Burn Injury from Oil Rig Explosion

There are several things you need to know after suffering a burn injury from an oil rig explosion. The first is that you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. If your employer has told you that there is no need to sue because they will take care of you, you should still call our law firm to discuss your case. While it is natural for workers to want to trust their employers, this can lead to receiving less compensation than you deserve. Secondly, your case will likely fall under the Jones Act. This is a set of laws that specifically governs vessels and the injuries that occur to the seamen who work on them. Even if you are instead covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, maritime law will apply and you will need an attorney who is experienced in handling maritime cases. Our attorneys are, and we would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Your Rights After Suffering a Burn Injury from an Oil Rig Explosion

The Right to Cure

If you are classified as a seaman, you have the right to cure, which is compensation for your medical bills. All of your medical bills should be paid for by the responsible party. You should not have to pay copays, deductibles, or any out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, you should have access to any of the treatments necessary to enable the maximum recovery possible for your injuries. This means that if there is a procedure or treatment that could help, but the insurance company does not want to pay for it, you may have justification for a lawsuit.

The Right to Maintenance

If you were living aboard a vessel, your daily room and board would have been part of your total compensation package. After an injury, you have the right to maintenance, which is a daily rate paid to cover the expenses associated with your room and board.

The Right to Your Lost Wages

After being injured, you have the right to sue for lost wages both today and in the future. It is critical that you have an attorney help you make these calculations because many people leave money on the table when they don’t have experienced legal advice. For example, if you were to miss work for two months due to your injuries and were later able to go back to work only part time, you have the right to request compensation for your lost wages. Also, if it seems likely that you will continue to have a reduced ability to work, you have the right to seek compensation for those wages as well.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Options After a Burn Injury from an Oil Rig Explosion

At Zehl & Associates, we want to assist with your case. To discuss your options in greater detail, call 1-888-302-3838.