Maritime Injury Lawyer
Representing U.S. Maritime Workers in Foreign Waters
Some American workers have taken jobs on drilling rigs in foreign waters because of the moratorium on deepwater drilling after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. So far, three big floating rigs have redeployed from the Gulf of Mexico to foreign waters and others may follow. Some American offshore workers have accompanied the drilling rigs overseas to keep a steady paycheck. Drilling rigs offer a wide range of jobs, including drilling jobs, roustabout jobs, rig welder jobs, rig mechanic jobs, FPSO jobs and rig catering jobs. No matter what the job, working on an offshore rig is dangerous duty and serious accidents may occur.
If you are an American worker who suffered a serious injury overseas while employed by a U.S.-based employer, turn to a law firm with decades of experience in maritime law and personal injury law. The experienced offshore injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP, based in Houston, Texas, will work to protect the legal rights of you and your family in handling an overseas accident case. We have helped many injured maritime workers, including overseas American workers injured in foreign waters and facing foreign legal systems. We are skilled maritime accident lawyers who have experience bringing claims involving injuries in foreign waters in U.S. courts. We are committed to helping injured American maritime workers obtain compensation from negligent employers. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet.
Contact an experienced offshore injury lawyer at our firm by calling (888) 346-5024. We represent American workers injured in foreign waters anywhere and aren't intimidated by the complexity of these cases. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
Moratorium on Drilling Means More Work in Foreign Waters
While the U.S. has temporarily halted deepwater drilling, other countries including Great Britain and countries in Africa are permitting deepwater exploration of offshore resources. The safety records of oil companies drilling in foreign waters are often blotted by preventable accidents and mishaps that leave workers permanently disabled or out of work for months.
A 2010 report by the British Health and Safety Executive's Office indicates the rate of fatalities and major injuries in offshore operations in the North Sea nearly doubled last year and criticized the oil and gas industry for not focusing on safety. At the same time, British authorities reported a significant increase in oil spills, gas releases and well-related incidents. Many of the offshore platforms in the United Kingdom are reaching or have exceeded their originally anticipated design life, raising safety issues about the continued operation of aging overseas platforms.
Fifty workers died or suffered major injuries in offshore oil and gas platform accidents in the North Sea and another 16 people, including 14 platform workers, were killed in a helicopter crash while being transported from an oil platform, according to British authorities. The primary causes of major injury accidents were slips and falls, being struck by moving objects and injuries associated with handling loads. Any of these accidents can cause a serious injury and leave a worker unable to perform the physically demanding work aboard an oil rig — whether it occurs in the Gulf of Mexico or in foreign waters.
Fires and explosions are another serious hazard on overseas offshore platforms. Explosions can cause serious injuries due to accidents from flammable mist or aerosols forming explosive clouds in pump rooms or well bays of FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) vessels. High-voltage electric motors can cause fires offshore if they have pressure leaks. Fires and explosions can erupt from offshore gas turbines if there is an undetected gas leak or liquid fuel leak. Many turbines are not properly equipped with detectors to warn of leaks of oil mist or flammable liquids.
Offshore workers in foreign waters often commute to work by helicopter. More than 220 workers died in offshore aviation transport accidents in helicopters and small aircraft from 1998 to 2006, according to a report by the International Association of Oil & Producers. While more than 50 offshore aviation fatalities occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, the majority took place in the North Sea and other foreign waters.
Help With Your Overseas Offshore Injury Case
A serious offshore accident is more complicated to handle because of its location and the application of maritime law. A serious offshore injury in foreign waters adds yet another layer of complexity. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we're experienced at bringing these cases into U.S. courts. If you're an American maritime worker who has injured on the job overseas, you have legal rights to seek compensation for injuries caused through the fault or negligence of an employer or coworker. You may also be protected by the Jones Act, a federal law. But you'll need a knowledgeable offshore injury attorney who is familiar with maritime law and handling overseas cases to advocate aggressively for your rights.
We are experienced offshore accident lawyers and aggressive advocates for our maritime clients in foreign waters. Our maritime law attorneys quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of each individual case to map out a winning strategy. We measure success in the results we deliver for our clients, and we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts through our years in practice. When the stakes are high, you need our maritime law experience.
Contact an offshore injury lawyer for a free consultation regarding an overseas accident or injury.
