Oil Rig & Offshore Accident Claims

Our specialist solicitors have a proven track record in managing oil rig & offshore accident claims, helping roustabouts, drillers, and engineers secure the compensation they deserve for injuries sustained in one of the world’s most dangerous work environments.

We offer a free consultation and claim assessment, so speak to our offshore injury solicitors today.
No win no fee policy
Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Working offshore is widely recognised as one of the most hazardous occupations in the UK. Whether you are stationed in the North Sea or on a vessel globally, the combination of heavy machinery, explosive hydrocarbons, and extreme weather creates a high-risk environment. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to make an oil rig & offshore accident claim to cover your lost income, medical repatriation, and recovery.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) closely monitors the offshore energy sector, where major hydrocarbon releases and crane failures can lead to catastrophic injuries. Unlike a standard office job, an injury offshore often requires emergency helicopter evacuation and can end a lucrative career overnight.

The financial impact is often higher than in other sectors. Offshore workers typically command high salaries to compensate for the danger and time away from home. If an injury stops you from passing your OGUK medical (formerly UKOOA), your ability to earn that salary is gone.

You have a right to the highest standards of safety, regardless of how remote your workplace is. To speak directly with our specialist offshore injury team, call us free on 0800 970 2727.

What is an oil rig & offshore accident claim?

An oil rig & offshore accident claim is a legal action taken against an employer or vessel owner for negligence that resulted in injury on an offshore installation.

This covers fixed platforms, floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, jack-up rigs, and support vessels.

Offshore employers are bound by strict UK regulations, specifically:

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which extends to offshore installations.
The Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

If an operator fails to maintain equipment, fails to provide adequate rest breaks leading to fatigue, or ignores adverse weather warnings during lifting operations, they are liable for the consequences.

If you are unsure if you have a case, contact us. We are experts in the specific laws governing the offshore sector.

Common causes of offshore injuries

We handle complex claims involving the unique hazards of the oil and gas industry. Common causes include:

Deck operations: Slips and trips on wet or oily grating, or being struck by swinging loads during crane operations.
Machinery failures: Crush injuries from tongs, spinning chains, or pipe handling systems on the drill floor.
Helicopter transfers: Injuries sustained during transit to and from the rig which are governed by aviation liability laws.
Falls from height: Falls from derricks, monkey boards, or scaffolding during maintenance.
Chemical exposure: Burns or respiratory damage from drilling muds, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), or cleaning chemicals.
Accommodation accidents: Injuries caused by food poisoning or unsafe living quarters on the flotel.

Jurisdiction: Can I claim in England?

Yes. This is a common confusion for North Sea workers.

Even if your accident happened on a rig in Scottish waters, or on a vessel in international waters, you can often bring your claim in England & Wales if your employer is based in England or your employment contract states that it is governed by English Law.

This is important because legal procedures and compensation calculations differ between England and Scotland. Our solicitors will review your contract and determine the best jurisdiction for your claim to ensure you receive the maximum entitlement.

Am I eligible to make a claim?

You may be eligible to claim if you meet these criteria:

Time limits: You must usually start your claim within 3 years of the accident.

Note: If the accident happened on a vessel/ship rather than a fixed rig, the Athens Convention may apply, which has a stricter 2-year time limit. It is vital you contact us immediately.
Negligence: The injury was caused by a lack of safety protocols, faulty equipment, or the actions of a colleague.
Employment Status: You can claim whether you are a direct employee, a contractor, or working through an agency.

Use our free online Claim Checker to verify your eligibility instantly.

How much compensation can I claim?

Offshore claims often result in high settlement figures because the financial losses are substantial. We calculate:

General damages: For the pain, suffering, and “Loss of Amenity.”
- Moderate back injuries: £12,000 to £38,000.
- Severe crush injuries: £50,000 to £100,000+.
Special damages: This is the most significant part of an offshore claim. We recover:
- Loss of earnings: Offshore wages are high. If you lose your career, the future loss of earnings calculation can be in the hundreds of thousands.
- Loss of certification: If you cannot renew your survival or medical certificates due to injury.
- Care & rehabilitation: Private medical treatment to bypass NHS waiting lists.

