There are many hazardous conditions that people face while working on oil rigs. The nature of this work is such that an employee may be exposed to flammable materials or end up being caught up in an explosion.
When a serious event like an explosion happens on an oil rig, employees need to be aware that they do have the option to make a claim for compensation. Maritime law protects their right to seek compensation that will cover medical expenses, lost wages and other losses.
What do you need to do when an oil rig accident occurs?
The first thing to do is to let someone know about the incident if it’s not already obvious. Then, inform them that you’ve been hurt. If you’re offered medical care, take it.
The Jones Act is there to help protect your right to compensation for this incident, so it’s worth seeking care and taking the time off that you need. Negligence and wrongful death claims are both common under the Jones Act, so you may be able to claim if you’ve been hurt as well.
How does the Jones Act help?
Through the Jones Act, employers may need to compensate workers who are injured while at sea (while on an oil rig, in this case), when their injuries are a result of the employer’s negligence. For example, if it’s shown that the oil rig was not seaworthy, then it’s possible that you could make a claim under the Jones Act.
Maritime law can be complex, but there are options open to you
It’s true that maritime law and injury law can be complex when it comes to who is working at sea, the definition of a vessel and other factors that could influence a case. If you are hurt while at sea, you should be covered by workers’ compensation or be able to seek compensation thanks to an act like the Jones Act. If you’re not sure what to do after your injury, speak with your employer to alert them to the injury and then look into speaking with someone familiar with maritime law.