A New Iberia maritime worker, who was injured while working aboard an off shore jack up drilling rig, was denied his claim for benefits and has now appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Gary Dance worked as a supervisor for Ensco Offshore Company of Broussard, Louisiana. On the day of the accident he was working aboard an off shore rig called the Ensco 93. There were fewer workers than were needed to set rigging up and Dance, who was only required to supervise employees, had to join in the rigging efforts along with the other workers. As he bent down to pick up a C clamp, he injured his back and suffered extreme pain; doctors later diagnosed the injury as a herniated disc. Dance sued the company, claiming that on the day of the accident he informed his higher ups that the rig was short staffed and he would need more employees. He also asked for additional equipment, but the company ignored both his requests. Dance's lawsuit claimed that the oil rig was unseaworthy and that the company failed to provide him with a safe working environment. Last year, a court dismissed his $3 million lawsuit. He has now appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Ensco was so confident they would win the appeal that their officials made a pitch for more workers as they left the court, citing their established safety record in the Gulf of Mexico.
Covered under Jones Act rights, oil drilling companies are required to make working conditions safe for employees, this includes making sure all processes are handled by an adequate number of trained staff members who have access to proper equipment. Failure to do this can result in unforeseen injuries like the one that left Gary Dance permanently disabled.
Louisiana Maritime Injury Attorneys
These large corporations have access to considerable financial and legal resources, which help them deny claims to injured workers. Going up against one of these companies for a benefits claim can be a tiring and time consuming process, therefore, it is necessary to have an expert Louisiana maritime attorney on your side, building a winning case for you.
At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we have years of experience representing maritime and off shore oil rig workers in benefits claims and lawsuits, and helping them recover the compensation they deserve.
If you have been injured on an off shore oil rig, contact a Louisiana maritime attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your claim.
