Norfolk Offshore Injury Lawyers
Working offshore, whether on a platform, vessel, barge, tugboat, or in a shipyard, is physically demanding and dangerous work. When an injury occurs in these environments, the legal landscape that protects injured workers is complex and distinct from typical land-based workers’ compensation rules. At Montagna Law, our Norfolk offshore injury lawyers represent individuals hurt while working on or near navigable waters, including accidents that happen offshore and in the broader Hampton Roads maritime region.
Offshore injuries arise from unpredictable conditions, heavy equipment, shifting weather, and demanding physical labor. These cases often involve long-term medical treatment, lost wages, and deep emotional and financial stress. Whether your injury occurred on a vessel, at a marine terminal, during cargo handling, or on an offshore platform, you deserve experienced maritime representation that understands federal maritime law and the unique protections it affords injured offshore workers.
The Dangers of Offshore Work
Offshore work is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. Maritime jobs regularly expose workers to slippery surfaces, heavy machinery, confined spaces, rough seas, and environmental hazards far beyond the risks found on land. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maritime workers face a higher risk of fatality, injury, and illness than the average American worker.
In Norfolk and the surrounding coastal waterways, offshore workers, whether in shipyards, marine terminals, fishing operations, dredging activities, or on commercial vessels, face unique hazards every day. Even routine tasks can become dangerous, and minor injuries can quickly escalate into long-term disabilities.
Examples of offshore and maritime injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma from falls or being struck by unsecured equipment
- Spinal and back injuries from slips, falls, or heavy lifting
- Crushing injuries and fractures caused by machinery failures
- Hypothermia, frostbite, and drowning after falling overboard
- Lung damage from chemical exposure or inhalation of hazardous substances
- Amputations and severe soft‑tissue injuries requiring prosthetics
These injuries can result in extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and future care needs that outlive your ability to work.
Federal Maritime Laws and Offshore Injuries
Unlike land-based workers who are typically limited to workers’ compensation benefits, offshore workers often have access to federal maritime protections. These protections include not only state and federal negligence claims but also specialized remedies under maritime law, depending on the nature of your employment and how your injury occurred.
Two of the most common types of claims arising from offshore injuries are:
Jones Act Claims — When an offshore worker qualifies as a “seaman,” the Jones Act provides the right to seek compensation from an employer whose negligence contributed to the injury. These claims allow for recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. They also include basic rights such as Maintenance and Cure, which requires employers to cover living expenses and medical care while a worker recovers.
Third‑Party Maritime Worker Claims — When a party other than your employer is responsible for your injury, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or vessel owner, federal maritime negligence law may allow you to pursue compensation directly from that third party. These claims often arise when unsafe operations, negligent loading, defective equipment, or poor maintenance contribute to an accident.
Whether your claim arises under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or both, the legal standards and remedies available are significantly different from claims governed by state workers’ compensation statutes.
Compensation Available in Offshore Injury Cases
In offshore injury cases, injured workers and their families may be entitled to a range of damages, depending on the claim type and the facts of the case. Compensation can include:
- Medical expenses, including past, ongoing, and future care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity due to time away from work or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering related to physical injury and emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life when daily activities and independence are affected
When an offshore injury results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue wrongful death benefits under maritime law and ancillary state claims designed to address the financial impact of the loss.
Why You Need an Experienced Offshore Injury Lawyer
Offshore and maritime injury claims are governed by a specialized set of federal laws that interact with state statutes and maritime legal principles. Insurance companies and employers often attempt to minimize compensation by pressuring workers to accept quick settlements, downplaying the severity of injuries, or misclassifying the nature of their claim.
Maritime law is complex, and successful claims require a thorough understanding of:
- Federal maritime statutes and regulations
- Case law interpreting maritime employer and third-party liability
- Evidence preservation and accident reconstruction on water and offshore environments
- Coordinating short‑ and long-term care needs into a comprehensive damages strategy
Montagna Law’s Norfolk offshore injury lawyers have the experience and maritime knowledge necessary to protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a claim if my injury happened offshore but not aboard a vessel?
Yes. Claims may arise under maritime negligence law or other applicable federal statutes even when the injury occurs on fixed platforms, docks, or offshore facilities, depending on your role and work conditions.
What makes an offshore worker eligible for a Jones Act claim?
A worker may be considered a seaman under the Jones Act if their duties support the vessel’s mission and they spend a significant portion of their time on navigable waters. A maritime attorney at Montagna Law can evaluate whether you qualify.
Can I sue my employer and a third party?
In many cases, yes. You may have a Jones Act claim against your employer and a separate negligence claim against a third party whose actions contributed to the injury.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Maritime claims, including Jones Act claims, use different standards than traditional state negligence cases. An experienced attorney can assess how fault is viewed under maritime law and how it may affect your case.
How long do I have to file an offshore injury claim?
Deadlines vary depending on the claim type and jurisdiction. In many maritime cases, a three-year statute of limitations applies, but specific circumstances may change this timeline. Speaking with an attorney promptly protects your rights.
Speak With a Norfolk Offshore Injury Lawyer
If you were injured while working on or near the water in Norfolk, time and evidence preservation are critical. You deserve legal representation that understands maritime law, vessel operations, offshore environments, and how to secure the compensation you need to recover and provide for your family.
Contact Montagna Law today to speak directly with an experienced Norfolk offshore injury lawyer and learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.