When a personnel basket transfer goes wrong, it’s not always your employer who’s responsible. In many offshore operations, multiple companies are working side by side—each handling different aspects of the job. The crane might be operated by one contractor, the basket owned by another, and the vessel controlled by a third. If you’re injured due to the actions—or inaction—of someone who isn’t your direct employer, you may have a valid third-party liability claim.
Understanding how third-party liability works is critical for offshore workers seeking full compensation after a serious injury.
What Is Third-Party Liability?
Third-party liability means a company or individual other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury. This is different from a workers’ compensation claim or a Jones Act claim against your own company. In a third-party case, you’re bringing a separate legal action—typically a personal injury lawsuit—against the negligent party.
In offshore personnel basket incidents, third parties could include:
- The crane operator’s employer
- A subcontractor responsible for coordinating the lift
- The vessel owner or crew involved in the transfer
- A company hired to inspect or maintain lifting equipment
- The manufacturer of a defective crane, basket, or rigging component
How Third-Party Negligence Leads to Basket Injuries
Personnel transfers require precision and communication across teams. When any one company fails to follow protocol or maintain safe practices, workers can be seriously hurt. Common examples of third-party negligence in basket transfers include:
- Crane operated by an outside contractor swings the basket into a structure
- Vessel crew fails to hold position during transfer, causing sudden motion
- Maintenance company skips inspection of worn-out basket rigging
- Contractor pushes the transfer during high winds or poor visibility
- Signalman employed by a separate company gives incorrect hand signals
- Equipment supplier delivers defective or uncertified lifting gear
In these cases, your employer may have done everything right—but someone else made a mistake that put you in harm’s way.
Can I File Claims Against Multiple Parties?
Yes. Offshore incidents often involve shared responsibility. For example, you might have a Jones Act claim against your employer and a third-party negligence claim against the crane operator’s company. These are separate legal paths, and both can be pursued if evidence supports each.
It’s common for multiple insurance companies and legal teams to be involved in these claims. That’s why having your own experienced representation is so important.
What You Can Recover in a Third-Party Claim
Unlike workers’ comp, third-party claims allow for a broader range of damages. If successful, you may recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family
Third-party cases often provide significantly more compensation than workers’ compensation benefits alone.
Building a Strong Third-Party Liability Case
These cases often hinge on thorough investigation. Your legal team must establish:
- The third party owed a duty of care
- They breached that duty through negligent actions or decisions
- Their negligence caused your injury
- You suffered measurable damages as a result
Evidence may include maintenance logs, crane operation records, witness statements, and expert opinions on industry safety standards. These cases require early action to preserve key documentation before it disappears.
Why Legal Experience Matters
Third-party claims are often defended aggressively by outside contractors and insurers. Their first move may be to deny responsibility—or blame someone else. They may argue that your employer was responsible, or that you assumed the risk of injury. An experienced offshore injury attorney can cut through these tactics and focus on what matters: the facts.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you were hurt in a personnel basket transfer and believe a third party may be at fault, don’t wait to take action. These cases are time-sensitive, and the companies involved will be building their defense from day one.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our offshore accident lawyers investigate basket transfer incidents, identify every liable party, and pursue the compensation you deserve—whether from your employer or a third-party contractor.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation. We only get paid if we win your case. Let us fight for you while you focus on recovery.