Hurt working offshore?
Offshore and oilfield work is some of the most dangerous work there is. When you’re hurt on a rig, platform or vessel, the companies involved and their insurers move quickly to limit what they pay.
The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation has deep roots in a community built on the energy industry. For 49 years, we’ve stood up for injured workers and their families across Louisiana. Contact us as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.
Get A Free Case EvaluationWhat to do after you’re hurt offshore
Your health comes first. Then these steps help protect your claim:
- Report the injury to your supervisor right away.
- Get medical attention, even if the injury seems minor.
- Photograph the scene, the equipment and your injuries.
- Get names and contact information for witnesses.
- Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything before calling a lawyer.
Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Anything you share can be used against your claim.
Talk to a lawyer todayMaritime law is different
Offshore injuries are often governed by federal maritime law, including the Jones Act and general maritime law, instead of Louisiana’s usual injury rules.
These laws affect who can be held responsible, what compensation is available and how long you have to act. That’s why it helps to work with a lawyer who knows them.
It may not be just your employer
Offshore jobs bring many companies together. Depending on what happened, responsibility may reach beyond the company you work for.
We work to find every party responsible for your injuries.
Your employer
Under the Jones Act, seamen can bring claims against employers whose negligence contributed to their injuries.
Vessel and platform owners
Owners can be responsible for unsafe vessels, equipment or working conditions.
Contractors and third parties
Other companies on site may be liable for unsafe practices, poor maintenance or defective equipment.
What you may be able to recover
Every case is different, but compensation for an offshore injury may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Maintenance and cure
- Pain and suffering
- Other costs related to your injuries
Some injuries, like back trauma, joint damage or exposure‑related illness, may not show their full effects right away. Keeping up with your medical care helps show the true value of your claim.
Get A Free Case EvaluationDocuments that help your case
Gather these for yourself or your attorney:
- Medical reports and bills
- Wage records and tax returns
- Accident reports or statements you gave
- Photos of the scene and your injuries
Offshore accident questions
Answers to a few questions we hear most often from people hurt working offshore.
More frequently asked questionsHow long do I have to file an offshore injury claim?
It depends on which law applies. Claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law generally must be filed within three years. Louisiana injury claims arising on or after July 1, 2024 generally have two years, and some benefit claims have much shorter notice deadlines. Talk to a lawyer as soon as you can.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that lets seamen who are hurt on the job bring a claim against their employer when the employer’s negligence played a part. Whether you qualify as a seaman depends on your job and how much of your work is done on a vessel.
Can I file a claim if I worked for a contractor?
Yes. Responsibility may extend beyond your direct employer to contractors, vessel owners or other companies responsible for safety and maintenance. A lawyer can help identify every party that may be liable.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
Be careful. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Adjusters may use your own words to limit or deny your claim.
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