Lost a Loved One in an Offshore Accident?

An oil platform or offshore platform is a structure used to drill oil or natural gas from below the ocean floor. Some of these platforms float, some rest on the seabed, and others are on an artificial islands. Workers on these offshore platforms not only have a physically demanding job, but they are constantly exposed to dangers. Falling debris, slip and falls, dangerous weather conditions, drowning, fires, and explosions can cause serious injuries and extensive loss of life.

The death of a family member can have devastating consequences on the surviving relatives. When their death was the result of negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel or oil platform, the sense of wrong done can increase. No amount of compensation will ever be able to make up for the loss of a loved one. However, it is still important to hold the responsible individual or company accountable for what they have done. Not only can it bring a sense of closure and justice to families, but it can prevent the same tragedy from happening again.

In maritime law, there are several different avenues available to those who want to file a lawsuit pertaining to a wrongful death. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) was created with the sole purpose of providing for families who lost a mother, farther, or spouse to an offshore accident. It makes it easier to make a claim as well as recover damages, even if they were killed in foreign waters. However, this act only covers monetary losses due to lost wages. It does not cover pain and suffering or loss of companionship. Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Comp Act, a surviving spouse can claim 50% of their average weekly wages. If there were dependent children left behind, a further 16.66% will be added to that amount.