Offshore Injury Lawyers

Helping Crew Members &
Families After the Worst
Offshore Accidents

The Nation's Premier Offshore Injury Law Firm
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Offshore accidents have catastrophic consequences.

In many cases, due to the harsh nature of the offshore work environment, these accidents are fatal. From cataclysmic incidents like platform explosions and hurricanes to accidents involving personnel transfers or heavy equipment, offshore injuries can be traced to failures on the part of maritime employers and oil companies to put safety first. There is no excuse, and at-fault parties must be held accountable.

Arnold & Itkin is recognized as the nation’s leader in maritime law. We have helped after every major offshore incident in the past two decades, and we represent clients nationwide, including in Texas, LouisianaMississippi, and Alabama. We have helped U.S. citizens and foreign nationals injured in national and international waters. 

From representing over one-third of the Deepwater Horizon crew to widows of lost El Faro crew members, we have fought for answers and accountability in an industry known too well for its safety failures. We have won more than $20 billion for our clients.

What Causes Offshore Injuries?

While offshore injuries may have various causes, from heavy weather to equipment malfunction, they can all be traced to one or more instances of negligence or wrongdoing—typically motivated by a profits-first culture that has persisted for far too long in the maritime industry. Offshore companies, in their rush to maintain production, may commit seemingly minor oversights or blatantly ignore safety standards. 

When companies ignore safety, their crews pay the price.

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  • $8 Billion
    Top 3 Largest Jury Verdict in U.S. History
  • $860 Million
    History-Making Verdict Won After Fatal Accident
  • $557 Million
    Massive Verdict Won Against Union Pacific
  • $357 Million
    Largest Workplace Accident Settlement in Texas History
  • $222 Million
    Record-Breaking Verdict for Widow
  • $209 Million
    Jury Verdict Won for Family of Fatally Injured Oilfield Worker
  • $205 Million
    Confidential Settlement Obtained for Numerous Clients
  • $193 Million
    Settlement Won for Victims of Pipeline Explosion
  • $177.5 Million
    Settlement for Workers Burned in Industrial Incident
  • $171 Million
    One of the Largest Confidential Settlements in History
  • $139 Million
    Massive Settlement Achieved for Victims of an Oilfield Incident
  • $125 Million
    Settlement Won for Widow of Dredge Worker
See All Our Victories

Types of Offshore Accidents

Falls, Fires, Explosions &
Other Offshore Disasters

Offshore accidents refer to accidents that occur on oil rigs, platforms, and other marine structures located off the coast, as well as accidents on vessels operating in open waters, such as drill ships and floating production systems. Given the inherently dangerous nature of offshore work, coupled with the volatile environment of the open ocean, these accidents can be particularly severe.

Explosions & Fires

The offshore environment, especially in oil and gas sectors, is abundant with flammable materials. Combustible gases and liquids can easily ignite if not handled properly. Even minor operational oversights can trigger devastating fires or explosions. 

Beyond the immediate threat to human life, offshore fires and explosions have ripple effects, causing major environmental disasters.

Equipment Failures

Offshore operations depend on a range of machinery and equipment, from drilling apparatuses to cranes and from communication systems to safety gear. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can malfunction, endangering workers and halting production.

Helicopter Accidents

Helicopters are the primary means of transportation for offshore workers, ferrying them between the mainland and offshore installations. Negligence or mechanical failures can lead to tragic helicopter accidents, which can be especially devastating given the remoteness of offshore sites, which may complicate rescue operations. 

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Hear Our Clients’ Stories

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    “Just knowing they were going to do everything they could to make sure they find out the truth, to make sure we were taken care of for life. Just seeing that they actually cared and wanted the best for the families. They didn’t just think you were a number. They actually care.
    Tinisha Thomas El Faro Widow
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    “They’re unstoppable! They definitely have the experience you need. They're fighting for little people that can’t handle themselves when a giant comes. Almost like David and Goliath. It’s an amazing thing to see.”
    Shawn Thomas Workplace Explosion Victim
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    “I told him, “Kurt you’re my hero. You’re my knight in shining armor.” Because that’s how I feel toward him. He’s there to protect me, and I feel so safe. They are driven. They are aggressive. They will not quit for you. They will not give up for you. That’s what makes them special.”
    Mildred Solar Cortes El Faro Widow

Awards & Honors

  • Best Law Firms (2024)
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2023)
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2022)
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2021)
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2020)
  • U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2019)
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Super Lawyers
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America
  • The Inner Circle of Advocates
  • NTL: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Law Journal Top 100 Verdicts

Media Mentions

  • CNN
  • Forbes
  • ABC
  • Wall Street Journal
  • USA Today
  • Reuters
  • CBS
  • NBC News

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