Houston Offshore Rig Accident Attorneys

Oilrig Explosions & Accidents in Texas 

The ocean is a vast, unpredictable, and dangerous place to work. Offshore rig and platform workers understand this all too well. However, just because the job is dangerous, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have any legal protections. When an accident strikes, resulting in serious injuries or the death of a family member, you expect the insurance company to pay you what you are owed. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.  

If you or someone you love has been involved in a devastating oil rig accident, you may find yourself facing significant challenges with the insurance company and/or your employer. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, our Houston offshore rig accident attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and fight for the fair compensation you are owed. Led by former prosecutor and founding attorney, Omar Khawaja, our team has what it takes to aggressively advocate for you, even if that means taking your case to civil court. 

What Compensation Is Available to Injured Oilrig Workers? 

Offshore rig accidents tend to be far more serious than other types of workplace accidents in other industries. The dangerous nature of the job means that accidents often lead to catastrophic bodily injuries and deaths. For those involved in these accidents, as well as the surviving family members of fatal oil rig accident victims, receiving fair compensation for unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other damages is critical. 

In Texas, offshore workers are not covered by workers’ compensation. While your employer may elect to purchase this type of insurance, this is exceedingly rare. More often than not, injured offshore rig workers must pursue other forms of compensation after a workplace accident or job-related injury. 

The good news is that several state and federal laws protect offshore rig workers in Texas, including: 

  • The Jones Act: Enacted over 100 years ago, the Jones Act, among other things, provides certain protections to “seamen” who work aboard various vessels. However, for an oil rig worker to qualify for coverage under the Jones Act, the rig must be considered “mobile.” This includes certain jack-up rigs, float-over rigs, and others that qualify as “sea-going vessels.” Additionally, to qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, the worker must spend at least 30% of his or her time working on or on behalf of a sea-going vessel traveling on “navigable waters.” 
  • The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act: The LHWCA provides coverage to certain maritime workers who are injured on the job or who suffer work-related injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions. To qualify, the worker must be employed in the service of a vessel on navigable waters, and the injury or illness must be related to work performed aboard that vessel or adjacent areas, such as docks, piers, wharves, harbors, terminals, etc. The LHWCA also extends to non-maritime workers who are injured under these circumstances. 

Several other state and/or federal laws may apply and, depending upon the circumstances and facts of your case, you could also be entitled to file a third-party personal injury or wrongful death claim after an offshore rig accident. 

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, we are well-versed in complex maritime laws, as well as state and federal regulations regarding offshore oil rig accidents and workers’ rights. Our Houston offshore injury attorneys can review the details of your case and determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your losses, as well as which laws and regulations may apply. 

Continue reading to learn more, or contact us today at (713) 561-5454 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer legal services in English, Spanish, Urdu, and Arabic. 

Common Types of Offshore Rig Accidents

Due to the job’s dangerous nature, offshore rig workers are protected by numerous rules and regulations requiring employers to maintain a safe work environment. Unfortunately, this does not prevent all offshore rig accidents—and the consequences are often tragic. 

Some of the most common types of offshore rig accidents and injury-causing events include: 

  • Fires 
  • Explosions 
  • Electrocutions
  • Mechanical failure 
  • Equipment malfunctions
  • Well blowouts
  • Crush and caught-between accidents
  • Machine entanglement 
  • Being struck by falling objects
  • Slips, trips, and falls 
  • Assault 
  • Oil and gas leaks 
  • Engine room failures 
  • Transportation accidents 

Regardless of the cause of your accident, it is vital to understand that you have the right to seek medical care from a licensed doctor or medical facility of your choosing. You also have a responsibility to report your work injuries to your employer, as well as the right to do so without the fear of retaliation. Your employer or operator cannot force you to come back to work until a physician clears you for your return.

No Attorney or Legal Fees Until You Win

When it is time to make critical and life-changing decisions, our legal team will provide you with a full understanding of the opportunities available and their potential impact on your case. It is our objective to get you the highest possible civil award based on allowable laws and evidence. You can count on our Houston offshore rig accident lawyers to help you make these critical choices.

Many injury claimants struggle with choosing between time or money after an accident injury or a family member’s death. It should not—and does not—have to be this way. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, we take your case on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not charge you any legal or attorney fees unless/until we win your case.

Find out how our team can stand up for you and your rights; call (713) 561-5454 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Offshore Rig Accidents 

Most offshore rig accidents result from negligence, whether on the part of an employer, a coworker, or even an equipment manufacturer. 

