If you were injured offshore, there is a good chance your employer has acted negligently. In fact, they may have been acting negligently for some time, but it has taken until now for someone to be hurt.

The unfortunate truth is that for workers injured offshore, seeking compensation for injuries caused by their employers or owners of vessels they work on is not easy. Your employer will be protected by an insurance company and its skilled legal team will attempt to devalue your claim. For example, they could try and get you to accept a quick settlement which is much less than what you deserve. This is why it is so important that before you accept any settlement offers, you should first speak to an experienced offshore injury attorney.

off-shore worker climbing a ladder.

Although there are many maritime laws in place that are designed to protect you, fighting an insurance company is not easy. An offshore injury lawyer will help you gather evidence, establish liability, determine what a good settlement looks like in your case, and will fight for fair compensation. They will also ensure that your case does not fail due to preventable mistakes such as missing the deadline to make a claim.

If you or someone you love has been injured offshore, do not hesitate to contact one of our offshore accident lawyers. We offer a free consultation so you can gain clarity on your next steps. We also work on a no-win no-fee basis.

Speak to an experienced offshore injury lawyer at Abraham Watkins today by calling 713-535-9319.

What Our Offshore Injury Lawyers Can Do for You

Offshore accident cases are complex compared to other forms of personal injury claims. They involve unique laws and large corporations that will fight tirelessly to protect their interests. In order to protect your interests, you should, at the very least, seek a free consultation with an offshore accident lawyer so that they offer advice based on your specific circumstances.

Some of the things that our offshore injury attorneys offer include:

An Understanding of Maritime Laws

There are various maritime laws that apply to offshore accidents, and only an experienced offshore injury lawyer will be able to adequately assess  the maritime laws which apply  to your case.

 For example, if you work on a vessel in navigation, then you may be conisdered a seaman, covered by the Jones Act. If you are injured working on a rig or platform, then you might not classify as a seaman under the Jones Act, but could still be covered by the protections of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

Maritime and admiralty laws are some of the oldest in the country and can be very complex, and understanding how they relate to your case is key to securing the compensation you deserve.

Collect Evidence

One of the key roles of your offshore accident lawyer is to gather evidence to support your claim. They will need to establish what happened and why it was caused by negligence. Evidence could include log books, the ship’s certificates, maintenance records, photographs, videos, and data from third-party vendors or experts.

Fight for a Fair Settlement

If you have been injured offshore, then your biggest concern is likely to be your medical bills, and when combined with time away from work and lost wages, this can be devastating.

You should be compensated for all of the losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. While your past medical bills and expenses might be simple enough to evidence, others are more challenging. For example, if you have ongoing injuries, then what will your future medical costs and lost wages be?

Your offshore injury attorney will fight fiercely to ensure that your future costs are considered and may need to draw upon expert testimony to establish what a good settlement looks like in your case.

Whether you are fighting for maintenance and cure, or pursuing a negligence case, a strong advocate will prove invaluable.

In a maritime claim, your attorney will help you to fight for your non-economic damages also.These types of damages are known as pain and suffering, and although they can be challenging to evidence, an experienced attorney will know how to maximize your compensation by demonstrating how you have suffered.

Take Over Negotiations

Insurance companies are driven by profit which means that it is in their best interests to pay you as little as possible. When you do not have representation, it is unlikely you will be offered a fair settlement.

When you have the help of an experienced offshore accident attorney, you level the playing field. Your attorney will negotiate fiercely with the insurance company involved in your case and will present them with evidence that is difficult to dispute. They will protect your claim to compensation by ensuring that they are not able to use underhanded tricks, such as getting you to admit fault.

Represent You in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, then your attorney will be prepared to go to court to fight for what you deserve. Your offshore accident lawyer will have already gathered substantial evidence, which they will present in court to advocate your claim.

How to Choose the Right Offshore Accident Lawyer

If you have decided that you do need an offshore accident attorney, then you are now faced with the task of finding the right person for the job. Finding the right lawyer will give you the best chance at securing compensation that covers all of your damages, including your future medical expenses and your pain and suffering damages.

