Offshore Accident Lawyers

Injured Offshore or at Sea?

After being seriously injured offshore or at sea, peace of mind can feel out of reach. We take on the stress, the calls, and the fight – so you can focus on healing.

The Insurance Company has a Plan - Do You?

The Insurance Company
has a Plan - Do You?

After an offshore accident, employers and insurance companies are already working behind the scenes to protect their profits by suppressing claims and avoiding payouts. 

Jones Act and maritime claims are complex, and one wrong move could cost you everything.

From Rough Waters to Solid Ground

From Rough Waters
to Solid Ground

We’ve handled Jones Act and maritime cases for decades. When the waves rise, we don’t back down—and we never settle for less than our clients deserve. From the first call and beyond – we’ve got your back.

You Don’t Have to Navigate this Alone

You Don’t Have to
Navigate this Alone

Thousands of injured offshore workers have turned to us after accidents — confused, in pain, and overwhelmed. We’ve guided them forward and recovered millions on their behalf.

We see your struggle. We hear your concerns. We understand what you’re going through.

Life Changing Outcomes
Start Here

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Don't Let a Simple
Mistake Sink Your Case

Don't Let a Simple Mistake
Sink Your Case

Our free PDF guide reveals what employers and insurance companies won’t tell you—and the steps you must take to protect your case.

Get Instant Access to the Guide. Your Information is Confidential.

Quick Answers

How can I Protect My Entitlement to Compensation after an Offshore Accident?

After an offshore accident, it is essential to act quickly to protect your entitlement to compensation. Some steps you can take to protect your entitlement to compensation after an offshore accident include:

  •   Seek medical attention immediately
  •   Report the accident to your employer or supervisor
  •   Document the accident scene and injuries
  •   Collect contact information from witnesses
  •   Refrain from giving statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting an attorney
What can I Seek Compensation for if I’ve been Injured Offshore?

If you’ve been injured in an offshore accident, you likely have many unresolved questions regarding the compensation you can seek for your injuries. 

Here are a few common questions:

      How will I pay my medical bills?

      How will I support my family?

      Do I have to accept what the insurance company is offering me?


The answers to these questions depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the specific laws that apply to your situation.

One type of compensation that you may be entitled to is called “maintenance and cure.” This is a form of compensation that is available to most maritime workers who are injured on the job. Maintenance and cure benefits are intended to cover your basic living expenses, including food, lodging, and medical care, while you are recovering from your injuries.

In addition to maintenance and cure, you may be able to seek compensation for other types of damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The specific types of damages that you can recover will depend on the details of your case.

Who is Held Liable for an Offshore Accident?

Offshore accidents come in various types and have many potential causes. Unfortunately, many of these injuries are a result of negligence on the part of the offshore company or improperly trained employees running the rigs. 

Slippery decks, carelessness, and faulty safety equipment are just a few examples of the hazards that can lead to serious injuries or even death. It is important to remember that the company has a duty to provide a safe working environment for all employees, and if they fail to do so, they need to be held accountable.

Working at sea comes with a host of dangers, and seamen face some of the most hazardous working conditions in the country. From injuries on workboats to accidents on oil platforms, offshore workers must navigate a multitude of risks every day. 

 If you have been injured in an offshore accident, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced offshore injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What are the Most Common Injuries from Offshore Accidents?

Offshore accidents can cause a variety of injuries, some of which can be life-changing. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered in offshore accidents:

  • Head and brain injuries: Offshore workers can suffer head injuries from falling objects, explosions, or being struck by equipment. Brain injuries can cause cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.

  • Back and spinal cord injuries: Slip and falls, lifting heavy equipment, or accidents involving cranes or winches can cause severe back and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause permanent disabilities, such as paralysis.

  • Burns and electrocutions: Workers on offshore platforms are exposed to various chemicals and gases, which can cause explosions or fires. Electrocutions are also common in offshore accidents due to electrical equipment and machinery.

  • Broken bones and fractures: Accidents involving heavy machinery, falls, and equipment malfunctions can cause broken bones and fractures.

  • Drowning and suffocation: Offshore workers may be at risk of drowning or suffocating if they are involved in accidents that result in exposure to water or hazardous gases.

