Houston OCS (Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act) Lawyers
Representing the Injured in Houston, League City, Clear Lake City, Texas City, Galveston, Pasadena and Throughout the Gulf Coast Area
The outer continual shelf (OCS) is a term applied to submerged lands, subsoil and seabed located between a state's seaward jurisdiction and the seaward extent of federal jurisdiction. This area has been recognized for its oil and natural gas deposits, opening up a new frontier for drilling as well as other forms of production and development.
This work, as with most maritime positions, is dangerous. Accidents are commonplace. For those injured on a structure temporarily attached to the sea floor on the outer continental shelf, compensation may be available through the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Representing the Injured Since 1968
A serious injury takes a toll on not only an individual, but entire families. Stress and worry abound. It may feel as though you have no place to turn for relief.
At The Krist Law Firm, in Houston, Texas, we understand the difficulties you are facing. For more than 40 years, attorneys at our firm have focused on helping the injured obtain the compensation they need to move forward after a traumatic accident. We ask our clients to leave the worrying to us and put their effort where it truly belongs — centered on recovering from their injuries and the impact on their lives.
To arrange a free initial consultation, contact us by calling (281) 954-3186.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act may be a source of compensation for a seaman injured in oil spills or other accidents occurring on the outer continental shelf. However, for the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to apply, very specific conditions regarding the location of the accident must be met.
- The accident occurred on the subsoil or seabed of the outer continental shelf, or
- The accident took place on an artificial island, installation, or other device
permanently or temporarily attached to the outer continental shelf seabed
- The presence of the injured worker on the outer continental shelf was to explore, develop or produce resources
- The accident did not take place on a ship or vessel
If these stipulations are met, it must be determined whether federal or state law will govern the cause of action. Most often, state law is used in place of federal claims, but in order for the state to govern, three tests must be met:
- The controversy must arise on a situs covered by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
- Federal maritime law must not apply
- State law cannot be inconsistent with federal law
Benefits for Non-Seamen
In certain cases, the Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act can be extended to a non-seaman injured while working on the outer continental shelf. The Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act is applicable when an injury occurs as a result of work done on the outer continental shelf for the purposes of exploration, development, or the removal or transportation of natural resources.
Contact an Attorney About Your Accident While Working on the Outer Continental Shelf
If you have been injured while working on the outer continental shelf, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim aimed at recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost earning capacity, disability and other damages you've suffered as a result of your maritime accident and injury.
At The Krist Law Firm, we have the experience needed to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. The legal services provided in your case will be on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not be charged unless you recover compensation. Contact us by calling (281) 954-3186 to schedule a free initial consultation.