Offshore oil and gas professionals are often away from home for weeks at a time. Their jobs put them at risk of severe injuries and premature mortality. They generally receive very competitive wages for the time that they work and are subject to numerous laws intended to reduce the hazards of offshore oil and gas employment.
When incidents occur at an offshore oil and gas drilling rig or production facility, workers may determine that the party at fault for the incident did not receive appropriate safety training. That discovery could have an impact on their compensation rights.
Regulatory non-compliance strengthens a claim
Injured and sickened maritime professionals, including offshore oil and gas rig workers, generally have the option of filing a lawsuit seeking cure and maintenance regardless of what actually caused their on-the-job injuries. However, in scenarios where they have clear proof of negligence or regulatory non-compliance by their employers, they may be eligible for greater amounts of compensation.
There are numerous training requirements imposed on employers operating offshore oil and gas facilities. Validating that each new hire, contractor and transfer employee has undergone all necessary safety training is a critical component of the onboarding process. When maritime employers, including oil and gas companies, fail to adhere to federal standards, they may face enhanced liability for worker injuries.
Reviewing the underlying cause of an offshore oil and gas incident with a skilled legal team can help professionals understand and assert their legal rights. A discussion with a maritime injury attorney can be beneficial for those injured by untrained coworkers in an offshore setting accordingly.