 

It’s important to seek medical attention after an offshore accident, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or symptoms. Some injuries may not be apparent right away and can worsen over time without proper treatment.

How Broussard Knoll Law Firm can Help after an Offshore Accident

When an offshore accident occurs, companies often act immediately to try to protect themselves rather than do the right thing for their employees. They may bring in teams of lawyers and investigations to intimidate you and make it seem as though it was your fault that the accident occurred and not due to any negligence on their part.

 It is a stressful situation and they may ask high-pressure questions to try and avoid responsibility for your injuries. If you’re not familiar with them, then you can be taken advantage of. At Broussard Knoll Law Firm, we have the experience to handle these cases. 

 When you choose Broussard Knoll Law Firm, you’ll receive a comprehensive and personalized approach to your offshore accident case, including:

  • A thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine who is at fault and how it happened, including a review of any safety violations or negligence on the part of your employer or other parties.
  • Careful analysis of all available evidence, including witness statements, incident reports, and medical records, to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Collaboration with top experts in the field of offshore accidents, such as marine engineers and safety experts, to ensure that we have the most accurate information about the cause of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the damages you have suffered.
  • Professional handling of all communication with the insurance companies, your employer, and other parties involved in the accident, taking the burden of the claims process off your shoulders.
  • Aggressive negotiation to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible, based on the facts and evidence we’ve gathered, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
  • Skilled trial advocacy in court, if necessary, to ensure that your rights are fully protected and your case is presented in the most compelling manner possible.


We understand that recovering from an offshore accident can be difficult and stressful. That’s why we’re here to help you through the legal process and take control to get you every cent you deserve.

Understanding the Jones Act

Understanding
the Jones Act

What is The Jones Act?

Many offshore accidents lawsuits fall under the Jones Act. The Jones Act is an admiralty law that allows injured seaman to file a claim against their employers and recover compensation for injuries suffered while working aboard a vessel.

Who is covered under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act covers crew members of any description who have an employment-related connection to a vessel in navigable waters. For instance, some of the many job titles covered under the Jones Act are deckhands, masters, captains, officers, engineers, divers, fish processors, cooks, and crew members.

Additionally, job positions that contribute to the vessel’s function, such as a drilling hand on a jack-up oil rig are also covered under the Jones Act. Whether your accident took place on an oil rig, submersible rig, jack-up rig, tugboat, or any other vessel, we can help you.

Can independent contractors be covered under the Jones Act?

Yes, an independent contractor can also sometimes be viewed as an employee under the Jones Act.

Does a seaman have to be on the vessel for a claim?

Not necessarily: a seaman may be protected by the Jones Act even if he or she is temporarily working elsewhere, even on shore, as long as the work was “in the service of the ship.”

What constitutes “unseaworthy” conditions?

A Jones Act lawyer is knowledgeable regarding what constitutes “unseaworthy” conditions on board a vessel and understands the ramifications of “negligence” for your employer. Your description of defective equipment, inadequate crew, or unsafe conditions onboard will allow Counsel to assess unseaworthy conditions as a claim.

Defining inferior equipment, unsafe work conditions not corrected, or inadequate medical treatment after an injury will be effective in evaluating a negligence charge. Proof must be offered for the claim of injury due to unseaworthiness or negligence under the Jones Act, so it is vital that you identify witnesses for corroboration.

What is “maintenance and cure” compensation?

When a maritime worker suffers a serious injury at sea as a result of his or her employer’s negligence, the Jones Act requires the employer to pay the worker’s living expenses and medical bills (referred to in a settlement contract as “maintenance and cure”) until the maritime worker is recovered.

How do employers fight Jones Act injury cases?

Employers often fight Jones Act work injury cases by claiming the injured worker did not qualify as a seaman or that the ship or offshore oil rig was not a vessel. Or they offer unreasonably low amounts for maintenance and cure.

The offshore attorneys at Broussard Knoll Law Firm, understand the tricks employers use to try to deny benefits to injured seamen. We have the experience you need to challenge an employer if you or a member of your family suffered a serious or fatal injury.

Is there a time limit for filing a Jones Act claim?

A Jones Act claim must be brought within three years of the injury, in federal court or state court. Your Jones Act lawyer will decide where to file the claim in order to recover maximum compensation for you.