Working offshore—whether on oil rigs, ships, or commercial vessels—comes with serious risks. If you’ve been injured while working at sea, you may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. This guide will help you understand how an offshore accident attorney in the USA can protect your rights and help you win your case.
🌊 What Is an Offshore Accident Attorney?
An offshore accident attorney is a lawyer who specializes in maritime law and represents injured offshore workers. These legal professionals handle claims related to:
- Oil rig explosions
- Ship and barge accidents
- Equipment failures
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Slip and fall injuries at sea
- Helicopter transport crashes
They are experts in federal maritime laws such as the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and General Maritime Law.
⚠️ Common Offshore Accident Injuries
Working offshore is dangerous. Some of the most common injuries that lead to lawsuits include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Severe burns and chemical exposure
- Wrongful death
If any of these happened to you or a loved one while on duty, you may be able to file for compensation.
⚖️ Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
U.S. maritime law provides offshore workers with unique legal rights, including:
🛳️ The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act)
- Allows injured seamen to sue employers for negligence.
- Covers maintenance and cure (medical care + living expenses).
- Often results in high-dollar settlements or jury awards.
⚓ Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- Covers workers who load/unload ships or work near navigable waters.
- Offers disability and medical benefits.
⚖️ General Maritime Law
- Provides remedies for unseaworthy vessels.
- Includes pain, suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages.
🏆 Top Offshore Accident Law Firms in the U.S. (2025)
Here are some of the best law firms specializing in offshore and maritime injuries:
| Law Firm | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold & Itkin LLP | Houston, TX | Oil rig explosions, offshore injuries |
| Zehl & Associates | Nationwide | Maritime catastrophes |
| The Krist Law Firm | Texas | Jones Act & maritime claims |
| Schechter, Shaffer & Harris | Gulf Coast | Seamen, ship crew injuries |
| Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman | Florida | Cruise ship and maritime law |
📍 Why You Need a Specialized Offshore Attorney
Most offshore companies (and their insurers) will try to:
- Deny liability
- Offer lowball settlements
- Claim the injury was your fault
An experienced maritime attorney will:
- Investigate your accident
- File suit under the correct maritime statute
- Negotiate a maximum payout or go to trial
💡 Fact: Offshore accident claims can exceed $1 million to $10+ million, depending on the severity of injuries and negligence.
🕒 How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Time is limited. The statute of limitations for maritime injury claims is typically 3 years, but it can be shorter depending on the case.
💼 What to Ask During Your Free Consultation
- Have you handled cases like mine?
- What’s your success rate in Jones Act claims?
- Do you charge any upfront fees?
- Will you take my case to trial if needed?
- What settlements have you won for offshore workers?
✅ Pro Tip: Look for lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless they win.
📞 Contact an Offshore Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered a serious offshore injury, don’t wait. Contact a top-rated offshore accident attorney in the U.S. for a free case review. Time is critical, and early legal action can significantly increase your compensation.
✅ Final Thoughts
Working offshore is high-risk, but you don’t have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. The right offshore accident lawyer can help you navigate complex maritime laws, fight for your rights, and win the financial support you deserve.