Workplace Accident in Texas

Published date: 11 Oct 2007

We are approached by our client following an accident at work in the United States.  He was an oilrig worker who was being transferred from an oilrig to a dock when the metal cage being hoisted by a crane was lowered into the Mississippi.  The client feared for his life but managed subsequently to escape from the metal cage before being rescued some time later by a coastguard vessel.

Oilrig Accident in Texas

Considerable care was taken to determine the most appropriate jurisdiction within which to pursue the claim.  It was considered after careful advice that this was the type of incident, with the client having sustained severe post-traumatic stress but no significant physical injury, where it would be more favourable to pursue a claim in this jurisdiction. 

Following the issue of proceedings the jurisdiction of the English court was disputed, as was English law and liability generally.  Later all of these were conceded and the matter proceeded towards a trial, with the action settling a week before trial at a figure of £270,000.

« Back