Deepwater Injuries

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• Did Blowout Cause Transocean Oil Rig Explosion in Gulf of Mexico?
• Fiery History of Gulf of Mexico Offshore Oil Rig Blazes
• Search Efforts for Missing Offshore Workers in Transocean Gulf Of Mexico Oil Rig Explosion Will Resume Tomorrow
• Several Injured in Transocean Oil Rig Explosion in Gulf of Mexico
• Transocean Oil Rig Explosion: All about the Deepwater Horizon Semisubmersible Rig
• Survivors of Louisiana Transocean Oil Rig Explosion Back on Shore
• Deepwater Horizon Rig Collapses in Gulf of Mexico
• Families of Missing Transocean Offshore Explosion Workers Told to Expect Worst

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More Information

• Transocean crewmembers need to protect themselves from BP's allegations now
• Transocean Has a Checkered Past When It Comes to Safety
• BP is No Stranger to Safety Issues
• Jones Act: Am I Protected?

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Disclaimer

We designed this website to provide information to consumers, injured people, and their families. Our goal is to level the playing field between consumers and insurance companies and expose the tricks, traps, and techniques they use to cheat injured people out of their legal rights. We also let consumers know about legal news, including verdicts and settlements and other interesting legal information.

But please understand that nothing on this website is meant to provide legal information about your specific case, create an attorney-client relationship, or imply that the results of your legal case will be the same as some other case.

Jones Act: Am I Protected?

You are probably feeling lucky to have survived the deadly Gulf of Mexico rig explosion involving the Deepwater Horizon. One can only imagine how terrifying it must have been as you took swift action to evacuate. It is a horrible event that needlessly claimed the lives of eleven individuals.

If you were on the Deepwater Horizon at the time of the blast, you most likely are getting all kinds of advice from your friends, family members and maybe even attorneys. One of the most important things that you need to understand is that as a crewmember, you are protected under a federal law known as the Jones Act. This law is actually an extension of the Federal Employee's Liability Act, which was designed to protect injured railroad workers.

Are Deepwater Horizon Rig Workers Protected Under the Law?
The cases that will be filed after the rig accident will most likely fall under the Jones Act. Here is what you need to understand about this law:

• The Jones Act governs the rights of seamen. The legal definition of a seaman is basically any worker who spends more than 30 percent of his or her time on a vessel in navigable waters. Most Deepwater Horizon crewmembers will be classified as seamen. If you are unsure if you qualify as a Jones Act seaman, you can call our office for advice.
• Seamen are entitled to a jury trial. Under the Jones Act, you can bring your case in state or federal court, as long as you qualify as a seaman.
• Compensation may be available in a Jones Act case. The Jones Act offers many financial benefits to injured crewmembers, including maintenance and cure, unearned wages, lost wages (past and future) and damages for personal injury. Damages could include pain and suffering, disfigurement, impairment and loss of enjoyment of life.

Maritime attorney Brian Beckcom has written a report, Answers to the Most Common Questions About the Transocean Rig Explosion, which is offered free to injured rig workers and their family members. This report will answer a lot of your questions, including your rights and what steps you need to take (and avoid).

If you or your family member was hurt on the Deepwater Horizon, we are available to answer your questions. Our experienced maritime attorneys have already counseled many workers and their families following this tragedy and would be more than happy to talk with you. Contact us today at (877) 724-7800.

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Videos

General:

• BP Blames Transocean Rig Workers for Deepwater Horizon Explosion

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