Specifically, some of the most common causes of offshore rig accidents in Texas and elsewhere include:

  • OSHA and other safety standard violations
  • Equipment, tool, and machinery defects 
  • Improper training and/or supervision
  • Failure to implement adequate safety protocols
  • Defective safety equipment 
  • Lack of adequate fall protection 
  • Exposure to harmful/toxic substances 

In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for offshore rig accident injuries under various state or federal laws. You could also be eligible for third-party compensation if you can prove that someone else breached the duty of care they owed to you, resulting in your injuries and damages. 

Our team at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC is here to guide you through the complex and overwhelming aftermath of a serious offshore rig accident. We have a long history of success in handling these types of claims, both on behalf of injured victims and the surviving family members of workers who tragically died in offshore accidents. We are known for our aggressive approach to litigation, as well as our compassionate and personalized client service. Our Houston offshore rig accident attorneys understand that you are facing one of the most difficult times in your life, which is why they are there to help you and fight for your rights every step of the way. 

Damages in Offshore Rig Accident Claims 

When you or your loved one is harmed on an offshore rig or platform, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). You can also seek significantly more money if another person or company’s negligence was the cause of your accident, injuries, or losses. 

While every case is unique, meaning the exact damages you are entitled to recover may differ based on the specific circumstances of your situation, many claimants can recover the following damages: 

  • Accident-related medical expenses
  • Lost wages and work benefits 
  • Future lost wages and medical expenses
  • Physical and mental pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment or quality of life
  • Mental anguish

In cases involving wrongful death, eligible surviving individuals may recover the following damages: 

  • Medical expenses 
  • Funeral costs 
  • Lost income and benefits 
  • Loss of companionship 
  • Loss of love, counsel, and guidance 
  • Lost inheritance 

Again, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be entitled to punitive, or “exemplary,” damages. Punitive damages are awarded as a way of punishing defendants for gross negligence, willful/wanton misconduct, or intentional infliction of injury or harm. These types of damages send a message to others that such conduct will not be tolerated, and they serve to provide victims and surviving family members with a much-needed and deserved sense of justice. 

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Offshore Rig Accident Lawsuits? 

In most cases, the general personal injury statute of limitations applies to offshore rig accident claims in Texas. This means that you typically have just two years from the date of the accident, injury, or death to file a lawsuit against the liable party. However, certain exceptions may exist, depending on the type of case you have and the federal or state regulations that apply. 

In any case, we recommend that you do not delay. Although taking legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind after a devastating injury or the tragic death of a family member, it is important that you reach out to an experienced attorney right away. The sooner you contact The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, the sooner we can begin an investigation into what happened, how the incident could have been prevented, and who is liable for your damages. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue the liable party for damages or receive compensation under an applicable state or federal law.

Our Promise To You

What Sets The Law Offices Of Omar Khawaja Apart?
  • Dedicated & Experienced Counsel
    Our team has handled thousands of cases and we have the skills, insight, and commitment to fight for the results you need and deserve. We are not afraid to go to trial and will work until we obtain justice on your behalf.
  • Personal Touch to Personal Injury
    At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each and every one of our clients. We work to get to know you and your case to understand how we can best assist with your goals.
  • Customized Legal Strategies
    We believe that no two cases are alike and work with you to understand, first and foremost, the details of your case and how our team can be most beneficial to you and your needs. Next, we work to collaborate with you on a targeted legal approach.
  • Commitment to Integrity

    Your legal rights are our priority. We give our utmost attention to every case with outstanding morals and work ethic. Our team commits ourselves to ALWAYS providing you and your loved ones with the highest quality legal service around.

Providing Aggressive & Compassionate Representation 

Our legal team represents serious injury and wrongful death cases involving offshore rig workers and surviving family members. While we are aggressive in our approach to protecting your rights, you can count on our compassionate attorneys to provide the personalized, empathetic counsel you deserve. We are always available to answer any questions you may have throughout the legal process, as well as to provide our honest and professional advice based on your specific circumstances.

When you trust your recovery to our team, you can count on us to launch a full investigation of the facts and keep you apprised of new developments. We understand how grueling offshore rig work is, as well as the fact that you deserve fair compensation when you are injured due to this work. Even if it means taking your case to trial, The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC is ready to fight tirelessly for you.

Fight Back Today

Our skilled attorneys, years of experience, and passion have made us one of the top law offices in Texas. When you have been injured, you need a team dedicated to giving you a voice. The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja is that team. 

Contact Our Team

Let Us Be Your Voice

We Will Aggressively Exercise Your Rights

Every case is different and every client has unique needs. Contact us today to see if we are the right lawyers for you.

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