Pascoe Law Firm
Offshore Rig & Platform Accidents
Principal office located in Friendswood, Texas.
Available to service League City, Webster, Pearland, Galveston, and the surrounding areas within Texas.
Offshore Drilling Accident Attorney
Offshore Drilling and The Jones Act
The Jones Act can be a confusing area of law, and employers might not explain all of a seaman’s rights. An offshore rig accident attorney experienced with Jones Act rights and litigation can advise injured seamen and their families. Call us now. We can help. Jackup rigs are considered boats under the law when they can be moved under their own power. The Jones Act — and the all the rights of the Jones Act — apply to workers on the rigs. The rights also apply to seamen on oil tankers, container ships, offshore supply boats, cruise ships, barges and other watercraft on brown water or blue water, in the Gulf of Mexico or in more distant international waters. Jones Act rights apply to everyone on board. This can include:
- Captains
- Mates
- Deck hands
- Barge workers
- Line workers
- Oilers
- Crew members
- Stewards
Common Types Offshore Drilling Rig Accidents
An offshore oil rig worker has a dangerous job. If you are hurt, your livelihood and your ability to provide for your family could be in jeopardy. Often times many oil rig accidents are preventable and your injuries may have been caused by unsafe working conditions or defective equipment or parts. Oil rig accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:
- Structural damage to the rig
- Malfunctioning or defective drilling rigs, wellheads and other machinery
- Improperly designed or installed safety features
- Worker Error in operating rig equipment
- Gas leaks
- Hazardous weather conditions
Pascoe Law Firm
Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 713-829-4317
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Does the Jones Act Apply to Offshore Drilling Accidents?
Eligibility for protection under the Jones Act depends on several factors, all of which must be taken into account when determining whether the Jones Act applies:
- Location: Not all offshore accidents are the same. Governing law depends on where the platform is located. Is it within the territorial waters (12 miles from shore) of the United States? If so, the Jones Act applies. If the rig is further away from shore, then the Jones Act does not apply.
- Type of platform: Location is not the only factor in establishing eligibility for oil rig accident compensation. The type of platform also matters. Is the platform, or its components, capable of moving? If so, an accident could be covered by the Jones Act because it would be considered a vessel.
