I injured my back on an offshore drilling rig. Am I entitled to compensation?
Thanks very much for submitting this question.
The answer is yes, under many circumstances. However, you will want to talk with an experienced maritime lawyer about your legal options.
Why? Because offshore drilling rig accidents can be very, very complex. Think of it this way--if you had heart troubles, would you visit with a foot doctor? Of course not. You'd visit with a heart specialist.
The same thing goes for lawyers. Most lawyer don't know much about offshore drilling rig cases. Most lawyers have never handled one. So make sure you talk to a lawyer who has handled offshore drilling rig cases.
There are a number of different legal issues that arise in the offshore drilling rig case. First, what is your legal "status?" Are you a Jones Act seaman? A longshoreman? A shore-based worker who just happens to be on the rig when injured? Are you a passenger? A supervisor?
All of these questions will be important to ask in evaluating your claims. You want a lawyer who knows the answer to these questions.
You'll also want to know how to get proper medical care. Can you see your own doctor, or are you required to go to a company-approved doctor? Back injuries can be serious and even career-threatening or ending--you want to make sure you get the best treatment possible, as soon as possible. Often an maritime lawyer can help facilitate this process.
Finally, you'll want to know what your case is worth. You should read the entry on this website regarding what offshore injury settlements are worth to help guide you on the right road to a full personal, medical, and legal recovery.
To schedule an appointment to learn more about your offshore injury case, you can contact Mr. Beckcom toll free at 877.724.7800. There is no cost for an initial consultation, and no obligation to move forward with a case.
You can also visit his firm's main website, www.vbattorneys.com, to learn more about his practice, his experience, and his firm's case results.
About the author
Brian Beckcom is a founding partner of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Beckcom handles Jones Act and maritime injury and death cases, as well as all types of significant personal injury and wrongful death matters. Mr. Beckcom is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