No Win No Fee offshore accident claims

We handle all oil rig & offshore accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there is zero financial risk to you. Offshore legal battles can be expensive, but with us, you pay no upfront fees. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay us a penny.

Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?

Industry knowledge: We understand the hierarchy of an offshore rig from the OIM (Offshore Installation Manager) to the Roustabout. We know how to obtain the IADC reports, deck logs, and safety meeting minutes required to prove negligence.

Fighting for your career: We recognise that a physical injury often means the end of an offshore career. We focus heavily on calculating your future financial losses, ensuring the settlement replaces the high income you would have earned had you not been injured.

Fearless representation: Offshore operators are backed by powerful insurance companies. We have the resources and experience to stand up to them and ensure they do not evade their legal responsibilities.

Start your offshore accident claim today

If you have been injured while working at sea, you have every right to ask for fair compensation. We’re here to make that happen.

Offshore claims are a specialised part of our Accidents at Work Claim service.

Speak to one of our expert solicitors for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.

To speak directly with our specialist offshore injury team, call us free on 0800 970 2727 or request a free callback.

Other Services

Road Traffic Accidents

Accident at Work

Slips and Trips

Medical Negligence

Sports-Related Injuries

Product Liability

Public Liability

Industrial Disease

FAQs

Will I be blacklisted (NRB - Not Required Back) if I claim?

This is a genuine fear, but legally, your employer cannot fire or blacklist you for making a personal injury claim. Doing so would be Unfair Dismissal. Furthermore, most claims are handled by insurers, not the rig management directly. We handle cases with the utmost discretion to protect your professional reputation.

My accident happened in international waters. Can I still claim?

Yes. If you were working for a UK company or on a UK-flagged installation, UK health and safety laws usually still apply. Even on foreign vessels, if you were recruited in the UK, we can often establish jurisdiction.

I am self-employed / a contractor. Does this affect my rights?

No. The operator of the rig owes a duty of care to everyone on board, regardless of who pays your wages. Under the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005, the duty holder is responsible for the safety of the entire installation.

What if the accident was caused by rough weather?

Employers cannot control the weather, but they can control work activities. If they ordered you to perform a crane lift or work on deck during a storm when it was unsafe to do so, they are liable for negligence.

Challenges faced by claimants?

Our professional team of solicitors will help you overcome the challenges you face in claiming compensation.

Making workplace accidents compensation claim could be a gruelling task. It demands a lot of patience and is time consuming.

Some key challenges faced by claimants are:

Lack of proper tangible evidence

Denial from employer’s side

Authentic medical evidence, complex medical assessments

Time limit as the claimant can only make a compensation claim within 3 years of the accident

Exhausting long legal procedures

Mental and physical stress

How we can help

The consequences of accidents at work can be drastic. You could be dealing with multiple parties at once. There is an essential need for guidance in such situations so that you can get what you deserve. Claim Solicitors specialises in accident at work claims. Get in touch today and get a free consultation now.

By providing expert guidance

Our team of solicitors make sure you are fully aware of your rights and are well informed at every step... of the legal process. We at Claim Time Solicitors deal with all the critical paperwork on your behalf, meeting all the deadlines and assisting you throughout with a positive approach.

In depth investigation

We conduct a complete examination of the case and dig deep into the case to get the insights... of it and understand the circumstances that led to the accident at work. Our aim is to hold the responsible party accountable for the mishap and create a strong, compelling case on your behalf.

Negotiation and settlement

Our qualified negotiators will play a major role in the settlement process. Our injury at work solici...tors will engage with the insurance company of the employer and make sure you receive your rightful compensation which would cover all your monetary loses that you have incurred.

Client-centered approach

Our priority is our client's well-being, and we work seamlessly to attain success and get you the... justice you deserve. We acknowledge the mental, physical and financial stress our clients go through during the complex legal process. We are here to provide you with assistance and help you claim maximum compensation. Our team of solicitors try their best to contribute to the success of your case in the best possible manner.

Oil Rig & Offshore Accident Claims

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