What Is An Offshore Accident Lawsuit?
An offshore accident lawsuit is a civil action brought by an injured party against a vessel owner, operator, or other responsible entity. These lawsuits typically arise out of injuries sustained in accidents that occur on the high seas, such as oil rig explosions, shipwrecks, and collisions.
Offshore accident lawsuits are governed by a complex web of international and federal laws. The most important law governing these actions is the Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. 30101 et seq. The Jones Act is a federal law that provides injured seamen with a cause of action against their employers for negligence.
In order to bring a successful offshore accident lawsuit, an injured plaintiff must first establish that he or she is a “seaman” as defined by the Jones Act. A seaman is defined as “any person who serves in a vessel on the high seas or on any waters connected to the high seas, including any harbor, river, lake, canal, or inland waterway.”
If an injured plaintiff can establish that he or she is a seaman, he or she can then bring a negligence claim against his or her employer. In order to succeed on such a claim, the plaintiff must prove that the employer breached its duty of care to the plaintiff and that this breach was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
Offshore accident lawsuits are complex and often involve multiple parties. If you have been injured in an offshore accident, it is important to consult with an experienced maritime attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and assert your rights.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Offshore Accidents?
The most common types of offshore accidents are boating accidents, shipping accidents, oil rig accidents, fishing accidents, and recreational swimming accidents.
Boating accidents are the most common type of offshore accident. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, such as operator error, defective equipment, bad weather, or even drunk boaters.
Shipping accidents are another common type of offshore accident. These accidents can occur when ships collide, sink, or catch fire. They can also occur when ships run aground or suffer from mechanical failures.
Oil rig accidents are another common type of offshore accident. These accidents can occur due to explosions, fires, leaks, or collapses. They can also occur when workers fall from heights or are injured by heavy machinery.
Fishing accidents are another common type of offshore accident. These accidents can occur when fishermen are pulled overboard, when their boats capsize, or when they are bitten by dangerous fish.
Recreational swimming accidents are the final type of offshore accident. These accidents can occur when swimmers are pulled underwater by currents, when they collide with objects in the water, or when they suffer from hypothermia.
How Can An Offshore Accident Lawyer Help Me?
The Lopez Law Group has a team of experienced offshore accident lawyers in Weslaco, TX, who can help you if you or someone you love has been involved in an offshore accident. We will review your case and determine what your best course of action is. We will also work with the other parties involved in the accident to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t try to tackle a maritime accident case on your own – hire an experienced offshore accident lawyer and get the justice you deserve. Contact us at 956- 420-0781 today for a free consultation.
