Working offshore is a demanding job that requires a lot of physical exertion, and it carries a significant amount of risk. Accidents can happen anytime, resulting in devastating consequences for workers and their families.
In Houston, TX, offshore workers have legal protections that help them seek compensation and protect their rights in the event of an accident. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rights of offshore workers and the legal protections available to them, including how to find an oil rig injury lawyer in Houston, TX.
Offshore Workers’ Rights: The Jones Act
Offshore workers risk their lives every day while working on the high seas. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere, and working on an offshore rig is no exception. In case of any such accidents caused by employer or co-worker’s negligence, the federal law of the Jones Act protects the rights of offshore workers and provides them with compensation for their injuries.
Houston, being a hub for offshore rig workers, offers a provision for oil rig truck accident lawyer Houston, who helps offshore workers in their most challenging times. The law covers not only the workers but extends its protection to their families. This law ensures that offshore workers’ rights are safeguarded while carrying out one of the most risky and crucial jobs in the world.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation
The LHWCA Act provides benefits for offshore workers who the Jones Act does not cover. It covers workers who are injured while working in navigable waters, such as shipyards, docks, and terminals. The law provides compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury.
Hiring an Oil Rig Truck Accident Lawyer or Oil Rig Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX
If you’re an offshore worker who has been injured on the job, it’s essential to hire an experienced oil rig truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX. These lawyers have extensive knowledge of maritime law and can seek compensation for your injuries. They can also help navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.
Filing a Claim
To receive compensation under the Jones Act or LHWCA, you must file a claim within a specific deadline. It’s crucial to act quickly to ensure that you don’t miss out on the compensation you’re entitled to. Your oil rig truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX, can help you file a claim and ensure that it’s done correctly so you have a higher chance of getting the compensation.
Other Legal Protections
Offshore workers may also have additional legal protections, depending on their specific job and situation. Legal protection acts like the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) provide protections for workers who work on fixed platforms. In contrast, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides compensation for the families of offshore workers who die while working at sea.
Navigating The Complexities of Offshore Workers’ Legal Protection in Houston
We’ve seen just how important it is for offshore workers to have legal protections and the right to be treated relatively while on duty. Despite recent advances through legislation in the Houston area, it is clear that many of these rights are still not sufficiently protected.
To ensure that offshore workers can safely and confidently carry out their essential roles, appropriate laws must be enacted and enforced in Houston.
If you or a loved one has suffered financial loss due to insufficient protection from criminal or negligent behaviors on an oil rig platform, please get in touch with the Herring Law Firm now. We specialize in advocating for the rights of offshore workers and can provide legal guidance in this complex area of law. We also offer free consultations, so don’t wait- get legal help today!