When a catastrophic fall from an oil rig platform left Maria, a hardworking rig worker, with a severe spinal injury, her world turned upside down. Unable to walk or work, she faced mounting medical bills and an uncertain future. That’s when she turned to RigJustice, where an oil rig accident lawyer fought relentlessly to secure a life-changing compensation package. This success story showcases how our oil rig injury lawyers at RigJustice delivered justice for a spinal injury victim, proving that an oil rig injury attorney can make a profound difference. Read on to discover how we helped Maria reclaim her stability and how we can support you after an oil rig accident.
The Accident: A Devastating Fall
Maria had spent years as a skilled technician on an offshore oil rig, navigating the demanding environment with confidence. One stormy night, while working on a high platform, a loose guardrail gave way, causing her to fall 20 feet to the deck below. The impact fractured her spine, resulting in partial paralysis and the need for immediate surgery. Maria’s recovery required months in the hospital, extensive rehabilitation, and the use of a wheelchair, drastically altering her life.
The financial strain was immediate. Unable to work, Maria struggled to cover medical expenses and support her family. Her employer offered a minimal workers’ compensation payment, but it was insufficient for her lifelong care needs. Feeling betrayed and overwhelmed, Maria knew she needed an oil rig injury lawyer to fight for the compensation she deserved.
Why Maria Chose RigJustice
A friend recommended RigJustice after hearing about our success in oil rig injury cases. During her free consultation, Maria met with an oil rig injury attorney who listened empathetically and explained her legal rights. Maria chose RigJustice for several reasons:
- Expertise in Complex Cases: Our oil rig injury lawyers are well-versed in maritime laws, including the Jones Act, and oil industry safety standards.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritized Maria’s needs, offering clear communication and emotional support.
- No Upfront Fees: Our contingency fee model meant Maria faced no financial risk, as we only get paid if we win.
With RigJustice’s oil rig accident lawyer by her side, Maria felt hopeful for the first time since her accident. We committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing a settlement that would provide for her future.
Building the Case: The Role of an Oil Rig Injury Lawyer
Securing compensation for Maria’s spinal injury required strategic legal work and a deep understanding of oil rig accidents. Here’s how our oil rig injury attorney built her case:
1. Thorough Investigation
Our oil rig injury lawyer conducted an in-depth investigation into the accident, uncovering critical evidence:
- Safety Violations: Inspection records revealed the guardrail hadn’t been maintained, violating OSHA regulations.
- Witness Accounts: Coworkers confirmed the platform was poorly lit and slippery due to the storm, pointing to employer negligence.
- Expert Testimonies: A structural engineer verified the guardrail’s failure was preventable, and a medical expert detailed Maria’s long-term care needs.
This evidence was essential in proving the employer’s liability for Maria’s spinal injury.
2. Calculating Damages
Spinal injuries have profound, lifelong impacts, and our oil rig injury attorney worked with specialists to assess Maria’s damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and mobility aids like a wheelchair.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and inability to return to rig work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Permanent disability preventing Maria from resuming her career.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
The table below outlines the compensation types included in Maria’s settlement:
| Compensation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Costs | Covered surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and mobility aids. |
| Lost Wages | Compensated for income lost during recovery and unemployment. |
| Loss of Earning Capacity | Addressed Maria’s inability to return to her previous career. |
| Pain and Suffering | Accounted for physical pain, emotional distress, and lifestyle changes. |
| Future Care Needs | Included costs for ongoing therapy, home modifications, and medical care. |
3. Filing the Lawsuit
Our oil rig injury lawyer filed a lawsuit under the Jones Act, which allows offshore workers to sue employers for negligence, and included a third-party contractor responsible for platform maintenance. The lawsuit was carefully crafted to meet legal deadlines and target all liable parties, maximizing Maria’s potential recovery.
4. Negotiation and Settlement
The employer’s insurer offered an initial settlement of $150,000, which was inadequate for Maria’s needs. Our oil rig accident lawyer rejected the offer, using the compelling evidence to negotiate a higher amount. After several rounds of negotiations, we secured a compensation package that covered Maria’s medical costs, lost income, future care, and emotional damages, providing her with financial stability.
Challenges Overcome by RigJustice
Maria’s case faced several obstacles, but our oil rig injury lawyers navigated them with expertise:
- Disputed Fault: The employer argued Maria failed to follow safety protocols. Our attorney used safety records to prove the guardrail’s neglect was the primary cause.
- Maritime Law Complexity: The Jones Act required precise legal arguments, which our oil rig injury attorneys handled seamlessly.
- Insurer Pushback: The insurer minimized Maria’s paralysis, but medical expert reports demonstrated its lifelong impact.
- Emotional Strain: The legal process was stressful for Maria, but our team provided regular updates and reassurance, keeping her focused on recovery.
These challenges underscore the importance of an experienced oil rig injury lawyer in complex injury cases.
The Impact of the Compensation
The compensation package transformed Maria’s life. It covered her medical bills, ensuring access to quality care and rehabilitation. Funds for home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, restored her independence. The compensation for lost wages and earning capacity allowed Maria to explore new career opportunities, such as training for a desk-based role. Most importantly, the settlement acknowledged her pain and suffering, giving her the closure she needed to move forward.
Maria later shared, “RigJustice’s oil rig injury lawyers gave me more than money—they gave me my dignity back.”
How RigJustice Can Help You
If you’ve suffered an oil rig injury, whether a spinal injury, burn, or fracture, an oil rig injury attorney at RigJustice can help you achieve a similar outcome. We offer:
- Free Consultations: Explore your legal options with our oil rig injury lawyers at no cost.
- Comprehensive Support: We handle every aspect of your case, from evidence collection to settlement negotiations.
- Proven Success: Our oil rig injury attorneys have secured significant compensation for clients like Maria.
With our contingency fee model, you pay nothing upfront, ensuring access to top-tier legal representation without financial risk.
Steps to Start Your Claim with RigJustice
Inspired by Maria’s story? Here’s how to take action with an oil rig injury lawyer at RigJustice:
- Contact Us: Visit our Contact Us page or call our toll-free number to schedule a free consultation.
- Share Your Story: Provide details about your accident and injuries to help us evaluate your case.
- Let Us Fight for You: Our oil rig injury attorneys manage the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing.
Don’t let an oil rig injury define your future. Act now to secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Maria’s story demonstrates the life-changing impact an oil rig accident lawyer can have after a devastating spinal injury. At RigJustice, our oil rig injury lawyers combine expertise, determination, and compassion to deliver justice for injured workers. From proving negligence to securing comprehensive compensation, our oil rig injury attorneys are with you every step of the way. Contact RigJustice today for a free consultation and let us help you rebuild your life.