Offshore Oil Rigs

Offshore Oil Rig Accidents and the Jones Act

St. Charles Jones Act Attorneys

All work at sea is dangerous, but working on off-shore oil rigs with heavy equipment, in difficult weather adds a whole new meaning to high risk work.

The Jones Act is a maritime law protecting the rights of injured seamen, but it also other workers on sea vessels. In some cases, this includes offshore oil rig drillers and workers.

Jack-up rigs are oil rigs with retractable legs, moved into place along the Louisiana coast of the Gulf of Mexico by tug boats. Because these oil rigs are not fixed platforms attached to the sea floor, jack-up rig workers ARE covered by the Jones Act. This means if they are injured at work, they can bring a claim under the Jones Act.

This can be very advantageous for the injured worker. That's because when a maritime worker has suffered a serious injury because of employer negligence, the Jones Act requires the employer to pay the worker's living expenses as well as medical bills (called maintenance and cure). Straight workers' compensation does not offer this benefit.

The maritime attorneys at Broussard & Hart, L.L.C., understand the ins and outs of maritime law. We are here to protect your interests, whether you were struck by an object while at work on a jack-up rig or you fell from a gangplank or transport helicopter. Before you sign any settlement contract, contact our Lake Charles law office for a free consultation. Call 337-439-2450 (Toll Free: 866-281-4774). We will respond quickly to your inquiry.