Commercial diving accidents are some of personal injury law’s most devastating and complex cases. When an accident happens while diving offshore or in commercial waters, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you or someone you know has been involved in a diving accident, it is crucial to seek professional legal assistance to secure the compensation you deserve. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we represent victims of diving accidents and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
Understanding Commercial Diving Accidents
Commercial diving is inherently risky, with divers working in hazardous environments, often miles underwater or in other perilous conditions. These accidents can occur in various ways, including equipment failure, poor training, negligence, or unsafe working conditions. Some of the most common types of commercial diving accidents include:
Decompression Sickness (The Bends): Caused by rapidly ascending from deep waters without allowing enough time for nitrogen to leave the body. This condition can cause severe joint pain, paralysis, or even death.
Diving Equipment Failure: Malfunctions with diving helmets, oxygen tanks, or other safety gear can lead to catastrophic accidents, often leaving divers trapped underwater.
Pressure Injuries: The extreme pressure experienced while diving can cause physical harm to the body, particularly to the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
Drowning: Although rare, accidents involving drowning can occur due to equipment failure or entrapment while submerged.
Hypothermia: Extended exposure to cold water can result in hypothermia, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.
Physical Injury: Accidents on offshore platforms or while transporting equipment can cause fractures, dislocations, or other injuries.
Injuries resulting from commercial diving accidents can be severe, leaving victims with long-term medical care needs, loss of income, and diminished quality of life. If you have been injured in a commercial diving accident, the lawyers at Hollingsworth Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Commercial Diving Accidents
A variety of factors can cause commercial diving accidents. In many cases, negligence or unsafe practices are to blame. Some of the most common causes of diving accidents include:
Inadequate Training: Commercial divers must undergo rigorous training to handle the complexities of diving. If an employer fails to provide adequate training, divers are at a greater risk of injury.
Faulty Equipment: Poorly maintained or malfunctioning diving equipment is one of the most common causes of diving accidents. Employers and equipment manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that all gear is up to industry standards and in good working condition.
Unsafe Working Conditions: Commercial diving is performed in a highly demanding environment that requires proper supervision and safety protocols. If safety measures are overlooked, workers can be exposed to unnecessary risks, leading to accidents.
Failure to Monitor Divers: Monitoring divers is critical to ensuring their safety while working underwater. Employers must implement safety procedures to track the divers’ health, air supply, and progress throughout the dive.
Negligence of Third Parties: In some cases, third parties such as contractors or suppliers may contribute to a diving accident by providing subpar equipment or failing to meet industry standards.
Legal Options for Victims of Commercial Diving Accidents
You may have legal recourse if injured in a commercial diving accident. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced commercial diving accident lawyers can help you explore the legal options available, including:
Personal Injury Claims: If another party’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. This may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured while working as a commercial diver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation provides financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation may not cover all the damages you may be entitled to, so it is essential to speak with a lawyer to evaluate your situation.
Product Liability Claims: If your commercial diving accident was caused by faulty equipment, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective gear. These claims can help recover damages related to the failure of diving equipment.
Negligence Claims Against Third Parties: If the accident was caused by a third party’s negligence, such as a contractor, maintenance crew, or other service providers, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against them for damages.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Commercial diving accidents can result in significant financial burdens, especially if the injuries are long-term or permanent. You may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
Medical expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost wages: If the injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income and future earnings.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Disability or disfigurement: If your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Wrongful death: In the tragic event that a loved one dies in a commercial diving accident, family members may be eligible for compensation for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other related damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial diving accident, there are several essential steps you should take:
Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like decompression sickness, may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Report the accident: Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident immediately. A formal report should be filed to document the incident.
Collect evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident site, damaged equipment, or visible injuries. Record any details that may be relevant to the case.
Contact an attorney: Contact a Houston commercial diving accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can build your case.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced Houston-based commercial diving accident attorneys serve the offshore and maritime industries. We are committed to advocating for injured workers and offering personalized legal support.
Reasons to choose us include:
Proven Success: We’ve secured millions in compensation for clients in offshore and maritime injury cases.
Industry: Our deep understanding of commercial diving allows us to build strong, effective cases.
Compassionate Representation: We prioritize your well-being, providing empathetic and dedicated legal support.
Free Consultation: We offer free consultations to guide you through the legal process.
No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in your way.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial diving accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call 713-637-4560 our Offshore & Maritime Accident at Hollingsworth Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our commercial diving accident attorneys in Houston. We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Let us use our experience and dedication to help you. With our team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
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