capacity
Proving negligence under the Jones Act can be complex, and it’s essential to have a skilled attorney on your side. McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. has experience handling a wide variety of personal injury claims and will fight to hold negligent employers accountable for unsafe conditions, including seeking punitive damages when the vessel owner or operator wrongfully refuses to provide payment or medical care.
Longshore Workers and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Longshoremen and dock workers who are injured while working in ports or harbors may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This federal law provides benefits to workers injured while loading, unloading, or repairing ships. Unlike the Jones Act, which requires proof of negligence, the LHWCA offers no-fault benefits similar to workers’ compensation. Injured longshore workers can receive benefits for:
- Medical treatment
- Disability payments
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Survivor benefits for families of workers who have died on the job
If you or a loved one has been injured in a longshore accident, it’s important to understand your rights under the LHWCA. McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. can guide you through the process of obtaining compensation and ensure your rights are protected.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney for Offshore & Longshore Injury Claims
Offshore and longshore injury cases are highly complex due to the unique laws that govern these types of claims, such as the Jones Act and the LHWCA. The legal process for securing compensation can be challenging, particularly when multiple parties or maritime laws are involved.
McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. has the experience necessary to navigate these complicated claims. Whether your case falls under the Jones Act, the LHWCA, other maritime laws, or even general principles of negligence, our attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong case for your compensation. We understand the impact a serious injury can have on your life, and our goal is to help you secure the maximum recovery possible.
Contact McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C. for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an offshore or longshore accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., we are dedicated to helping Texas offshore and longshore workers recover compensation for their injuries. Contact our Houston law office today by calling 713-303-8543 for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
