Offshore oil platform Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico

Offshore Platform
Injury Lawyer

The Gulf of Mexico hosts thousands of offshore platforms and drilling rigs. When accidents happen miles from shore, you need attorneys who understand maritime law, OCSLA regulations, and the unique challenges of offshore injury claims.

GET FREE CASE REVIEW CALCULATE SETTLEMENT
2,000+
Active Platforms
17%
US Oil Production
5%
US Gas Production
45K+
Offshore Workers

Offshore Injuries

Offshore work is among the most dangerous in the world. We handle all types of platform and rig injuries.

Burns & Explosions

Rig fires, blowouts, gas releases, welding accidents, and chemical burns

Falls from Height

Derrick falls, platform level falls, gangway accidents, and ladder injuries

Crush Injuries

Heavy equipment strikes, pipe handling accidents, and machinery entanglement

Chemical Exposure

Drilling mud, H2S gas, benzene exposure, and hazardous cargo contact

Transportation Accidents

Helicopter crashes, crew boat incidents, and platform transfer injuries

Equipment Failures

Crane collapses, BOP failures, winch malfunctions, and safety system failures

Offshore Settlement Examples

$3.2M
Severe Burns
Deepwater Platform

Roughneck suffered third-degree burns in flash fire during drilling operations

$1.8M
Spinal Injury
Jack-Up Rig

Roustabout suffered herniated discs from unsecured equipment strike

$4.5M
Wrongful Death
Production Platform

Family of worker killed in crane accident recovered full damages

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances.

Which Law Applies?

Jones Act

Mobile drilling units, drillships, and workers spending 30%+ time on vessels

  • • Full negligence damages
  • • Pain & suffering recovery
  • • Maintenance & cure

OCSLA

Fixed platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf

  • • State workers' comp extended
  • • Texas benefits apply
  • • Third-party suits allowed

General Maritime

Unseaworthiness claims and third-party negligence

  • • No negligence cap
  • • Vessel owner liability
  • • Equipment defects

Offshore Injury FAQ

Does the Jones Act cover offshore platform workers?
It depends on the platform type and your duties. Workers on mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) like jack-up rigs and drillships that move between locations typically qualify as Jones Act seamen. Workers on fixed platforms attached to the seabed are generally covered by LHWCA or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which extends state workers' compensation benefits to offshore facilities.
What are the most common offshore platform injuries?
Common offshore injuries include burns from fires and explosions, crush injuries from heavy equipment, falls from heights (derrick, platform levels), chemical exposure, helicopter transportation accidents, crane and lifting accidents, slip and falls on wet surfaces, hearing loss from constant noise exposure, and repetitive stress injuries.
How much is an offshore injury case worth in Texas?
Offshore injury settlements in Texas range significantly based on injury severity. Minor injuries may settle for $100,000-$250,000. Serious injuries requiring surgery and extended recovery typically range from $500,000-$1.5 million. Catastrophic injuries like amputations, severe burns, or spinal cord injuries can exceed $3-5 million. Wrongful death cases have settled for $5-10 million or more.
Can I sue the platform owner for my offshore injury?
Yes, in many cases. If the platform owner's negligence contributed to your injury through unsafe conditions, inadequate maintenance, or insufficient safety equipment, you may have a negligence claim. Even if you're receiving workers' comp benefits under OCSLA, you can typically sue negligent third parties including platform owners, equipment manufacturers, and contractors.
What should I do after an offshore platform accident?
Report the injury immediately and ensure it's documented in official logs. Get medical treatment and follow all doctor recommendations. Document everything: take photos, save copies of incident reports, and keep records of witnesses. Do not sign any settlements or give recorded statements without legal advice. Contact an offshore injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.
How long do I have to file an offshore injury claim?
Jones Act claims have a 3-year statute of limitations. LHWCA claims require notice to your employer within 30 days and filing within 1 year. OCSLA claims follow the applicable state's workers' compensation deadlines. General maritime negligence claims have a 3-year limit. Because offshore cases can be complex, consult an attorney immediately to determine which deadlines apply to your situation.

Injured Offshore?

Our attorneys understand offshore operations and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation, no recovery no fee.

START FREE CASE REVIEW

Related Practice Areas

Ship Channel InjuriesPort Houston AccidentsTugboat & Towboat InjuriesDockworker Claims