Jones Act Lawyers Representing Injured Offshore Oil Workers
Powerful Legal Help for Offshore Oil Workers Hurt in Texas Accidents
Offshore oil rig and maritime workers face some of the most dangerous conditions in any industry. Injuries in these environments often lead to devastating consequences, leaving workers with serious medical issues, ongoing pain, and limited ability to work or recover fully. Despite the immense risks in the oil industry, employers and their insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize or deny responsibility for accidents.
Wyatt Law Firm believes that injured workers deserve better. If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a maritime or offshore oil worker, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
Our experienced San Antonio Jones Act attorneys are here to advocate for you, navigate the complexities of your case, and fight to ensure you recover full and fair compensation. Our case results include a $6.1 million recovery for a blowout and $3.9 million for an oilfield explosion. These results reflect our dedication to maximizing compensation for our clients and holding negligent employers accountable. If you were injured, contact us for a free consultation to protect your rights and learn more about your legal options to maximum compensation.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law designed to protect sailors and crew members injured on the job. It also establishes rules for operating vessels in American waters. Before this law, injured seamen had few options for holding employers accountable for unsafe conditions or negligence.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can pursue compensation for their losses by filing a negligence claim against their employer. The law protects seamen and offshore oil workers from unsafe working conditions aboard vessels, whether caused by lack of maintenance, improper staffing, or inadequate safety measures. For example, you may qualify for compensation if:
- Lack of Maintenance. Your injury was caused by a malfunctioning winch, crane, or other equipment that had not been properly inspected or repaired.
- Inadequate Safety Measures. You suffered injuries due to a lack of fall protection while working on elevated areas of a vessel or rig.
- Improper Staffing. An accident occurred because the vessel was understaffed, forcing you to perform dangerous tasks without sufficient assistance.
- Untrained Crew Members. A coworker’s lack of proper training or certification led to an error that caused your injury.
- Unsafe Working Environment. Slippery decks, unsecured cargo, or hazardous chemicals on the vessel caused you harm.
These are just a few of the many scenarios where negligence can lead to serious injuries. The Jones Act has a lower burden of proof than most negligence lawsuits. To recover compensation, injured workers must prove their employer’s negligence contributed in some way — however small — to the injury. A skilled Jones Act attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold your employer accountable for failing to provide a safe working environment.
Who Qualifies as a Jones Act Seaman?
The Jones Act applies to maritime workers who qualify as “seamen.” For oilfield workers, this often includes those working on offshore drilling rigs, jack-up rigs, semi-submersible rigs, and other movable structures in navigable waters. To meet the definition of a seaman, you must spend at least 30 percent of your working hours aboard such a vessel. Covered positions include:
- Offshore oil rig workers
- Drillers and roustabouts
- Deckhands and engineers on drilling vessels
- Crew members on oil exploration ships
- Cooks and galley hands on offshore rigs
Workers such as mechanics, refinery employees, or those based entirely on land may not be covered under the Jones Act but might qualify for benefits through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act or state workers’ compensation programs.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify as a Jones Act seaman, our experienced attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
Compensation Under the Jones Act for Offshore Oil Rig Workers
Injured oilfield workers covered by the Jones Act can recover compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical Expenses. Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation Costs. Expenses related to physical therapy and occupational rehabilitation
- Lost Wages. Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering. Monetary recovery for physical pain and emotional distress
- Disfigurement and Disability. Compensation for permanent injuries affecting your quality of life
Given the severity of injuries common in oilfield accidents — such as burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations — it’s important to pursue all available compensation to support your recovery.
Injured in an Oilfield Accident? Put a Fighter on Your Side
Recovering compensation under the Jones Act can be challenging, especially when dealing with powerful oil and gas companies focused on protecting their bottom line. Having strong legal representation is essential to level the playing field. Wyatt Law Firm has the resources, experience, and determination to take on even the largest oil and gas companies, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Our commitment goes beyond securing compensation. We aim to support you through every stage of recovery, offering compassionate guidance and fierce legal representation. We manage every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an oilfield or offshore accident, contact Wyatt Law Firm today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact us to schedule your free consultation now.