Oil Rig and Offshore Accident Claims: A Complete Guide to Offshore Injury Compensation

Working on oil rigs and offshore platforms presents unique dangers. Whether it’s due to hazardous equipment, harsh weather conditions, or poor safety procedures, accidents offshore can cause serious injuries—sometimes life-changing. If you’ve been injured while working offshore, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve experienced.

Offshore injuries can affect your ability to work and live a normal life. With the support of a specialist personal injury solicitor, you can seek justice and the financial support you need to move forward.

How to Make an Offshore Injury Claim

If you’ve suffered an accident or injury while working on an oil rig or offshore platform, making a claim might feel daunting. We’ve broken the process down into clear, manageable steps:

Step 1: Request a Free Initial Consultation

Start by getting in touch with us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can contact us online or over the phone—whichever suits you. We’ll listen to your story, assess whether you have a strong claim, and explain exactly how we’ll support you throughout the process.

Step 2: What We’ll Need From You

To build a strong offshore accident claim, we’ll gather essential details such as:

• When and where the accident occurred

• The nature of your role and offshore duties

• Information about your employer or the company operating the rig

• Medical records relating to your injury and treatment

• Evidence of safety failures or dangerous working conditions

• Witness statements from fellow crew members

• Accident reports or offshore incident logs

Once we have this information, we’ll assign a solicitor experienced in maritime and offshore accident claims to manage your case from start to finish.

What If Your Employer Denies Responsibility or Is Based Abroad?

Offshore accidents often involve international companies or complex ownership structures. If your employer denies responsibility or operates overseas, you still have options. Your solicitor may:

• Investigate liability based on UK maritime and offshore health and safety laws

• Identify insurance providers linked to the company

• Use international or cross-border legal mechanisms to pursue your claim

With strong legal representation and thorough documentation—such as accident reports, safety audits, and medical records—we’ll help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Make an Offshore Injury Claim?

You could be eligible to make a claim if you’ve been injured offshore as a result of:

• Slips, trips, and falls due to wet or unstable surfaces

• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment

• Fires, explosions, or chemical exposure

• Crane accidents or heavy machinery incidents

• Manual handling injuries or lifting heavy loads

• Lack of proper safety equipment or training

• Helicopter or transport-related accidents to and from the platform

Whether you’re a full-time rig worker, contractor, technician, or engineer, if negligence was involved, you may be entitled to claim compensation—even if you’re no longer working in the role.

What Compensation Can You Claim for Offshore Injuries?

Compensation for oil rig or offshore injuries depends on the severity of your injury and how it affects your life and livelihood. A successful claim may include:

• Medical expenses: Treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication

• Loss of earnings: For time off work or inability to return to your role

• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional impact of your injury

• Future loss of earnings: If you’re unable to return to offshore work

• Travel expenses: Related to treatment, rehabilitation, or legal meetings

• Care and support: If long-term assistance is needed

• Accommodation or vehicle adaptations: If your injury limits mobility

Our solicitors work to ensure that every part of your financial and emotional loss is reflected in your compensation settlement.

Can I Claim on Behalf of a Family Member Injured Offshore?

Yes. If your loved one has been seriously injured or killed while working offshore and cannot bring a claim themselves, you may be able to act on their behalf.

This could apply if they:

• Are under 18

• Lack mental or physical capacity

• Have passed away due to the incident

In cases of fatal offshore accidents, close relatives may also be entitled to claim for loss of dependency, funeral costs, and emotional distress. We handle such claims with the utmost sensitivity and care.

How Long Does an Offshore Injury Claim Take?

The timeline for an offshore injury claim varies depending on:

• Employer liability: Claims can proceed quickly if the employer accepts responsibility

• Medical complexity: Serious or ongoing injuries may require longer-term assessments

• International legal issues: Offshore incidents may involve overseas employers or vessels

Straightforward cases can be resolved in several months, while more complex claims may take a year or longer. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way so you’re never in the dark.

Are Offshore Claims Different from Other Workplace Injury Cases?

Yes, offshore accident claims are often more complex. They can involve maritime law, foreign companies, and offshore safety regulations. Building a case typically requires:

• Proof of negligence or safety breaches by your employer

• Compliance failures with offshore safety laws (e.g. HSE, PFEER regulations)

• Evidence of the risks posed by working in extreme conditions

• International insurance and jurisdiction investigations

Because of these factors, offshore claims should be handled by solicitors with specialist knowledge of maritime law, health and safety regulations, and industrial accidents.

We’re Here to Help You Navigate Rough Waters

Offshore injuries can turn your life upside down—physically, financially, and emotionally. But if your accident was caused by poor safety, negligence, or employer failings, you have the right to claim compensation.

Our legal team specialises in oil rig and offshore accident claims. We’re committed to helping you get the support, justice, and financial relief you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us today for your free consultation—and take the first step towards recovery, justice, and peace of mind.