Helicopter Crash Offshore Compensation – What You Need to Know
Offshore helicopter crashes are among the deadliest workplace incidents in the oil and gas industry. Whether transporting workers to oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico or servicing offshore rigs in the North Sea, helicopter travel is common — but not without risk. If you or a loved one has suffered due to an offshore helicopter crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation under multiple federal and international laws.
🚁 Why Offshore Helicopter Crashes Happen
Offshore helicopter crashes are often caused by a combination of poor weather, mechanical failure, pilot error, or inadequate safety procedures. Some of the most common causes include:
- ⚠️ Rotor or engine failure mid-flight
- 🌪️ Bad weather, storms, or visibility issues
- 🛠️ Poor maintenance or defective parts
- 📉 Pilot fatigue or miscommunication
- 🛑 Emergency landings due to mechanical issues
In many cases, negligence or inadequate oversight plays a key role. That’s why legal action can help survivors or families of victims pursue justice.
💰 Offshore Helicopter Crash Compensation Amounts
Compensation in these cases can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on:
- Injury severity or loss of life
- Negligence by employer, operator, or manufacturer
- Applicable maritime or aviation law
- Long-term medical costs and lost earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
In 2023, a family in Louisiana received a $12 million settlement for a fatal helicopter crash involving an oil worker being transported to a deepwater rig.
⚖️ Legal Framework – Your Rights After an Offshore Crash
Offshore helicopter crash cases can fall under several laws depending on the location and employment type:
- Jones Act: For seamen injured during work-related transport
- General Maritime Law: Unseaworthiness or negligence claims
- DOHSA (Death on the High Seas Act): For crashes 12+ nautical miles offshore
- Product Liability Law: For faulty aircraft parts or design defects
- FAA/NTSB regulations: Apply for U.S. airspace and crash investigations
A specialized attorney can help determine which law applies and which defendants (employer, helicopter operator, manufacturer) are liable.
👨⚖️ Who Can File a Claim?
You may be eligible to file a compensation claim if you are:
- An offshore worker injured in the crash
- A family member (spouse, child, or parent) of a deceased worker
- A subcontractor working on a rig or service vessel
- A survivor experiencing PTSD or long-term disability
Most attorneys offer a free consultation and work on contingency — no fees unless you win.
📋 Steps to Take After a Helicopter Crash
- Seek immediate medical help and preserve medical records
- Report the incident to your employer and the FAA (if required)
- Do not speak to insurance companies without legal advice
- Collect names of witnesses and survivors
- Contact an offshore injury attorney with aviation experience
🕵️ Why You Need a Maritime Aviation Lawyer
Offshore helicopter crash cases require a lawyer who understands both maritime law and aviation liability. They will:
- Investigate NTSB/FAA crash reports
- Hold employers, operators, and manufacturers accountable
- Pursue full damages including future care and loss of income
- Negotiate or litigate aggressively for maximum payout
🔚 Final Thoughts
Helicopter crashes in offshore environments are tragic and often preventable. If you’ve lost someone or been seriously injured, don’t settle for silence or small settlements. Hire a legal team that will fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Your life was at risk — their negligence must be held accountable.