The oil and gas industry in Louisiana remains a driving force in the state’s economy. It supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to regional infrastructure. At the same time, this sector presents heightened risks to its workforce. The nature of the work—often involving heavy machinery, extreme environmental conditions, toxic exposure, and high-pressure systems—makes injury a serious and sometimes inevitable possibility.
For injured workers, knowing what legal protections exist is essential. Louisiana law, along with several federal statutes, provides avenues for compensation and recovery depending on the nature of the injury, the location of the job, and the classification of the worker.
Workers’ Compensation for Land-Based Oil and Gas Workers
Most land-based oilfield workers are covered by the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. This law provides benefits regardless of fault, meaning injured employees are not required to prove that the employer caused the injury. Compensation may include coverage for medical treatment, wage replacement for lost time, and permanent disability benefits if the injury results in long-term impairment.
This no-fault structure is intended to provide prompt relief. However, it also limits the scope of compensation. Pain and suffering, punitive damages, or compensation for emotional distress are generally not recoverable under the state workers’ compensation system.
When Offshore Injuries Occur: The Jones Act
Many oil and gas operations take place offshore, where workers may qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. This federal statute differs significantly from workers’ compensation. Under the Jones Act, a worker can file a personal injury lawsuit against an employer if negligence played a role in causing the injury.
To qualify, the worker must spend a significant portion of time working aboard a vessel in navigation. The definition of a “vessel” can include mobile drilling units, jack-up rigs, and other floating work platforms, provided they meet the criteria established by maritime law.
Unlike workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows recovery for pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, and other damages. The worker must demonstrate that the employer’s failure to provide a safe working environment contributed to the injury, even if the employer’s negligence was only partial.
Coverage Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Not all offshore workers meet the Jones Act’s definition of a seaman. In these cases, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) may apply. This federal law covers workers engaged in maritime employment—including those working on or near navigable waters in oil and gas logistics, construction, or support roles.
LHWCA claims provide compensation for medical expenses, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services. This statute also offers protections that may be broader than those available under Louisiana’s state workers’ compensation laws, particularly for those not classified as seamen.
Third-Party Liability in the Oil and Gas Sector
The oil and gas industry often involves multiple contractors and subcontractors working simultaneously on the same site. When an injury results from the negligence of a party other than the direct employer, Louisiana law permits a third-party liability claim. These claims allow for recovery beyond the limitations of workers’ compensation and may include compensation for non-economic damages.
Common third-party defendants include equipment manufacturers, subcontractors responsible for site safety, and vendors whose actions contributed to hazardous conditions. These cases require thorough investigation to determine fault and legal responsibility, particularly when job sites are governed by complex contractor agreements and layered liability protections.
Common Injury Types and Causes in Oil and Gas Work
Oilfield injuries vary widely, but certain categories appear repeatedly due to the inherent risks of the job. These include:
- Burns from chemical or gas explosions
- Crush injuries from moving pipes or heavy machinery
- Falls from heights or unstable platforms
- Amputations resulting from equipment malfunctions
- Respiratory injuries due to toxic exposure
- Spinal trauma caused by impact or fall-related events
- Traumatic brain injuries from head impact or vibration
Each of these injuries can trigger different legal processes depending on location and classification of the worker. Understanding where the injury occurred—onshore, near water, or offshore—and the worker’s role on the site is critical for determining the appropriate legal path.
Legal Deadlines and Reporting Requirements
Every injury claim is subject to reporting and filing deadlines. Under Louisiana law, injured workers typically have 30 days to report the injury to the employer to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Jones Act claims generally carry a three-year statute of limitations from the date of injury, but prompt action is still strongly advised.
Delays in reporting can complicate claims, reduce access to benefits, or create disputes over whether the injury occurred during the course of employment. Accurate documentation of the incident, medical treatment, and working conditions should begin as soon as possible after the event.
Final Considerations for Injured Oil and Gas Workers
Injury recovery in the oil and gas industry involves more than physical healing—it also requires navigating a complex legal system with multiple layers of state and federal law. From workers’ compensation to maritime statutes, each pathway offers different types of relief depending on how, where, and why the injury occurred.
Timely reporting, understanding classification, and identifying the correct legal avenue are all essential parts of protecting a worker’s rights. In a field where the risks are real and the consequences severe, legal protections exist to support recovery and accountability.
About the Author:
William P. Morrow is an attorney at Morrow Law Firm in Opelousas, Louisiana. He focuses on car wrecks, trucking accidents, and workplace injury cases and represents clients across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, industrial, and construction. Morrow Law Firm is led by William P. Morrow, John Michael Morrow, Jr., and Stephen M. Morrow.