South Mississippi Maritime Law for Offshore Rigs

Temporary oil rigs are covered by the Jones Act

Offshore jack-up rigs and floating platforms not permanently attached to the ocean floor are included under the Jones Act. This is a very important provision, because offshore rigs are prone to safety problems and negligent acts are frequent.

A different group of maritime workers

The work on an offshore rig begins with the assembly and placement of the rig itself, continues through the work of drilling into the ocean floor for oil, and culminates in the construction of a pipeline to send the oil back to land. Many laborers are involved in this complex process, and all are understood to be mariners while doing this work.

Common injuries on offshore rigs

It is the responsibility of any employer to provide a safe working environment. However, offshore rigs are known to have certain hazards due to insufficient oversight of safety products.

Jones Act relief includes maintenance and cure

When you have been injured while doing maritime work, your settlement will have two parts: maintenance and cure. Maintenance means that you receive daily pay if a doctor finds that you are unable to return to work. Cure covers medical care, doctors, hospitals, and prescription drugs.

Accidents at port or on fixed platforms

Work-related injuries to dockworkers or to those who work on fixed platforms are not covered under the Jones Act. However, they may be covered under other laws, such as the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Offshore accidents require the attention of a seasoned lawyer

Gulf Coast attorney James Gardner handles all types of maritime injury cases that are brought to the Gardner Law Firm. To set up a consultation, please contact the firm.