If you got hurt on a rig or a platform or a vessel out in the Gulf you are dealing with more than a normal injury claim. An offshore accident lawyer at The Lopez Law Group knows that maritime cases follow different rules than a car wreck on I-35. You may have rights under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act or general maritime law. Most injured workers never get told which one applies to them. That confusion is exactly what offshore employers and their insurance companies count on.
Attorney Fernando J. Lopez and his team have spent more than 15 years fighting for Texas residents hurt on the job. This includes workers injured offshore in the oil and gas industry. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
WE HANDLE:
- Jones Act claims for injured seamen
- Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act claims
- Maintenance and cure benefits for maritime workers
- General maritime negligence and unseaworthy vessel claims
An offshore accident lawyer represents workers hurt on oil rigs and drilling platforms and vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. These cases often fall under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act instead of regular workers compensation. The Lopez Law Group handles offshore injury claims across Texas on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing unless you win. Call (956) 968-7800 any time for a free consultation.
About Your Attorney
Fernando J. Lopez is a Texas licensed attorney with more than 15 years of experience representing injured workers and accident victims across the state. He is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and has recovered more than $25 million for clients. Mr. Lopez is a trial lawyer who prepares every case as if it will go before a jury. He has built a reputation in the offshore and oilfield community for taking on large maritime employers and their insurance carriers.
In our experience offshore workers who wait too long to call a lawyer often lose evidence and leverage that could have made a real difference in their case.
"In our experience offshore workers who wait too long to call a lawyer often lose evidence and leverage that could have made a real difference in their case. Maritime employers have experienced defense teams working from day one. You need someone working for you from day one too." — Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
What Is an Offshore Accident Lawyer?
An offshore accident lawyer is an attorney who represents people injured while working offshore. This includes work on oil rigs and drilling platforms and supply vessels and tankers. Regular workers compensation rules that apply to a construction site or a warehouse do not apply the same way out on the water. Federal law and not Texas state law alone controls most offshore injury cases.
If you were hurt while working offshore you may be classified as a seaman under the Jones Act. You may instead fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act if you worked on a fixed platform or dock. An offshore injury attorney figures out which law applies to your situation and builds your claim around it. This is not a do it yourself process. The wrong classification can cost you thousands of dollars in compensation you were owed.
Maritime employers carry large insurance policies and use experienced defense teams. You need an offshore injury lawyer who has gone against those same companies before and knows how they try to minimize claims.
Types of Offshore and Maritime Accidents We Handle
Our firm represents clients hurt in many types of accidents connected to offshore work and maritime industries. These include:
- Oil rig accidents involving equipment failure or falls or explosions
- Offshore drilling accident cases tied to blowouts or well control failures
- Offshore platform accident injuries from slips and falls and crane mishaps
- Injuries aboard supply boats and tugboats and crew transport vessels
- Gulf of Mexico accidents involving collisions between vessels
- Injuries caused by defective equipment on an offshore oil rig
- Fires and explosions during offshore drilling and production operations
- Diving and underwater work accidents connected to offshore operations
- Toxic exposure and chemical burns on offshore platforms
- Accidents tied to inadequate training or unsafe offshore work practices
Many of these accidents happen because the offshore work environment is inherently dangerous. They also happen because companies cut corners on safety to save time and money. If any of this sounds like what happened to you call us so we can review your offshore injury claim at no cost.
Jones Act and Maritime Injury Claims Explained
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 known as the Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence. This is different from a normal workers compensation claim. Under the Jones Act if your employer or a coworker did something careless that caused your injury you may be able to recover full damages. This includes pain and suffering which most state workers comp systems do not allow.
If you do not qualify as a seaman you may still have rights under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act. This law covers dock workers and platform workers and others who are not considered vessel crew. A maintenance and cure lawyer can also help you pursue maintenance and cure benefits. This is a separate maritime right that requires your employer to pay for your medical care and a daily living allowance while you recover regardless of who was at fault.
| Claim Type | Who Qualifies | What You May Recover |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Act claim | Seamen who spend a significant part of their work on a vessel in navigation | Lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, future earning capacity |
| Longshore and Harbor Workers Act | Dock workers, platform workers, and others not classified as seamen | Medical benefits and disability compensation |
| Maintenance and cure | Injured seamen, regardless of fault | Daily living allowance and medical costs during recovery |
| General maritime negligence | Workers hurt due to unseaworthy vessel conditions | Compensation for injuries tied to unsafe vessel conditions |
These claims can be filed in federal court or sometimes in state court depending on the facts of your case. A seaman injury lawyer at our firm will walk you through which path gives you the strongest chance at maximum compensation.
