Challenges Offshore Workers Face In Long-Term Disability Claims

Offshore work typically involves working on oil rigs that drill beneath the ocean floor to explore and extract natural resources. The roles of offshore worker in the oil and gas industry are varied but can be divided into four general categories. These categories are construction, exploration, operations, and management.

Offshore workers have demanding and often dangerous jobs. Typical tasks include drilling, surveying, diving, and performing health and safety inspections. They work in harsh environments, and offshore accidents do happen. That’s why short- and long-term disability is so important for offshore workers.

Disability income provides financial support to workers who are unable to work due to a disability. However, the challenges offshore workers face with long-term disability claims can make it difficult for them to receive benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities

Offshore workers have a number of responsibilities that vary depending on the worker’s specific role:

• Drilling engineers are responsible for exploring and extracting oil from wells. They are also responsible for maintaining the drill and other tools that are used in the extraction process.
• Drillers supervise the assembly of drilling tools, monitor the drilling process, and ensure that health and safety procedures are being followed.
• Derrickmen work on a platform attached to the derrick, a mast that supports the drilling equipment. They are responsible for aligning the drill pipe and connecting it to other components. Derrickmen also operate and maintain drill motors and monitor pump pressure.
• Ballast control operators maintain the stability of the rig. As a floating structure, an oil rig uses a ballast tank to stabilize against rough currents. Operators are responsible for maintaining the rig’s position and stability.
• Offshore Installation Managers (OIMs) manage all offshore activities on an oil or gas rig, including maintenance, project work, and training. They are responsible for ensuring that workers follow all processes and procedures.

Other offshore oil and gas jobs include:

• Well Services Supervisor
• Automation Systems Specialist
• Offshore Piping Designer
• Production Technician
• Pump Operator
• Helicopter Pilot
• Geologist
• Welder
• Electrician
• Cook

Challenges Offshore Workers Face in Obtaining Disability Coverage

One of the biggest challenges is that offshore work is considered a high-risk occupation. The insurance company expects you to suffer an offshore injury at some point. This means that insurance companies may view offshore workers as more likely to become injured or disabled. As a result, insurance companies may charge higher premiums or impose stricter requirements to qualify.

Challenges Offshore Workers Face When Filing a Disability Claim

Offshore workers also face challenges when it comes to filing a disability claim. These are high-value claims, so it can be more difficult to get approved for disability benefits.

Insurance companies may require more detailed medical evaluations or ask for more documentation before approving a claim. They may also pressure a claimant to return to work early to avoid paying benefits.

Offshore workers may also face challenges in providing medical evidence and communicating with the insurance company. Insurance companies are notorious for being difficult to communicate with.

Tips for a Successful Claim

Tip #1 Obtain Strong Medical Evidence

Your medical records are the foundation of your disability claim. Make sure your doctor’s notes are detailed and include your pain level and other symptoms. If possible, obtain objective medical evidence such as MRIs, x-rays, etc.

Tip #2 Do Not Rush Back to Work

Do not try to return to work too quickly, even if your insurance company is pushing you to return to work. Offshore workers must resist the urge to return to the rig before they are ready. Pushing yourself too far too soon can actually make things worse.

Tip #3 Communicate in Writing

We recommend that all communication be in writing to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. Keep copies of your correspondence and any medical evidence submitted in support of your claim.

Tip #4 Anticipate Surveillance

An insurance carrier is more likely to order surveillance for a high-value claim such as that of an offshore employee. It is perfectly legal for an insurance company to order video or social media surveillance. Do not rush back into sports, exercise, or other strenuous activities. We recommend staying off social media altogether.

Tip #5 Don’t Ignore Cognitive Problems

You may be suffering from cognitive impairments even if your disability claim was originally filed in response to a physical injury. For example, the medications used to treat severe pain often cause cognitive problems. A psychological evaluation may support cognitive impairment.

Representation by an Experienced Long-Term Disability Attorney

Offshore workers face unique challenges when it comes to applying for long-term disability insurance coverage. Insurance companies view offshore work as high-risk, making it more difficult for workers to qualify for coverage. Offshore workers may face challenges when it comes to filing a disability claim, providing medical evidence, and communicating with insurance companies.

Despite these challenges, offshore workers should consider long-term disability insurance plans. Long-term disability benefits will help protect their financial future in the event of a disability. If your claim has been wrongfully denied or terminated, the Ortiz Law Firm can help you fight back against the insurance carrier—call (888) 321-8131 today to schedule your free case evaluation with Nick Ortiz.