Offshore Accidents

Offshore accidents refer to injuries, deaths and/or property damage that occurs on sea vessels, such as:

boats and ferries
docks
offshore drilling rigs
ships (including cruise ships, fishing vessels, etc.)
tankers
tug boats and barges
water taxis

Each year, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) conduct studies on the safety of various watercrafts and the incidence of offshore accidents aboard them. Factors taken into account include:

the type of watercraft
the nature and cause of the accident
the type of injury sustained

Offshore Accident Statistics

Over the nearly 6,200 watercraft that were involved in accidents last year:

4,901 maritime accidents occurred.
61 individuals died in these incidents.
155 people were injured.
About $811 million was the cost of property damage

These offshore accident statistics don't account for damage, injuries and accidents that occurred on personal watercraft.

Offshore Accident Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard also compiles annual statistics regarding the:

number of cases the respond to
the nature of each case
the injuries and fatalities sustained in these events

Last year, the U.S. Coast Guard:

responded to nearly 27,100 events
recorded nearly 800 maritime deaths
reported that nearly $122 million in property damage occurred in these events

They also found that about 90 percent of individuals who drowned last year were not wearing life jackets.

What To Do Following an Offshore Accident: Medical and Legal Help

It's vital that injured maritime workers seek emergency medical attention to prevent further injuries and complications, even if the injury seems minor. Once their health is stable, it's also essential that injured maritime employees meet with an experienced offshore attorney for a free consultation to determine if they have a claim and are entitled to a settlement via the Jones Act.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act (also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a complicated law that protects maritime workers in the event they are injured on-the-job.

Injured parties covered by the Jones Act can recover compensation for their:

past hospital bills
ongoing treatment costs
lost wages
permanent disabilities
future costs of living
pain and suffering

Additionally, the Jones Act includes provisions stipulating that families of deceased maritime workers will be entitled to death benefits, should their loved one die while working.

Have you or a loved one been injured while working in the maritime industry? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced offshore lawyer who will evaluate the unique circumstances of your case and help you recover the compensation you and your family are entitled to.

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Offshore Accidents

Offshore Accident Statistics

Offshore Accident Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard

What To Do Following an Offshore Accident: Medical and Legal Help

What is the Jones Act?

Other Areas of Law