Offshore Injury Data and Statistics
Offshore work remains one of the more dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 transportation incidents and equipment related injuries continue to be leading causes of death and serious injury in oil and gas extraction work. The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 remains one of the clearest examples of how catastrophic offshore accidents can become when safety procedures are ignored and it changed how offshore operations are regulated in the Gulf.
| Data Point | Year | Source | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and gas extraction workers face a fatality rate several times higher than the national average | 2023 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Shows the real danger of offshore and oilfield work |
| The Gulf of Mexico hosts thousands of active offshore platforms | 2023 | U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement | Explains why Texas sees a steady volume of offshore injury cases |
| Equipment failure and falls remain top causes of offshore injuries | 2023 | OSHA | Supports claims involving defective equipment and unsafe conditions |
| The U.S. Coast Guard investigates thousands of marine casualties each year | 2023 | U.S. Coast Guard | Confirms the scale of maritime accident reporting nationwide |
These numbers show that injured maritime workers are not alone. If you were hurt working offshore you are one of many Texas residents dealing with the same type of case every year.
What to Do After an Offshore Injury
- 1Report the accident right away. Tell your supervisor and make sure the incident is documented in writing. Do not skip this step even if your injury seems minor at first.
- 2Get medical care right away. Offshore medics can provide first aid but you need a full evaluation onshore as soon as possible. Some injuries like back and neck trauma get worse over the following days.
- 3Write down what happened while it is fresh. Note the time and location and weather conditions and names of anyone who saw the accident happen.
- 4Take photos if you can. Equipment and deck conditions and safety gear can all be evidence later.
- 5Do not sign anything from the company without a lawyer. Offshore employers sometimes ask injured workers to sign statements or releases within days of the accident. Do not sign until an offshore accident attorney has reviewed it.
- 6Call The Lopez Law Group at (956) 968-7800. The sooner we get involved the sooner we can start preserving evidence and protecting your claim.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Offshore Injury Claims
- Waiting too long to report the injury to your employer or the vessel operator
- Giving a recorded statement to the company insurance adjuster without a lawyer present
- Accepting a quick settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Assuming regular workers compensation applies when maritime law actually controls your case
- Posting about the accident or your recovery on social media
- Not keeping copies of medical bills and pay stubs and any paperwork related to the accident
- Missing the filing deadline for a Jones Act claim which is generally three years from the date of injury under federal law
Avoiding these mistakes gives your offshore accident attorneys the best chance at building a strong claim on your behalf.
Why Choose The Lopez Law Group as Your Offshore Accident Lawyer
- Bilingual legal team. You can explain what happened and ask questions in English or Spanish at every step.
- No fee unless we win. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if we do not recover money for you.
- $25 million and counting recovered for clients. Attorney Fernando J. Lopez has a track record of results in serious injury cases across Texas.
- Available 24 hours a day. Offshore accidents do not happen on a schedule and neither do we.
- Trial ready from day one. We prepare every offshore injury case as if it may go before a jury and that puts pressure on insurance companies to negotiate fairly.
Benefits of Working With Our Firm
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency fee structure | No financial risk to hire us | You only pay if we win your case |
| Direct access to the attorney | Your file is not handed off to a stranger | Fernando J. Lopez personally reviews offshore cases |
| Experience with federal maritime law | Your claim gets classified correctly from the start | We identify Jones Act versus Longshore Act eligibility early |
| Bilingual communication | Nothing gets lost in translation | Updates and consultations available in Spanish |
| 24/7 availability | You can reach us right after an accident | Call any time including nights and weekends |
Case Results and Client Feedback
We have represented offshore and oilfield workers hurt in equipment failures and falls and vessel accidents across the Texas Gulf Coast.
