Offshore Oil Rig Accident Attorney
Offshore drilling jobs can be dangerous, putting workers at risk for catastrophic, debilitating, and potentially fatal injuries.
When Texas offshore oil workers are injured doing jobs in the Gulf of Mexico, The Shelton Law Firm can help them seek damages.
Learn how our Houston, TX, law office can hold negligent companies accountable for putting their employees at risk.
A Potentially Dangerous Profession
More than a decade since the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, it still looms large in the minds of those who live or make their living on the Gulf Coast. For those who have careers in offshore drilling or working on oil rigs, the threat of an explosion remains a looming hazard.
Anyone who works in oil or gas extraction needs to understand their legal options following an accident. By working with attorney Michael E. Shelton, you will have an advocate on your side who will not be intimidated by energy companies or influential figures in the oil and gas industries.
Legal Representation for Offshore Accident Victims Help With Maritime Accident and Injury Claims
The offshore oil and drilling industry can be dangerous. Workers face constant hazards on oil platforms and rigs and in transit to platforms and rigs. Whatever operation you work for on the Gulf of Mexico, the legal team at our Houston, TX, law firm is here to offer assistance and legal insight following a rig or platform accident.
Houston, TX, Can Count on Michael Shelton
"...He has not once let me down and is very supportive in every way. Because of my injury,I have not been able to work but Mr. Shelton has made sure to help my family financially until my case is over. He always keeps me informed, and is always ahead of the game." Jaime, Former Client
Were You Affected by an Offshore Drilling Accident? Contact The Shelton Law Firm
If you or a loved one was injured on an oil platform or rig in the Gulf of Mexico, you need to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. Attorney Michael E. Shelton is not intimidated by the oil or gas industry. As a former rig worker, he is familiar with what employees in the oil industry experience each day.
During your free consultation, you can tell us what happened during the offshore incident. Mr. Shelton will provide an honest assessment of your case. If he takes your case, you will not have to pay unless we reach a favorable resolution.
If you live in Texas and need to speak with a lawyer about an oil platform or rig incident, contact our law office online. You can also call our law firm in Houston, TX, to set up a free consultation.
Call Our Law Firm
(713) 807-0700
We Stand With Texas Offshore Workers
"He has knowledge of the many hazards that rig and platform workers face and can hold oil and petroleum companies accountable for any harm they have caused their workers."
The Dangers of Offshore Incidents A Look at the Numbers
A further breakdown of the BSEE's 2019 offshore incident numbers reveal that there were four recorded offshore explosions, 20 gas releases, 84 fires, and 169 dangerous lifting incidents.
Important to Note
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According to a report from Drilled News, Southerly, and WWNO, the BSEE numbers may be underreported since the federal agency does not tally deaths that occur in state waters. In Texas, state waters extend nine miles from the coastline, which is a lot of territory in the Gulf of Mexico. The Railroad Commission of Texas is supposed to regulate offshore drilling in state waters, but the agency reportedly does not track fatalities from that line of work.
Protection of Injured Workers' Rights Accidents in Drilling and Offshore Oil Extraction
Harmful incidents in offshore oil extraction can take numerous forms. The Houston, TX, law firm of attorney Michael E. Shelton protects injured offshore drilling rig workers' rights in the event of:
- Negligence in equipment operation
- Unsafe working conditions
- Assault by a crew member
- Insufficient training
- Cable or block breaks
- Cathead slips/improper placement
- Pipe tongs malfunction
- Grating collapse
- Falling objects
- Slip and falls
Two federal statutes may play a major role in offshore incidents, oil spill accidents, and drilling explosion cases: the Jones Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
The Jones Act
Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act regulates maritime commerce in American waters and between U.S. ports. The Jones Act allows seamen to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working on boats, jack-ups, and oil platforms and rigs. To do so, an employer must have demonstrated some form of negligence that contributed to the offshore oil, gas, or energy accident.
Mr. Shelton can help take on negligent oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico, holding gas and drilling companies accountable for injuries and the loss of life.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
If you were seriously injured on a fixed platform, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act might come into play. This law considers a fixed oil platform to be an island of the closest contiguous state. Your work accident injury would then be covered by workers' compensation laws of that nearest state. A third-party drilling accident caused by a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer could result in a lawsuit against the third party.
Important Deadlines
Jones Act Claims
Under the Jones Act, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Although this may sound like a long time, you can expect it will pass quickly. The sooner you reach out to Mr. Shelton, the better.
Workers' Comp Claims
If the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act applies to your case and your jobsite is considered to be part of Texas, you have just 30 days from the incident to notify your employer about your injury. If you do not file your claim within one year, you will lose the right to do so. Mr. Shelton can help you through every step.
Mr. Shelton Gets the Results You Need Talk to Him Today
Mr. Shelton has secured several significant verdicts and settlements for pipeline and oil rig workers. He won two separate $10 million cases for severely burned workers. Other multimillion-dollar victories include cases involving faulty equipment, bodily injury, explosions, and wrongful death.
Mr. Shelton's work has led to widespread recognition. He holds an AV rating from the prestigious attorney rating service Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating possible, and is given when other attorneys believe an attorney exemplifies legal excellence. Reach out over the phone or complete our request form to schedule your free consultation with our Houston lawyer.
(713) 807-0700
Keep Track of Your Records
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You can help Mr. Shelton build a winning case by keeping track of all documentation related to your injury. If you have any photos or videos, back them up on multiple devices. Take photos of paper documents. Even if you feel it is unnecessary, attend all of your doctor appointments. It is highly possible that you have injuries that are not yet apparent to you, and your medical records can be important for proving your claim and illustrating the support you may need in the future.
Offshore oil and gas workers can count on our Houston, TX, law office for sound legal counsel throughout the litigation process.
Mr. Shelton Fights for the Bereaved After Fatal Oil Rig Accidents
Sometimes, oil rig accidents result in tragic deaths. No amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one. However, you deserve financial compensation to help you navigate the many serious challenges the loss of a loved one will pose to your family.
Whether your case relates to workers' compensation, the Jones Act, or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Mr. Shelton can represent you and your loved ones in pursuit of maximum restitution.
"Mr. Mike just went into action."
In this personal injury testimonial, Andrea discusses her experience with the Shelton Law Firm. The entire team was genuine, caring, and communicative. She credits Michael E. Shelton with not only helping her heal but also ensuring her financial stability for years to come.
Mr. Shelton Fights for Oil Workers' Rights In Houston, TX, and Beyond
Mr. Shelton helps clients nationwide. If you reside outside of Texas, we invite you to reach out to Mr. Shelton about your injury case.
