We are dedicated to helping those who have been injured or affected by a catastrophic injury. You may contact us 24/7 at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment with us.
Operating a jack-up rig is one of the most dangerous jobs worldwide. Drilling companies rely on jack-up rigs to drill offshore oil wells. Workers are required to use complex machines and heavy equipment, increasing their risk of a work-related injury.
A reputable jack-up rig accident lawyer from Pierce Skrabanek can support you or a loved one through injury. With our maritime injury lawyer working for you, you can hold the at-fault party accountable.
You deserve fair compensation and peace of mind to focus on your recovery. We are here to help you protect your rights by taking legal action against those responsible for causing your jack-up rig accident.
Contact our law office by phone at (832) 690-7000 or through our online contact form for a free consultation today. Learn which legal options are suitable for your case and your potential award if we are successful.
“Excellent team, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in explaining and staying in contact throughout the entire process. Highly recommend for anyone needing assistance. Thank you so much to the entire staff. Awesome experience.”
- Albert G.
Jack-up rig accidents are much different from other accidents on navigable waters. Many assume they resemble tugboat, cruise, or container ship accidents. However, jack-up rigs are an entirely different matter.
Jack-up rigs are mobile offshore drilling units that drill into the ocean floor. They are the most common oil rigs used to drill offshore wells. Safety inspectors and offshore oil companies operate these rigs.
Oil companies use jack-up rigs for their drilling operations. Since the legs can raise and lower, jack-up rigs can move from place to place.
Jack-up rigs are considered "navigable vessels," as the US Department of Labor OALJ LHWCA Benchbook describes. Thus, their workers are seamen and subject to protection under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act protects American maritime workers by allowing them to sue their employers for injuries incurred due to negligence. It provides compensation similar to workers' compensation in other industries.
Suffering a maritime injury is never easy. Those who suffer oil rig injuries may suffer permanent disability or death as a result of a maritime accident. Some of the most common types of injuries are:
With the legal support of a jack-up rig accident lawyer from Pierce Skrabanek, you can demand justice for your suffering.
No matter the injury, our team is here to identify faults and build a powerful case against those responsible. We aim to help you maximize your financial compensation and ensure you have access to the benefits you need to pick up the pieces of your life.
Don't hesitate to contact our legal team to request a free consultation. Call (832) 690-7000 or use our online contact form when you are ready to take back control of your future.
You can expect your jack-up rig injury attorney to investigate the cause of your maritime accident carefully. We need to determine how the accident occurred to know who should be named in insurance and civil claims. Some of the most common types of jack-up rig accidents include:
“Working on a jack-up oil rig is one of the world's most challenging—and often dangerous—jobs. When accidents occur, holding those responsible accountable is paramount for your recovery and the safety of every worker on the rig.”
-Paul Skrabanek
Your jack-up rig accident lawyer can file your claim under the Jones Act. The benefits you can expect to collect will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. However, generally, there are three categories of settlements you can receive under the Jones Act, including:
Cure is similar to workers’ compensation benefits, specifically the total value of your medical expenses relating to your jack-up rig accident. There is no reason you should have to pay if your accident occurred in a work-related incident.
Your employer will be expected to cover your medical expenses, including ongoing counseling or physical therapy and future expenses due to your oil rig injuries.
Maintenance refers to the costs of your everyday living. When you suffer an injury in a jack-up rig accident, you may need to take time off work to recuperate. During this time, you may find yourself struggling to stay afloat financially.
Maintenance is designed to cover these expenses. It covers rent or mortgage payments, groceries, or electricity. If your employer refuses to pay maintenance and cure, you may be eligible for punitive or exceptional damages.
Beyond maintenance and cure, you may be entitled to additional compensation for losses caused by your jack-up rig accident. This can include compensation for non-financial hardships, such as pain and suffering. Remember, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
At Pierce Skrabanek, we’re dedicated to securing justice for workers who risk their lives daily. One of our clients, a 30-year-old driller with Diamond Offshore, experienced a life-altering accident on the Ocean Yorktown rig off the coast of Brazil. He was suddenly hoisted over 20 feet in the air, and when his fall protection failed, he sustained severe injuries to his left arm and back.
We brought his case to Harris County’s 157th Judicial District Court, where, after a week-long trial, a unanimous jury awarded him $4.9 million. This verdict is a powerful example of the justice we relentlessly pursue for injured workers. Our commitment is not only to our client’s recovery but also to set a precedent for safer working conditions on every rig.
But that’s just one example of the work we can do for you and your loved ones. According to a Martindale-Nolo study, clients who choose legal representation over self-representation almost always see more favorable compensation and results. This is especially true when dealing with complex Jones Act claims.
Filing a Jones Act claim can be complex, especially when workers face employer resistance and delayed medical care. Our client, a Jones Act seaman from Brownsville, suffered a severe back injury while moving a heavy roll of gasket material aboard a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.
Despite reporting his injury, he remained offshore without adequate medical care for a week, leading to extensive treatment and surgery. We stepped in to handle the challenging Jones Act filing, ensuring his rights were fully protected and securing a $2 million settlement to support his recovery and future.
The thought of filing a jack-up rig lawsuit may be intimidating. After everything you have been through, the thought of taking legal action may seem impossible. With a powerful legal advocate for your maritime injuries, you won't need to go through the claims process alone.
A strategic jack-up rig accident attorney from Pierce Skrabanek can help you file your Jones Act claim and demand the fair compensation you are entitled to. With decades of combined legal experience and a powerful track record of successful trial verdicts and insurance settlements, our commitment to our clients is unmatched.
You can start on your claim today when you call our office at (832) 690-7000 or fill out our secured contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
You do not have unlimited time to pursue your claim under the Jones Act. As described under U.S. Code 46 § 30106, the Jones Act has a strict three-year statute of limitations. If your claim is not filed before time runs out, you can expect the courts to refuse to let you move forward with a trial.
It is also important to report your jack-up rig accident to your employer. Generally, you have up to seven days from the accident date to report your injuries to your employer. Missing this deadline could adversely affect your ability to recover compensation under the Jones Act.
First, call emergency responders for help and take photos of your injuries and the jack-up rig conditions. Then, you will want to ask witnesses for their contact information before you get emergency medical attention and contact a Jones Act attorney for assistance 24/7. Finally, notify your employer that you were involved in an accident on the jack-up rig.
Yes, punitive damages can be awarded in a jack-up rig accident lawsuit. If your employer does not provide the financial support you need to cover your medical and necessary living expenses, they may be ordered to compensate you further through exceptional damages.
While prompt reporting is recommended, you may still have options. Consult a lawyer to determine how delayed reporting might impact your claim and if exceptions may apply in your case.
We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.
Summary: Paul helped an injured refinery worker obtain a $2.4 Million verdict in the 80th Judicial District of Harris County. The jury award was unanimous. Paul took three of the seven witnesses at trial and got a defense expert struck on voir dire during trial. The Plaintiff suffered second and third-degree burns to 20% of his body. His claims were against an engineering company that designed the equipment that caused his injuries. Defendant’s final offer prior to trial was $135,000.
Summary: The seaman, a resident of Arkansas, worked as a roustabout on a jack-up vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. He suffered severe injuries when a drill pipe rolled onto his foot while he was assisting the crane in transferring the pipes to another deck on the vessel. As a result of the injury, the seaman had to undergo two surgeries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of his big toe.
