Hey, take a deep breath.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you (or someone you care about) just got hurt working offshore. Maybe it was a slip on a slick deck, a crane accident, a fire on a rig, or something that’s been hurting your back for months after lifting heavy equipment over and over.
Listen, I’ve seen folks go through this, and I’m gonna be honest: It’s scary, and it can feel like your whole world flipped upside down. You’re dealing with pain, missing work, and worrying about how you’ll pay the bills while trying to heal.
The truth? You don’t have to handle this alone.
If your accident happened offshore, you have rights under maritime laws like the Jones Act, and the right lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Let’s walk through this together, like I’d explain it to my cousin who worked on rigs in Louisiana and got hurt a couple of years ago.
Why Offshore Injuries Are Different (And Why You Need a Maritime Lawyer)
Offshore work pays well for a reason: it’s dangerous.
But when you get hurt offshore, you’re not dealing with a regular workers’ comp situation. Ojo with this: Maritime law is its own beast—it has different rules and timelines, and companies often fight hard to avoid paying what they should.
Here’s what a good maritime accident lawyer does for you:
✅ Knows the Jones Act, Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Comp Act, and general maritime law inside out.
✅ Helps you get medical treatment while your case is pending.
✅ Fights for lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care.
✅ Protects you from company lawyers and insurance adjusters trying to lowball your settlement.
Real Story: Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Let me tell you about Jose from Texas (name changed). He worked on an offshore supply vessel and slipped on a deck that hadn’t been cleaned properly. Hurt his knee and back. At first, he tried to “tough it out” because he didn’t want to be that guy who caused problems.
But the pain got worse, and he couldn’t climb ladders or lift gear anymore. His company offered him a small settlement, saying it was “fair.”
Te lo digo por experiencia: Jose finally called a maritime lawyer, who discovered the vessel violated safety standards. Jose ended up getting $450,000, which covered surgery, therapy, and kept his family afloat while he recovered.
Don’t wait too long. Maritime cases have strict deadlines, and evidence disappears fast on ships and rigs.
How Much Can You Get in a Maritime Injury Case?
Not gonna sugarcoat it: every case is different. It depends on:
✅ How severe your injuries are
✅ Whether negligence was involved
✅ How much you’ve lost in wages and medical bills
But many offshore injury settlements range from $100,000 to over $1 million, especially for serious injuries like back surgeries, shoulder tears, or head injuries.
Remember, maritime law often allows for more compensation than regular workers’ comp because you can sue for negligence under the Jones Act.
The 7 Best Maritime Accident Lawyers in the U.S. (2025)
I did the digging so you don’t have to. These firms have a solid track record with offshore injury cases:
1️⃣ Arnold & Itkin LLP (Houston, TX)
- Known for high-value offshore injury settlements and verdicts.
- Represent rig workers, seamen, and offshore oil workers nationwide.
2️⃣ The Lambert Firm (New Orleans, LA)
- Over 40 years handling maritime cases under the Jones Act.
- Focused on personalized attention for offshore injury victims.
3️⃣ Maritime Injury Guide
- Not a firm, but a resource to connect you with top maritime lawyers.
- Offers free case evaluations to match you with the right attorney.
4️⃣ Doyle Dennis LLP (Houston, TX)
- Aggressive representation in maritime injury claims.
- Experienced with rig explosions, vessel accidents, and wrongful death offshore.
5️⃣ Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP (Houston, TX)
- Recovered millions for offshore workers.
- Offer home and hospital visits for injured workers.
6️⃣ Gulf Coast Attorneys – Cueria Law Firm (New Orleans, LA)
- Local experts in Gulf Coast maritime law.
- Handle offshore injury and Jones Act claims directly with clients.
7️⃣ Brais Law Firm (Miami, FL)
- Former maritime defense attorney turned advocate for injured offshore workers.
- Deep experience with maritime accident law across the U.S.
All these firms offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless they win for you.
How to Choose the Right Maritime Lawyer
I get it, it’s overwhelming to pick a lawyer when you’re in pain and stressed. Here’s what I tell friends:
✅ Ask about their experience with offshore injuries.
✅ Ask what percentage they take if you win (typically 30-40%).
✅ Ask how they handle medical bills during the case.
✅ See if they’ll handle paperwork and calls with the company/insurer so you can focus on healing.
If they don’t give you clear, patient answers, keep looking.
Tools That Can Help While You Recover
A few practical things that help folks while waiting on their case:
📲 Evernote or Google Keep: Track pain levels, symptoms, and treatments.
📸 Your phone camera: Take photos of injuries, work gear, and the accident area if possible.
📑 A notebook: Write down the names of people who witnessed the accident.
These notes help your lawyer prove your case and maximize your settlement.
FAQ About Offshore Injury Claims
🩺 Will I lose my job if I file a claim?
Your company legally can’t fire you for filing a Jones Act claim, but I won’t lie—retaliation happens. A good lawyer can protect you.
🕑 How long do maritime cases take?
Many settle within 12-24 months but can vary based on your treatment and the company’s response.
💰 What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Maritime lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Heal and Be Compensated
Look, offshore work is dangerous, and you signed up for hard work, but you didn’t sign up to get hurt because of unsafe conditions or negligence. If you’ve been injured offshore, you deserve help, and you deserve compensation to take care of yourself and your family.
The truth? You’ve got enough to worry about without fighting your company or insurance adjusters alone. The right maritime lawyer can handle that fight so you can focus on getting better.
Take a deep breath, call one of the firms above for a free consultation, and get the help you need.
You’ve worked hard offshore to support your family. Now it’s time to let someone else help you get what you’re owed.
📌 Quick Recap
✅ Offshore injuries require maritime lawyers, not regular personal injury attorneys.
✅ You may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act and other maritime laws.
✅ Settlements often range from $100,000 to $1 million+ for serious injuries.
✅ The 7 law firms listed are top-rated for maritime cases in 2025.
✅ Free consultations, no upfront fees, you only pay if you win.
If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it or share it with a coworker who might need it. You’re not alone in this, and there’s hope ahead.