Offshore Injuries Demanding accountability from those at fault

Mississippi Offshore Injury Attorney

Injured Offshore? Call (601) 768-2165!

Offshore work is some of the most dangerous in the world. When a rig explodes, equipment fails, or a deckhand goes overboard, there are no ambulances or trauma centers nearby—just chaos, seconds ticking away, and lives hanging in the balance. T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law represents Mississippi offshore workers and seamen who have been seriously injured or killed in maritime accidents along the Gulf Coast or anywhere around the globe. Former judge Mark Sledge has been handling offshore and Jones Act cases since 1980, securing justice for families whose lives were changed far from shore. Whether your injury occurred on a drilling platform off the coast of Brazil or a supply vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, we understand what’s at stake—and how to fight back when corporations and insurance providers try to deny responsibility.

Reach out to Mississippi maritime attorney Mark Sledge today for a free consultation: (601) 768-2165. We’re ready to help.

Types of Offshore Workers We Represent

Offshore injuries can affect a wide range of personnel working in both domestic and international waters.

We represent:

Drill crew members (roughnecks, drillers, toolpushers)
Deckhands and roustabouts
Engine room personnel
Crane operators and winchmen
Divers and ROV operators
Supply vessel and transport crew
Contracted inspectors and technicians

We can handle offshore injury cases involving jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, drillships, liftboats, production platforms, MODUs, and offshore supply vessels. No matter the rig type, flag, or jurisdiction, we know how to apply the right law—and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Legal Rights & Protections for Offshore Workers

Offshore workers in Mississippi and throughout the Gulf have unique rights under both federal maritime law and state law. Many cases involve the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or general maritime law, each of which applies different standards and offers specific protections. If you work on a drilling rig, platform, barge, or supply vessel, you may qualify to pursue compensation for injuries resulting from unsafe working conditions, equipment failures, or negligence.

The law provides important rights: you can report unsafe conditions, get medical care, and bring a claim against those responsible without the risk of losing your job. In Mississippi, courts may consider both state and federal laws, depending on factors like the accident’s location, your job duties, and the cause of injury. Our knowledge of these overlapping legal issues allows us to guide you toward the right steps to protect your future.

Why Offshore Work Is So Dangerous

Offshore platforms and vessels are self-contained, high-pressure worksites sometimes operating hundreds of miles from help. Crews live and work in confined spaces, surrounded by combustible fuels, heavy machinery, shifting loads, and unpredictable weather. Emergencies escalate quickly, and safety violations—no matter how small—can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Common causes of offshore injuries include:

Explosions and fires from fuel leaks or blowouts
Falls from derricks, ladders, or walkways slick with oil and water
Crane and winch malfunctions that drop or swing loads
Overboard incidents involving tethers, cables, or a lack of guardrails
Equipment failures from improper maintenance or design flaws
Vessel collisions, groundings, or capsizings in rough seas

These aren’t just jobsite accidents—they’re often the direct result of corporate cost-cutting, poor training, understaffed crews, or failure to follow basic safety protocols. As a maritime lawyer in Mississippi who has extensive experience with these cases, Mark knows how to expose negligence and help workers secure justice.

What Legal Rights Do Mississippi Offshore Workers Have?

Unlike land-based workers in Mississippi, offshore workers are not covered by state workers’ compensation. Instead, they are protected under federal maritime laws that offer broader rights and potential compensation.

Jones Act (46 U.S. Code § 30104):
Allows seamen injured due to their employer’s negligence to file a lawsuit and recover damages for lost wages, medical care, pain and suffering, and more.

Doctrine of Unseaworthiness:
Holds vessel owners strictly liable if the ship or platform was unsafe due to defective equipment, untrained crew, or hazardous conditions.

Maintenance and Cure:
Requires employers to cover daily living expenses and medical costs until the injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement, even without proving fault.

Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA):
Applies when a fatal accident occurs more than three nautical miles from shore, allowing families to recover damages for loss of support, funeral expenses, and more.

Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA):
Covers certain non-seamen maritime workers—such as dockworkers, shipbuilders, or oilfield contractors—injured near navigable waters.

Each of these involves specific requirements and time limits. We determine which applies to your case and act fast to protect your rights.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Offshore Injury Case?

Offshore injury litigation isn’t just high stakes—it’s highly technical. Vessel ownership may be layered through foreign corporations. Evidence may sit tens or hundreds of miles offshore. Companies may offer quick settlements that seem generous until the long-term cost of your injury becomes clear.

We counter these tactics by preparing every case for trial. Mark Sledge’s background as a judge gives us an edge in anticipating defense strategies and building persuasive, jury-ready arguments. Our team partners with offshore safety experts, maritime engineers, economists, medical professionals, and life-care planners to show the full impact of your injury—and the full value of what you’re owed.

Case Spotlight : Upton v. Diamond Offshore

One of Mark Sledge’s most notable offshore injury victories involved a 30-year-old assistant driller who suffered injuries to his left arm and back after being unexpectedly hoisted 20 feet into the air—only to have his fall protection system fail. The accident took place aboard a drilling rig off the coast of Brazil. Understanding how important venue can be in offshore cases, Mark Sledge, who holds licenses in both Mississippi and Texas, worked with a legal team based in Houston to address the Texas trial work.

Offshore accident claims often span both state and federal laws, especially for workers along the Gulf Coast, including Mississippi. Our team considers where the accident happened and which laws apply, which lets us develop a strategy tailored to the oil and shipping industries that serve this region. In Mississippi, drilling and maritime injuries often draw attention from both local and federal authorities. We actively protect clients’ rights under the regulations that apply to their cases. Our preparation ensures the case stands up to scrutiny in courtrooms across state lines, with a focus on early evidence collection and thorough documentation.

While the Texas attorneys handled the courtroom presentation, Mark Sledge coordinated his client’s medical treatment in Mississippi, took depositions from local doctors, and steered every step of the case strategy. The verdict reached a $4.9 million jury award, reflecting the full extent of the worker’s injuries and future care needs.

$44,500,000 Offshore Oil Rig Injury
$10,000,000 Accident on Drilling Ship
$8,000,000 18-Wheeler Accident

From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

For over 15 years, Mark has actively represented plaintiffs in major mass tort cases, including breast implant and phen-phen litigation, leading successful drug litigation such as Parlodel, Duract, and Stadol, securing strong recoveries for his clients. From Circuit Court Judge to Personal Injury Advocate — Driven to Make a Real Difference for You

CONNECT WITH MARK TODAY

Talk to an Offshore Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured offshore—or lost someone you love in an offshore accident—you deserve a legal team that understands your rights, your industry, and how to win. Contact T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law today for a free, confidential consultation. You won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (601) 768-2165 or contact us online to get started.

Offshore Injury FAQ

What makes offshore injury claims different from other personal injury cases?

Offshore injury claims involve a mix of federal maritime law and state law, which may affect where you file your claim, how long you have to act, and the types of damages you can pursue. Handling these cases often requires knowledge of the Jones Act, standards for vessel seaworthiness, and maritime regulations that don’t apply to land-based injuries.

How long do I have to start an offshore accident case in Mississippi?

Most offshore injury cases fall under federal law, which generally gives you up to three years to begin a claim. However, deadlines can vary based on job classification, accident location, or contract terms. Starting the process early helps protect your rights and preserves important evidence.

Who can be held responsible for offshore accidents?

Employers, vessel owners, platform operators, equipment manufacturers, or contractors may be responsible if their actions or negligence contributed to an accident. Proving responsibility usually requires a close review of workplace practices, equipment records, and the facts of the incident.

Standing Up For Folks LIke You

We don’t back down—and neither should you

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy