Brazil Oil Rig Boom Leads to Seaman Injuries, 'Jones Act' Claims
Many American oil rigs have moved their operations to the waters off Brazil. The abrupt change creates the potential for an increase in serious maritime injuries and resulting Jones Act claims.

July 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The devastating BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has created a sizeable shift in oil rig operations off the Americas. Following the disaster, increased governmental regulation and a deep-water drilling ban caused much of the oil industry to cease or scale back operations in the Gulf. Many of the oil companies and rigs have since moved their drilling operations south to the waters off Brazil.

This mass migration has forced many seamen to work in unfamiliar Brazilian waters and weather, all while under intense pressure to quickly resume drilling. Unfortunately, a rapid operational change often causes an uptick in offshore drilling rig injuries to the seaman.

Sometimes these oil rig injuries occur because there is inadequate training. Other times, an oversight of safety measures or a failure to properly supervise is the cause of a drilling accident. The use of improper, inadequate or broken equipment is also a common cause of seamen injuries.

Because American oil rigs in Brazil moved operations farther from the U.S., legitimate concerns over medical care and lifesaving treatment have also surfaced. After a maritime injury the timely administration of emergency medical treatment is crucial to mitigate bodily damage and save human life. Serious maritime injuries come in many forms, but some of the injuries commonly associated with Jones Act claims include:
- Head injuries
- Back Injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Falls
- Wrongful Death

These injuries can be costly to both the seaman and his family on a variety of levels. After a debilitating accident, the last thing a maritime worker should have to worry about it the financial implications of his injuries.

The Jones Act Protects Maritime Workers

Because Brazil's waters are a novel workplace for many drilling and work boat crews, the injury risk substantially increases, in a profession that's already dangerous. However, it is fortunate that the 'Jones Act' protects a seaman injured in the course of his employment, allowing him to recover damages for his injuries when caused by the negligence of the owner, master or fellow crew members. The Jones Act allows maritime workers to file claims to recover a variety of damages, including health care costs and lost wages associated with the injury.

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in an oil rig accident, contact a maritime injury attorney with a wealth of experience in pursuing Jones Act claims. A knowledgeable Jones Act lawyer can inform you of your legal options and help you determine the value of your claim.

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