Offshore workers rely on heavy machinery and specialized equipment every day. When that equipment fails, the consequences can be severe. Crane failures, defective tools, and mechanical malfunctions can cause catastrophic injuries on vessels, rigs, and offshore platforms.
The offshore injury attorneys at Gilman & Allison LLP represent maritime workers injured throughout the Gulf of Mexico, including workers based in Houston and Galveston.
Common Offshore Equipment Failures
Equipment failures offshore often occur because of poor maintenance, defective parts, or unsafe operating procedures.
Common equipment failures include:
Offshore crane and lifting equipment failures
Winch and cable failures
Hydraulic system malfunctions
Defective drilling equipment
Blowout preventer failures
Safety equipment failures
These accidents frequently occur on offshore platforms, drilling rigs, supply vessels, and other maritime worksites.
Serious Injuries Caused by Equipment Failures
When offshore equipment fails, workers are often exposed to extremely dangerous conditions.
These accidents commonly result in:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Crush injuries from heavy machinery
Severe fractures
Burns and explosion injuries
Many offshore equipment accidents could have been prevented with proper maintenance and safety procedures.
Your Rights Under Maritime Law
As an injured barge worker, you may be entitled to:
Maintenance and Cure – daily living and medical expenses while you recover
Jones Act Compensation – for employer negligence, unsafe equipment, or untrained crew
Unseaworthiness Claims – if the barge or towboat was not reasonably safe for its purpose
Third-Party Claims – against other vessels or contractors who caused your injury
Wrongful Death and Survival Actions – for families of maritime workers lost at sea
Our firm’s maritime background — including attorneys who hold U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner credentials — means we understand the operations, terminology, and regulations that win these cases.
Maritime Claims for Offshore Equipment Accidents
Offshore workers injured by equipment failures may have legal rights under federal maritime law, including the Jones Act.
In some cases, injured workers can pursue claims when:
Equipment was not properly maintained
Machinery was defective or unsafe
Employers failed to follow safety procedures
Vessel conditions created unsafe working environments
Maritime law allows injured seamen to pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligence or unsafe vessels.
Speak With an Offshore Injury Lawyer
Investigating offshore equipment failures often requires reviewing maintenance records, vessel logs, and safety procedures.
At Gilman & Allison LLP, our attorneys investigate maritime accidents and work to recover compensation for injured offshore workers.
If you were injured offshore due to defective or poorly maintained equipment, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term injuries.