If you’ve been involved in an offshore work accident, such as on an oil rig, ship, or maritime facility, you may be entitled to legal compensation—even if the accident didn’t happen on U.S. soil. U.S. law provides special protections for offshore workers.
⚖️ Legal Options for Offshore Work Injuries (U.S. Law Focus)
1. Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)
- Protects seamen who are injured due to negligence by their employer or unsafe working conditions.
- Allows injured workers to sue their employer for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
You must:
- Be considered a “seaman” (must spend ≥30% of your work time on a vessel in navigation).
- File within 3 years of the injury.
2. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
- Covers injuries on docks, harbors, shipyards, and other adjacent areas—not on vessels.
- Provides workers’ comp-style benefits:
- Medical care
- Wage replacement (usually 2/3 of average weekly wage)
- Vocational rehab (if needed)
3. General Maritime Law
- Covers maintenance and cure (medical care and daily support) for seamen injured at sea.
- Unseaworthiness claims: You can sue if the vessel was unsafe or improperly maintained.
4. Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
- Applies if a maritime worker dies more than 3 nautical miles offshore.
- Allows family to recover compensation for lost financial support and funeral expenses.
🚨 What To Do After an Offshore Injury
- Report the accident immediately to your employer or supervisor.
- Get medical attention right away (onboard and onshore).
- Document everything:
- Photos of the injury or unsafe conditions
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Do not sign anything without legal review.
- Contact a maritime injury lawyer—especially one experienced with Jones Act or maritime law.
🕒 Time Limits (Statute of Limitations)
| Claim Type | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Jones Act | 3 years |
| LHWCA | 1 year |
| DOHSA | 3 years |
| State Personal Injury | Varies (1–4 years) |
🧑⚖️ Should You Get a Lawyer?
Yes—maritime law is very complex and not all personal injury attorneys are qualified to handle offshore claims. Look for:
- A lawyer experienced in maritime or admiralty law
- Someone who has handled Jones Act or LHWCA cases