Hurt in a Serious Offshore Oil Rig Accident? We Help Workers Nationwide.
The oil drilling industry, critical for crude petroleum exploration, drilling, and well completion, employs offshore workers who operate and manage equipment up until the point of shipment to refineries. However, it's also among the most perilous sectors to work in. Offshore drilling rigs are particularly vulnerable to blowouts, which can cause severe, sometimes fatal burns. Furthermore, the use of defective or inadequately maintained equipment, machinery, and pipelines poses significant risks, leading to serious injuries or even wrongful deaths. Additionally, drilling workers are exposed to the danger of falls, including from heights such as derricks. Our Houston oil rig injury attorneys are adamant that urgent reforms are necessary to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of workers.
If you've been injured, reach out to our oil rig injury lawyers in Texas for a free consultation: (888) 493-1629. We handle onshore and offshore injury cases nationwide.
Millions Recovered for Victims of Serious Oil Rig Accidents
Since our founding, our oil rig accident lawyers have earned a reputation for winning some of the largest verdicts in these types of claims. We are leaders in personal injury and maritime law and have won more than $20 billion for our clients, including those involved in serious oil rig accidents. For example, we once reached a $12.5 million settlement on behalf of an offshore worker who fell from a defective piece of equipment while working on an oil rig overseas. He suffered serious back and head injuries as a result and turned to our firm for help. We not only helped him get medical care, but we also overcame several legal hurdles. In the end, we reached a settlement that will take care of him for life.
Some other oil rig accident victories we have won for our clients include:
$10 million settlement for the family of a rig worker who suffered a fatal heat stroke.
$7.5 million settlement for a man who broke his neck while working on an oil rig.
$6.25 millionsettlement for a worker injured during the use of a basket lift on an oil rig.
$5 million settlement for a man who was injured by an uncovered manhole in the walkway.
$3.8 million verdict for an oil rig worker injured in a basket transfer gone wrong.
Our approach is thorough, and we delve into the specifics of each accident to build a solid claim tailored to the unique challenges faced by oil rig workers.
Helping After the Catastrophic Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Accident
Drilling for Oil Is One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in the Nation
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the oil and gas drilling sector ranks among the most hazardous in the United States. Workers in this industry are tasked with operating heavy machinery that demands constant vigilance through inspections, repairs, and supervision to prevent accidents. The nature of oil drilling is such that a multitude of risks are present at any given moment, with workers enduring grueling 12-hour shifts for weeks on end. This not only leads to exhaustion but also exposes them to various intrinsic dangers. Despite employers' obligations to ensure workplace safety, the complex environment of an oil rig, where workers navigate decks amidst swinging cranes and combustible materials, is fraught with peril. The mandatory use of hard hats and steel-toed boots underscores the constant presence of heavy equipment and the critical importance of protective gear in safeguarding workers' well-being.
Texas Laws & Regulations on Oil Rig Safety
Texas is one of the largest oil-producing states in the nation, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold stringent safety standards. The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, plays a key role in establishing safety guidelines and protocols for oil rig operations. These regulations are designed to minimize risks associated with drilling activities, including regular equipment inspections, mandatory safety training for workers, and stringent rules on the management of hazardous materials.
Furthermore, Texas law mandates that companies conducting drilling operations maintain comprehensive safety protocols and emergency response plans. These regulations ensure operations are not only efficient but also prioritize the well-being of their employees. Infringements of these laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines and suspension of operations, which reinforce the importance of stringent compliance.
Common Types of Oil Rig Injuries
Enhanced safety measures, such as improved training programs, better emergency response protocols, and regular equipment inspections, are crucial steps to protecting oil rig workers. Industry stakeholders must prioritize these reforms to significantly lower accidents and casualties in this high-risk environment.
When safety on an oil rig is not prioritized, workers may experience injuries such as:
Burn Injuries: The highly flammable materials present in oil and gas operations frequently lead to fires and explosions, making burns a common and severe hazard. These incidents can range from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions, underscoring the need for strict safety protocols and emergency response measures.
Crush Injuries & Amputations: The use of heavy machinery is essential in drilling operations, but when this equipment malfunctions or is misused, it can result in devastating crush injuries or necessitate amputations.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Workers are at risk of TBIs, which can occur from falls, blows to the head, or being struck by heavy objects. The severity of these can vary widely, from concussions to more profound brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Similar incidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis or other long-term mobility issues. Such injuries can dramatically alter a worker's life, necessitating comprehensive care.
