Off Shore Accidents

The Schmidt Law Firm represents workers in the marine and offshore drilling industry in the area of personal injury litigation. George Schmidt is well versed in the area of personal injury and maritime law in the region, having tried and settled cases for offshore oilfield workers in federal courts in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Mr. Schmidt’s success at maximizing the recovery for his clients is characterized by his integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, intensity and being a zealous advocate for his clients. If you or someone you know have been injured in a maritime of oilfield accident, call us today for a free consultation.

The Jones Act covers employees of U.S. ships who have suffered personal injury, illness or death during the course of his or her employment. The Act allows injured employees to seek damages or compensation in a trial by jury. It primarily protects employees who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but may protect others under certain circumstances. 

Non-U.S. employees may recover under the Jones Act if he or she was injured while working on a U.S. ship, in U.S. waters, if the ship was constructed to transport cargo, and was in fact transporting cargo. Even if the seaman was found to have contributory negligence, it will not bar a claim. Many different types of oil drilling rigs are classified as vessels or ships under the Jones Act, to include jack-up rigs and inland barges.

You can sue for unseaworthiness for such injuries as pain and suffering, impairment of earning potential, medical bills and other reasonable losses from an offshore injury.

You can sue under maintenance and cure if you can prove that your injury occurred during the course of your employment.

Families of seamen or offshore workers who have died due to negligence while in international waters can file a claim for recovery against the ship’s owner. A finding of contributory negligence will not bar a claim.