Alexandria Drilling Rig Accident Attorneys
Whether working offshore or onshore, oil workers face dangerous conditions every day. The work is grueling and the conditions can be deadly. If you have been injured in an offshore platform or onshore drilling accident, you may never be able to return to work. Families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident can be left with little or no income. You need full and fair compensation to get back on your feet. Our Alexandria drilling rig accident attorneys are here to help you during this difficult time.
Onshore Drilling Accidents
The majority of oil workers who are injured in onshore drilling accidents are protected by Workers’ Compensation law. You should file your claim as soon as possible so you can start receiving your benefits. A Workers’ Compensation claim is an insurance claim, not a lawsuit, so you do not need to prove fault to receive your benefits.
Workers’ Compensation pays for medical care and up to two-thirds of your lost wages. It is not enough to sustain an individual or family in cases of severe injuries. Workers’ Compensation law also protects employers from lawsuits. If you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits you cannot sue your employer, but in many cases you can recover full compensation through a third party lawsuit.
A third party lawsuit is a lawsuit against someone other than your employer who was responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances in your case, this may be another company that was involved in the drilling operation or the maker of a defective piece of machinery involved in your accident.
Offshore Platform Accidents
Offshore platform accident cases are more complicated. Our Alexandria drilling accident attorneys are here to help. We can determine which type of claim is appropriate in your case. Depending on where your accident occurred and other factors, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits or for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
For most workers injured on fixed platforms, the Workers’ Compensation laws of the adjacent state will apply. For workers injured on fixed platforms located in federal waters, LHWCA is used instead. It also depends on the type of task you were performing at the time of your accident.
As with onshore accidents, a third party lawsuit may be appropriate and may be necessary for you to receive the compensation you need for serious injuries.
To schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you and your family, please call the Alexandria drilling rig accident attorneys of Larry Curtis Law at 800-836-2064 or contact us today.