Broken Bones & Fractures: The often hazardous work environment, especially when involving machinery, frequently results in broken bones and fractures, emphasizing the need for protective gear and safety training.
Chemical Exposure: The oil and gas industry relies on various chemicals in its operations, and accidental exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, or more severe long-term health problems. Proper handling protocols and protective equipment are essential to minimize these risks.
Ear Injuries & Hearing Loss: The continuous, loud noise from machinery and equipment poses a significant risk of ear injuries and hearing loss, either temporary or permanent. Implementing hearing conservation programs and ensuring the use of hearing protection are critical steps in safeguarding workers' auditory health.
The severity of potential injuries ranges from minor to life-altering. For those affected by oil rig accidents, understanding legal rights and seeking counsel from a rig accident lawyer, especially in Texas, is essential for navigating claims and confronting oil companies in legal disputes.
Common Types of Oil Rig Accidents
Given the extensive number of oil rigs in Texas, accidents are unfortunately more common than many realize. Texas leads the nation in oil production, which inherently means a high number of active rigs and associated workers. Statistics from industry oversight bodies like the Texas Railroad Commission emphasize the need for stringent safety measures, as hundreds of accidents are reported annually. These accidents have a higher potential to be catastrophic, due to the nature of drilling operations and the presence of heavy machinery and volatile substances.
Our Houston attorneys can take on oil rig accident cases involving:
Explosions & Fires: On oil rigs, the combination of sparking equipment and the abundant presence of flammable gases and liquids creates a volatile environment prone to oil rig explosions and oil rig fires.
Well Blowouts: The uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas, known as a well blowout, is a dramatic event that can escalate quickly, leading to fires, explosions, catastrophic injuries, and even wrongful death.
Struck-by Incidents: Rig workers face the constant danger of being struck by moving objects such as pipes, casing, or cables. These high-velocity impacts can result in severe injuries to the workers who are involved.
Entanglement: Inadequate safety guards or procedures can lead to workers' limbs becoming entangled in machinery during the course of their work day, with the potential for amputations or lethal outcomes.
Equipment Failure: Oil rigs rely on a complex array of machinery and equipment, which, if not properly maintained or if inherently defective, can fail and trigger accidents. Regular, thorough inspections and maintenance are crucial.
Falls: The oil rig environment is rife with fall hazards, including unsecured ladders, platforms, hoists, and slippery surfaces. Falls, particularly from heights such as derricks, can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Weather Hazards: Oil rigs are at the mercy of the elements. Severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, can endanger workers if proper evacuation and safety measures are not in place.
Given the complex nature of oil rig operations, every accident represents unique challenges in terms of response and investigation. It is crucial to develop detailed incident reports and conduct thorough analyses after any accident to prevent similar occurrences and improve safety protocols.
Protecting Injured Oil Rig Workers' Rights in Texas & Beyond
Oil rig workers have specific legal rights following an accident, thanks to federal acts such as the Jones Act. Offshore workers can pursue claims against their employers for negligence, which is a key right as this allows claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Meanwhile, Texas also enforces its own regulations, which provide additional layers of protection to oil rig workers. Through these combined protections, injured workers have various pathways to seek compensation and support after an accident.
Proving negligence in an oil rig accident involves demonstrating that the employer failed to provide a reasonably safe working environment. This could involve evidence of poorly maintained equipment, inadequate safety measures, or lack of proper training. Gathering concrete proof is essential, including maintenance logs, safety inspection records, and eyewitness testimonies. Having an experienced legal team, like Arnold & Itkin, can significantly aid in collecting and presenting this evidence. Our Houston oil rig accident attorneys can craft a comprehensive strategy that highlights where an employer's failure may have led to the accident, thereby strengthening your claim for compensation.
Helping Families Find Answers After Fatal Oil Rig Accidents
The tragic reality of oil rig accidents is their severity often means workers do not make it back home, leaving families to face unimaginable loss. In these harrowing times, our oil rig wrongful death attorneys stand prepared to seek the answers and justice these families deserve. While nothing can reverse the events that transpired, our goal is to secure the financial stability necessary for affected families to begin the healing process and move forward with their lives. Our commitment is to ensure that those left behind are supported and that their loved ones' memories are honored.
