Offshore Helicopter Accident Lawyer Representing Workers and Families Nationwide
Oil companies routinely use helicopters to transport workers to offshore rigs and platforms. Many other types of companies use helicopters for their offshore operations as well. Unfortunately, while helicopter travel may be efficient (and may be the only option for landing onboard a rig, platform, or vessel at sea), it can also be dangerous. Offshore helicopter accidents happen every year, and every year offshore workers tragically lose their lives. If you have been injured or lost a loved one, you should speak with an offshore helicopter accident attorney promptly.
Our firm represents individuals and families nationwide who have suffered life-altering injuries and lost loved ones in offshore helicopter accidents. Maritime laws provide offshore workers and their families with clear legal rights. But, recovering just compensation is not easy. To make sure you have the best chance to collect the financial compensation you and your family deserve, you need an experienced offshore helicopter accident lawyer on your side.
Common Causes of Offshore Helicopter Accidents
While helicopters can be extremely safe if well maintained and operated safely in good weather conditions, they can also be extremely dangerous if any of these three factors are missing. As a result, offshore helicopter accidents can result from any of the following:
- Company Negligence – Unfortunately, many companies choose to prioritize their profits over their workers’ safety, and some are willing to put their employees’ lives at risk to stay on schedule. When companies fail to conduct necessary helicopter inspections or send helicopters into poor weather conditions, these mistakes can have fatal consequences.
- Inadequate or Negligent Helicopter Maintenance – Helicopters require routine maintenance. Failure to perform necessary maintenance and performing negligent maintenance and repairs are both common causes of helicopter malfunctions.
- Pilot Error – Pilot error is a common factor in helicopter accidents occurring during takeoff, in-flight, and during landing. Some examples of potential pilot errors include navigational errors, misreading dials or gauges, failure to ascend or descend safely, and using poor judgment behind the controls.
- Poor Weather Conditions – Wind, rain, fog, overcast skies and other poor weather conditions can make helicopter travel unsafe. Accidents can happen when pilots take flight in bad weather or when they encounter bad weather unexpectedly.
- Safety Violations – Along with the failure to conduct inspections and maintenance, other safety violations can lead to helicopter accidents and accident-related injuries and fatalities. This includes safety violations such as overloading helicopters, ignoring warning signs, and failing to equip helicopters with flotation devices or other safety equipment.
When offshore helicopter accidents result from these (or other) factors, injured workers and eligible family members can seek financial compensation under the Jones Act, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and other maritime laws. But, it is important to act quickly, and the first step is to speak with an offshore helicopter accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Maritime Law Firm Today
Do you need to speak with an offshore helicopter accident lawyer about your legal rights? For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 800-468-4878 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
