WE KNOW HOW TO FIGHT BACK FOR YOU
When it comes to the risks offshore workers face on crew boats, tankers, drilling rigs, and other vessels, as well as fixed platforms in the Gulf, most discussions focus on injuries. Not many people talk about illnesses and diseases, even though these can be equally dangerous and affect countless seamen and other maritime workers every year.
Like offshore workers who suffer serious injuries, workers who contract infectious and occupational diseases have rights under the Jones Act and other maritime laws. These include the right to seek just compensation for their illness and disease-related losses. A Houston maritime lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP has extensive experience representing offshore workers in claims for compensation. If you have a claim for an illness or disease contracted offshore, our attorneys will fight aggressively to win the compensation you deserve.
Crewmembers and offshore workers in transport onboard offshore rigs, platforms and other vessels are at heightened risk for contracting certain types of illnesses and diseases. Why? There are actually two primary reasons:
First, seamen and other offshore workers onboard vessels often spend days on end in close quarters. If one person is sick with a contagious disease, there is a good chance that the disease will spread to others onboard – particularly among those without up-to-date immunizations.
Second, vessels often carry pathogens that can cause a number of different occupational diseases. Damp, cold conditions on the open water can even further increase offshore workers’ chances of coming down with these diseases.
With these considerations in mind, some of the most common illnesses and diseases onboard crew boats in the Gulf of Mexico and other navigable waters include:
While these are among the most-common examples, they are not the only examples of illnesses and diseases that can entitle offshore workers to seek financial compensation. If you got sick on a drilling rig, platform, tanker, freighter, or any other type of vessel, you should speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights.
While some maritime workers who fall ill at sea will only be entitled to limited “maintenance and cure” benefits, in many cases seamen and others can seek full compensation for their illness-related losses. If your employer exposed you to an unreasonable risk, you may have a negligence-based claim under the Jones Act. If the vessel’s owner failed to maintain sanitary conditions, you may have a claim based on the law of unseaworthiness. Again, these are just examples, and you do not want to make any decisions about your claim until you speak with a qualified maritime lawyer.
Contact us today to find out if you may be entitled to recover compensation for your:
For more information about how we can help you seek maximum compensation for your maritime illness, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Call Morrow & Sheppard LLP at (800) 489-2216 or contact us online to get started on your claim today.
Complete the form below and an attorney will reach out within 24 hours regarding your inquiry.
"John and Nick are outstanding lawyers. They are both extremely sharp, skilled, hard-working, and passionate about what they do. I would highly recommend either of them to anyone looking for high-level service that also happens to be affordable."
W. Moore"Nick and John are a great team. They are both honest, trustworthy and have a tenacious work ethic on behalf of their clients."
J. Bell"Morrow & Sheppard would be my first call for legal assistance."
A. ConwayDon’t let your rights be jeopardized.