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Offshore injuries are governed by maritime laws, like the Jones Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These laws are distinct from the more common types of injury laws that apply on land in the continental United States. If you were hurt while offshore, you need legal support from a Jackson Jones Act lawyer, also known as an offshore injury attorney, who can help you navigate the injury claims process.
Being harmed while offshore can lead to complications that can stand in the way of securing the compensation you are owed. At Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A., we understand the complexities of maritime law and how to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused, whether the injury occurred on land or offshore.
Our founding partners formed our law firm based on the belief that everyone should have access to quality legal representation. To that end, we focus exclusively on helping individuals rather than big businesses. Insurance companies often go to great lengths to minimize payouts, but we can take decisive action to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for the physical and emotional harm you suffered.
Working offshore is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. In 2023, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement reported zero occupational fatalities under its jurisdiction but documented 203 injuries, 149 fires, 106 gas releases, and eight collisions on offshore facilities. These figures only cover incidents within the BSEE’s authority and do not include transportation-related deaths or other accidents investigated by the Coast Guard.
With about 5,432 Mississippians employed in oil and natural gas extraction, offshore work remains a major source of jobs and risk in the state. Injuries can occur through equipment failures, fires, chemical exposures, and unsafe working conditions that put crews in constant danger.
The Jones Act, which is also known as Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, gives injured seamen the right to pursue compensation if they were hurt while working offshore. Unlike workers’ compensation, the act requires proving that an employer, vessel owner, or unsafe conditions contributed to the injury.
A successful claim can lead to benefits that can include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and damages for long-term disability. The law also protects U.S. shipping by requiring vessels moving goods between U.S. ports to be American-owned and crewed. For offshore workers in Jackson and across Mississippi, the Jones Act is an important legal tool for holding employers accountable.
When an injured offshore worker notifies their employer that they were harmed, the Jones Act guides the compensation process. The employer must provide medical treatment and daily living expenses, which are known as maintenance and cure.
If the injury was due to unsafe vessel conditions or negligence, the injured worker can pursue a claim in either state or federal court under the Jones Act. Any claim should be backed by evidence, which can include safety records, witness testimony, maintenance logs, and other forms of evidence. A successful claim can lead to compensation for lost wages, medical care, and even disability.
The decision to hire a Jones Act lawyer provides you with the representation you need to secure compensation following an injury. A Jackson Jones Act attorney brings years of experience handling Jones Act cases. Unlike workers’ compensation, Jones Act laws require proof that the injury resulted from negligence or unsafe work conditions.
Any seaman who spends a significant portion of their work duties on a vessel in navigation may qualify for a claim under the Jones Act. This includes offshore workers on oil rigs, supply boats, barges, and other vessels and platforms. The injured worker must take the first step in filing the claim, and waiting too long to start the process can lead to missed deadlines and difficulty finding evidence to support a claim.
Injured seamen can pursue compensation for a wide range of hardships, including lost wages, medical expenses, and even compensation for long-term disability. Employers are also required to provide the injured seaman with medical treatment and daily living expenses. An attorney can ensure that you receive the full range of benefits that you are owed under the act.
The statute of limitations for most Jones Act cases is three years from the day the injury occurred. Waiting too long to initiate a claim can often weaken your case. Evidence may disappear, and witnesses may be harder to locate. By taking decisive action, you can give your attorney more time to build a strong claim and protect your rights.
Having an attorney can greatly improve your chances of securing the compensation that you are owed. Jones Act laws are complex, and maritime employers often fight claims aggressively to limit payouts. An experienced attorney can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary. Look for a lawyer with experience handling maritime law cases.
If you were injured while working offshore, you need legal representation from a law firm that is familiar with maritime law. The personal injury team at Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. understands that employers often fight aggressively to avoid paying the full compensation that you are owed.
Our attorneys bring the knowledge and determination needed to challenge these tactics and protect your rights. We are admitted to practice in all Mississippi state and federal courts, the Supreme Court of Mississippi, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with a law firm that will fight for you and the compensation that you deserve.
Do you need legal help or a consultation? Contact us now.
Main Office:
120 N Congress St.
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Jackson, MS 39201
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Gulfport, MS 39501
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