Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Oil rig workers who are injured on the job are entitled to compensation under the Outer Continental Shelf Act. The “outer continental shelf” refers to land submerged beneath navigable waters which lies between state and federal jurisdiction. Through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, injured workers can file Outer Continental Shelf Act claims for everything from lost wages to medical bills.
The Outer Continental Shelf Act states that those working with natural resources in the outer continental shelf should be reasonably protected from blowouts, loss of well control, fires, spillage, and other dangers. It qualifies these employees for workers’ compensation by legally establishing fixed oil rig platforms as islands of the contiguous state. Safe equipment and adequate training should be provided for oil rig workers to ensure the safety of all employees.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act claims has been a natural fit for our firm, given our broad experience with Longshore claims, as the Defense Base Act incorporates the Longshore Act’s remedies.
Under the Outer Continental Shelf Act, oil rig workers and other employees injured working on the navigable waters of the United States may be eligible for medical, surgical, and hospital care performed by a physician of their choice. Depending on the duration and seriousness of an employee’s injury, workers may also be entitled to receive disability wage compensation at a significant percentage of their former salary. Through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, claimants may recoup money for pain and suffering, past loss of wages due to injury, future loss of wages due to injury, and medical expenses. In cases of work-related employee death, funeral expenses are covered and surviving family members will receive a regular check for half of the deceased’s weekly wage.
The handling of Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act claims has been a natural fit for our firm, given our broad experience with Longshore claims, as the Defense Base Act incorporates the Longshore Act’s remedies. Contact us for more information.