Case results are anonymized and reflect individual circumstances. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the specific facts involved.
If you were hurt working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico call us to find out what your case may be worth. The consultation is free and we work on contingency so you pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an offshore accident lawyer do?
An offshore accident lawyer represents workers hurt on oil rigs and platforms and vessels and determines whether your case falls under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act or general maritime law. They handle the investigation and deal with insurance companies and pursue compensation on your behalf without any upfront cost to you.
How is an offshore injury claim different from workers compensation?
Regular workers compensation limits what you can recover and does not require proof of negligence. A Jones Act claim allows you to sue for negligence and may include pain and suffering which most state workers comp systems do not cover at all.
Do I qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act?
You generally qualify if a significant part of your job duties are performed aboard a vessel in navigation. A Jones Act lawyer can review your job duties and time spent on the water to determine if you meet this standard under federal law.
What is maintenance and cure?
Maintenance and cure is a maritime right that requires your employer to pay a daily living allowance and cover your medical costs while you recover from an offshore injury regardless of who caused the accident. It applies even if you were partly at fault.
How long do I have to file an offshore injury claim in Texas?
Jones Act claims generally must be filed within three years of the date of injury under federal law. Other maritime claims may have different deadlines so you should speak with an offshore injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any filing window.
Can I sue if I was partly at fault for my offshore accident?
In many maritime negligence cases you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault though your recovery amount may be reduced. An attorney can explain how comparative fault applies to your specific claim.
What if I was hurt on a fixed platform instead of a vessel?
Workers hurt on fixed platforms often fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act rather than the Jones Act. A Longshore and Harbor Workers Act lawyer can review your work assignment and determine which law protects you.
How much does it cost to hire an offshore accident attorney?
Our firm works on contingency so there is no upfront cost. We only get paid a percentage of your recovery if we win your case so you never pay out of pocket to pursue compensation.
What compensation can I recover after an offshore accident?
You may recover medical bills and lost wages and future earning capacity and pain and suffering depending on which maritime law applies to your case. An oil rig injury attorney can walk you through what applies to your specific injury.
Do I need to hire a lawyer local to the Gulf Coast?
You do not need a local lawyer but you do need one with real experience in offshore and maritime injury cases. Our firm represents Texas residents statewide and has handled offshore claims tied to accidents across the Gulf of Mexico.
What should I avoid saying to the insurance company after my accident?
Avoid giving a recorded statement or agreeing that you were at fault before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your own words to reduce what they pay on your claim.
Can family members file a claim if a worker dies in an offshore accident?
Yes. Families of workers killed in offshore accidents may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Jones Act or general maritime law depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Why do offshore accident claims take longer than typical injury cases?
Offshore cases often involve federal court proceedings and multiple parties and complex questions about which law applies. Working with an experienced maritime accident lawyer helps keep your claim moving as efficiently as possible.
Service Areas
The Lopez Law Group represents offshore and maritime workers throughout Texas including clients connected to Gulf Coast operations out of Houston and Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. We also handle related oilfield accident claims and industrial vehicle accident cases tied to onshore operations that support offshore work.
If your accident happened near the water you can also read more about the dangers of working offshore on oil rigs in Texas, the role of the Coast Guard in maritime safety, and the challenges of shipping in the Gulf of Mexico. For workers hurt in a related incident onshore our page on refinery explosion and oilfield injury accidents and proving negligence in refinery explosions and oilfield accidents may also be helpful.
If a loved one was killed in an offshore accident our wrongful death lawyer team can help. And if you live closer to the Rio Grande Valley our personal injury lawyer in Weslaco team is available for a free consultation.
Talk to an Offshore Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt working offshore you do not have to figure out federal maritime law on your own. Attorney Fernando J. Lopez and our legal team have spent years fighting for injured maritime workers across Texas and we know how to go up against large offshore employers and their insurance carriers.
Call (956) 968-7800) right now for a free consultation or reach out through our contact form and a member of our team will respond quickly. Hablamos español and we are available 24 hours a day seven days a week because your recovery cannot wait.
Available 24/7. No cost. No obligation. Hablamos español.
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