Offshore work does not begin and end at the vessel itself. Workers throughout the Gulf Coast may need to travel by crew boat, launch, helicopter, or other means of transportation before reaching a rig, platform, or ship.
When an injury occurs during that transportation, determining which laws apply and who may be responsible can become complicated. The worker may not yet be performing their regular duties, but the trip may still be closely connected to the offshore assignment.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston maritime injury attorneys investigate transportation-related offshore accidents to determine how the injury occurred, which companies were involved, and what legal options may be available.
Transportation Is Part of Many Offshore Operations
Offshore workers often must travel long distances before reaching the location where they work.
Transportation may involve:
Crew boats.
Supply vessels.
Helicopters.
Transfer vessels.
Docks and loading areas.
Gangways and boarding equipment.
Each stage of the trip may involve different companies, equipment, and safety responsibilities.
The Location of the Injury Can Matter
One of the first questions after a transportation-related offshore injury is where the incident occurred.
An injury may happen:
While boarding or leaving a vessel.
During a crew boat transfer.
While traveling across navigable waters.
On a dock or marine terminal.
During helicopter transport.
While moving between vessels or offshore facilities.
The location can affect which body of law applies and whether maritime law, another federal law, or Texas law may govern the claim.
Multiple Companies May Be Involved
Third-party contractors often arrange transportation to and from offshore work sites.
The worker’s employer may be different from the company that owns the vessel, operates the helicopter, maintains the dock, or provides transfer equipment.
Depending on the circumstances, investigators may need to examine:
Vessel owners.
Transportation contractors.
Offshore operators.
Helicopter companies.
Dock owners.
Maintenance providers.
Equipment manufacturers.
Understanding each company’s role can be essential when determining who may share responsibility.
Common Causes of Transportation Injuries
Offshore transportation creates risks that differ from those found at a typical workplace.
Injuries may result from:
Slippery or unstable boarding areas.
Unsafe gangways.
Sudden vessel movement.
Improperly maintained transfer equipment.
Mechanical failures.
Poor weather decisions.
Inadequate crew assistance.
Unsafe loading or unloading procedures.
Because these incidents often happen quickly, witness statements and physical evidence can become especially important.
Evidence Should Be Preserved Early
Transportation equipment may be repaired, vessels may return to service, and crews may rotate shortly after an incident.
Important evidence may include:
Vessel logs.
Transportation records.
Maintenance histories.
Weather reports.
Photographs or video.
Crew statements.
Incident reports.
Contractor agreements.
Preserving these materials early can help clarify what happened before critical details are lost.
How Hollingsworth Law Firm Evaluates Offshore Transportation Injuries
An offshore transportation injury may involve multiple legal issues and multiple potentially responsible parties.
Hollingsworth Law Firm examines where the injury occurred, how the worker was being transported, which companies controlled the operation, and whether unsafe equipment or procedures contributed to the incident.
If you were injured while traveling to or from an offshore vessel, platform, or work site, the Harris County personal injury attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm can review the circumstances and explain your legal options.
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
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Testimonials
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.
Rossana Former 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.
Anonymous Former 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.
Sara Former 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.
Andrew Former 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.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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