Wrongful death lawsuits help grieving families seek aid for:
The family's income from before the accident
Lost costs from childcare and parental guidance
The loss of consortium
The loss of companionship
Emotional pain and suffering
Losing a loved one in an oil rig accident leaves families with profound grief and many unanswered questions, particularly about their rights and next steps. Despite some employers' attempts to shield themselves from these claims through waivers that employees sign, waiving the right for their families to sue, it's crucial to know that these waivers do not always preclude the possibility of obtaining compensation. Even if a waiver was signed, families might still be eligible for damages covering pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses. Navigating these complex legal matters requires knowledgeable guidance to explore all available options for holding oil and gas companies accountable.
Call Our Oil Rig Accident Attorneys in Texas for a Free Case Review: (888) 493-1629
The oil and gas industry provides anything but a safe work environment, yet the critical work performed by rig workers is indispensable. Regrettably, even the most dedicated workers can fall victim to injuries due to unsafe practices, insufficient training, or outdated equipment. If you've suffered an injury on a drilling rig, you might be facing the daunting task of rebuilding your life, exploring new career opportunities, or seeking compensation for medical expenses. Arnold & Itkin is committed to supporting you through this challenging time. Our goal is to help you navigate the legal landscape to secure the compensation you deserve and assist in your journey toward recovery and a brighter future.
Call (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation with our oil rig accident attorneys in Texas. Let us demand the best results to secure the best future for you and your family.
CommonQuestions
What Causes Oil Rig Accidents?
Oil rig accidents may be caused by overlooked safety standards, aging equipment, carelessness, or poor rig maintenance. Working on a rig is dangerous, with 12-hour shifts and exhausting labor, not to mention dealing with combustible substances and heavy machinery. Even the journey by helicopter or boat to an offshore rig can be dangerous. Workers shouldn't have to deal with unsafe working conditions, but many do every single day—until they're seriously injured in preventable accidents. Our Houston, Texas oil rig injury law firm is here to help. If you were injured, let our team determine the cause of your accident so we can seek justice on your behalf.
Who Is Liable for Oil Rig Accidents?
Liability for oil rig accidents can involve several parties, including the rig's owner or operator, the employer, equipment manufacturers, maintenance service providers, contractors, and even crew members or colleagues, depending on the cause of the incident. If an accident results from operational failures, inadequate safety measures, defective machinery, or individual negligence, any of these entities could be held responsible. Identifying who is liable demands a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, which often requires experience with personal injury and maritime law, as well as an understanding of the complex operations of oil rigs.
What Damages Can I Claim After an Oil Rig Accident?
Following an oil rig accident, you may be entitled to claim various damages to compensate for both tangible and intangible losses. These can include medical expenses for both immediate and future care, lost wages for time missed from work and any diminished future earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, you might claim for loss of quality of life if the injuries significantly impact your daily activities, as well as for rehabilitation costs, disfigurement, and scarring. In instances of egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter similar future conduct. The specific damages applicable to your case will depend on the injury's severity and its effects on your life, making the guidance of experienced attorneys vital to ensure comprehensive compensation.
Does Maritime Law Cover Oil Rig Accidents?
Yes, maritime law covers oil rig accidents, particularly those occurring on or near navigable waters. The Jones Act, a pivotal piece of maritime legislation, provides protections to seamen who are injured in the course of their employment, allowing them to seek compensation from their employers for negligence. Workers on offshore oil rigs, drill ships, and other sea-based oil extraction facilities often qualify as seamen under this law. Additionally, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) extends federal workers' compensation benefits to those working on oil rigs and platforms located on the Outer Continental Shelf, covering injuries even when traditional maritime law might not apply. These laws ensure that workers injured in oil rig accidents have avenues to seek compensation for their injuries.
What Injuries Can Be Caused by Oil Rig Accidents?
An accident on an oil rig may cause catastrophic injuries. These may include severe burns, crush injuries, and drownings or near-drownings caused by rig fires and explosions. Other injuries may include broken bones, back injuries, internal organ damage, head trauma, and loss of limb. The type and severity of an oil rig worker's injuries will depend on the type of accident and other factors, such as the type of work being performed, whether heavy machinery was involved, and whether the worker had the proper safety gear.
What Should I Do After a Drilling Rig Accident?
If you were injured in a drilling rig accident, you should take three crucial steps. First, seek medical care. Second, inform your employer of the incident. Third, talk to an attorney. Taking each of these steps will help you protect your health, eligibility for compensation, and legal rights. Working on an oil or gas drilling crew may be dangerous, but this does not limit your right to compensation for your injuries. At Arnold & Itkin, our drilling rig injury attorneys are here to ensure injured workers and their families get the medical treatment and support they need after serious accidents and injuries on offshore and onshore drilling rigs. We've recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients and are ready to see how we can help you.