Finding an Experienced Offshore Accident Attorney

Maritime law is complex, so it is essential you have the support of an attorney who has an in-depth understanding and has helped offshore accident victims before.

At Abraham Watkins, we are one of the longest-serving law firms in the state of Texas and have been established for more than 70 years. We are proud of our team of attorneys, many of whom specialize in maritime law and offshore injuries. Do not settle for a personal injury lawyer who is not well-versed in the maritime laws that apply to your case. It is essential you have representation from someone who has experience helping people like you and who will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Find an Attorney with Trial Experience

It is important that you have the support of an attorney who has experience representing offshore victims in the courtroom. Even if your case does not go to court, this is beneficial, as the threat of a court case can often help persuade insurance adjusters to offer a better settlement.

Find a Law Firm That Works on a Contingency Fee Basis

Many personal injury law firms, including Abraham Watkins, work on a contingency fee basis. That means that we take a flat percentage of your settlement if we succeed in securing compensation for you. If we do not succeed, you will not be left paying any fees out of pocket.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer if I Was Injured Offshore? FAQ

What are offshore injuries?

Offshore injuries vary widely, from broken bones to head and back injuries, burns, and electrical shock. In the worst cases, these injuries can be fatal. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury offshore, then you should contact Abraham Watkins for a free consultation.

How long does it take to claim compensation?

Every case is unique and how long it takes to secure compensation in an offshore accident claim depends on many factors. The severity of your injuries, how clear liability is, and how willing the other party is to settle all have an impact. When you have strong representation, this can also help your case to move forward more quickly. At Abraham Watkins, we will dedicate ourselves to your case to fight for fair compensation as quickly as possible without compromising your rights.

How much could I claim in an offshore accident claim?

How much you could claim depends on the value of your damages and the quality of your representation. When you contact us for a free consultation, we can inform you how much your case could be worth based on your specific circumstances.

How long do I have to make an offshore injury claim?

How long you have to make a claim depends on the laws that are relevant to your case. Often, victims have two or three years from the date the injury occurred to make a claim. Contacting an experienced offshore accident lawyer quickly is critical so evidence can be preserved and so your claim is not time-barred.

How do I prevent being blacklisted?

Some people believe that if they make a claim, they will be put on a list that will prevent them from working offshore again. However, this is not the case; there is no blacklist, and filing a claim will not disqualify you from working in the industry again.

Do I have to have an attorney to make an offshore accident claim?

You are well within your rights to file a claim without an offshore accident lawyer. However, without the skills, experience, and resources that an attorney could offer, you could end up with a much lower settlement, one that does not accurately represent your injuries and damages.

Should I accept a quick settlement if it is offered to me?

It could be tempting to accept a quick settlement, especially if you need to provide for a family or pay medical bills. However, a quick offer of settlement will usually be very low, and once you accept a settlement, you give up your right to fight for more. The fact that you have been offered a settlement is a good sign that you have a valid claim, and the insurance company expects that you will probably reject the first offer so negotiations can begin. Before accepting or denying any offer you should contact an attorney for a free consultation so that they can advise you.

Contact Abraham Watkins for a Free Consultation Today

Injured offshore workers are often unaware of their rights and how those rights can protect them. Maritime laws are designed to protect workers, and an experienced attorney will know how to use them to your advantage.

If you have been injured offshore due to no fault of your own, then you are likely owed compensation. At Abraham Watkins, our lawyers have won numerous cases for offshore workers and will fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation.

When you agree to representation from us, we will assign an offshore accident lawyer who has experience and skills that are relevant to your case. We have a stellar reputation, and insurance companies know that we have what it takes to stand against them.

At Abraham Watkins, our law firm has been dedicated to personal injury victims in Texas for more than 70 years. Arrange a free consultation today at 713-535-9319.

Additional Questions?

Schedule A Free Consultation Today.

If you have additional questions about your accident or injuries – or if you wish to speak to one of our attorneys about your legal options – please complete our online contact form or call our Houston law office at 888-261-8831 or 713-244-5486.

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