Our nation depends on the Gulf Coast region for oil production. Each year, Gulf Coast oil rigs pump nearly 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. With these high output demands, an oil rig can quickly turn into an unsafe workplace. Broussard, David & Moroux is a personal injury law firm that represents clients injured in oil rig accidents. Our Lafayette oil rig accident lawyers have successfully litigated many cases involving offshore workers and have the experience needed to protect your legal rights.
Many factors can contribute to an oil rig accident. Common causes of oil rig accidents include equipment failure, extreme weather, exhausted or overworked workers, and hazardous chemical exposure. Employers also have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe workplace for its workers.
Federal law governs maritime law claims and offers special protection and rights to maritime workers, including oil rig workers. The oil rig accident attorneys at our Lafayette firm recognize that determining your rights and remedies under federal law depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding your employment and the accident.
The Longshoreman Worker’s Compensation Act (LWCA) or the Outer Continental Shelf Act (OCSA) may apply to oil rig workers. The LWCA is a federal statute that provides worker’s compensation to maritime workers, including oil rig workers, who suffer an injury or who fall ill on the job. On the other hand, if a worker works on a rig in the Outer Continental Shelf, the OCSA may apply. Both statutes provide compensation for injury, death, illness, and disability, including compensation for a worker’s lost wages, medical expenses and rehabilitation.
An oil rig accident can have a drastic impact on a worker’s ability to earn a living and can be an emotional and trying experience for both a worker and his or her family. Our Lafayette oil rig accident attorneys offer the attention you and your family need to understand your legal rights and assert your legal claims.
We offer a complimentary consultation to all prospective clients. For questions, call Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll free) or 337-233-2323 (local). You can also contact us online for answers to your questions or to schedule your consultation with an oil rig accident lawyer in Lafayette.