Oil Rig Injury Attorney in Mississippi
Protecting Offshore Workers & Their Families
Working on an offshore oil rig is demanding, dangerous work. Long shifts, heavy equipment, volatile chemicals, and unpredictable weather create an environment where even a small mistake can lead to disaster. Unfortunately, when safety procedures are skipped or employers cut corners, oil rig workers are often the ones who pay the price.
At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we fight for injured offshore workers and the surviving families of those involved in deadly accidents. If you or someone you love was hurt while working on a rig in the Gulf of Mexico or off the Mississippi coast, our team is here to help you understand your rights and work to hold the responsible parties accountable. We have helped workers employed on deepwater rigs in the Mississippi Canyon area, as well as other areas throughout the Gulf Coast. No matter how complicated your case may be, our Mississippi oil rig injury lawyer is here to answer your questions and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Call (601) 768-2165 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.
How Oil Rig Accidents Happen
Oil rigs are complex operations with countless moving parts—and just as many opportunities for something to go wrong. Many oil rig injuries are the result of preventable hazards.
Examples include:
- Equipment failures or mechanical malfunctions
- Falls from heights or slippery decks
- Blowouts, fires, or explosions
- Electrical accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Inadequate safety procedures or training
- Fatigued or improperly supervised workers
These incidents aren’t just “part of the job.” When companies put profits over safety, injured workers have the right to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Who Is Liable After an Offshore Injury?
Depending on the situation, one or more parties may be legally responsible for your injuries. That could include:
- Your employer or a third-party contractor
- Equipment manufacturers
- Rig operators or vessel owners
- Companies responsible for training or maintenance
Our Mississippi oil rig injury lawyer conducts thorough investigations to identify what went wrong and who should be held accountable. In many cases, multiple companies may be involved, especially on deepwater drilling rigs where operations are shared among contractors and subcontractors.
Laws That Protect Injured Oil Rig Workers
The legal options available to you after a rig injury depend on your job classification and where the injury occurred. Offshore injury claims typically fall under one or more of the following:
- The Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence
- The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which extends federal workers’ compensation benefits to certain offshore employees
- General maritime law, which may apply to unseaworthiness claims and other vessel-related accidents
Our team has extensive experience handling maritime and offshore injury claims. We can help determine which laws apply to your case and how to move forward.
Your Rights Under the Jones Act
The Jones Act provides maritime workers with the right to seek compensation for injuries resulting from employer negligence. This federal law is relevant for Mississippi workers employed on oil rigs classified under maritime operations. It allows injured workers to pursue a lawsuit directly against their employer, unlike typical workers' compensation claims.
The Act also covers maintenance and cure, which ensures that you receive adequate medical care and living expenses until maximum medical recovery is achieved. Your rights under the Jones Act can be complicated, so having a knowledgeable attorney who can navigate these waters is crucial for securing the support you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
Offshore injury cases are complex, and the companies involved move quickly to protect themselves. That’s why it’s important to speak with a qualified oil rig injury lawyer as soon as possible. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we'll make sure your rights are protected, the evidence is preserved, and your claim is filed before deadlines pass.
Talk to a Mississippi Oil Rig Injury Lawyer Today
Whether you were hurt on a jack-up rig, semi-submersible, drillship, or fixed platform, you have rights—and you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Our firm has helped offshore workers across the Gulf Coast recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Call (601) 768-2165 today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Mississippi oil rig injury attorney. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.
-
$44,500,000 Offshore Oil Rig Injury
-
$10,000,000 Accident on Drilling Ship
-
$8,000,000 18-Wheeler Accident
Are There Time Limits for Filing an Oil Rig Injury Claim in Mississippi?
Yes, there are time constraints known as statutes of limitations, which dictate how long you have to file an injury claim. In Mississippi, the time frame can vary, particularly if federal laws like the Jones Act apply. It’s critical to act quickly in consulting with a legal professional to ensure your rights are protected and to avoid missing important deadlines that could compromise your claim.
Bear in mind that collecting evidence and preparing a solid case takes time. The sooner you engage legal representation, the better we can assist you in securing vital proof and testimonies that support your claim.
FAQ
-
Absolutely. Bus accident cases often involve aggressive defense teams and complex insurance disputes. Having an experienced Ridgeland bus accident attorney like Mark Sledge ensures your case is handled properly from day one, increasing your chances of full compensation.
-
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs. At T. Mark Sledge, Attorney at Law, we work with medical and financial experts to fully evaluate the long-term impact of your injuries.
-
In Mississippi, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government agency operates the bus, shorter notice periods may apply. Contacting an attorney quickly helps protect your rights and ensures critical evidence is preserved.