Fighting for Injured Roughnecks, Drivers & Other Oil Rig Injury Survivors in Baton Rouge
Roughnecks, drillers, derrickhands, and other oil rig and oilfield workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. With heavy machinery, volatile substances, and complex processes present, there are countless ways to be injured. The environment itself may put oil derrick workers at risk, but every hazard can be mitigated.
Rig owners and operators must take proper precautions. There is no excuse or justification for blowouts, falls, fires, or other catastrophes that injure or kill workers. If you were injured, contact a Louisiana oil rig accident lawyer to discuss your options. Arnold & Itkin has led the fight against unsafe work practices in the oil and gas industry for over two decades; we have the experience and resources to seek the maximum compensation to address your medical care and rebuild. Our attorneys know the complexities of oil rig accident cases and the impact these events have on real people and their families. We're here to make a positive, lifelong impact for every client we represent.
Call (888) 493-1629 to review your options with our Louisiana oil rig accident attorneys.
Louisiana has long stood at the heart of America's energy industry. From drilling sites dotting the northern Parishes to refineries along the Gulf, oil rigs are part of the state's identity.
Fields like the Haynesville Shale in northwestern Louisiana produce enormous volumes of natural gas, drawing in drilling contractors, service companies, and thousands of skilled workers. Louisiana's industrial operations around Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Houma serve as hubs for drilling, refining, and transport. Along I-10 and I-49, it's common to see trucks hauling pipe, drilling mud, or heavy machinery from one rig site to the next. Offshore operations are just as important, with approximately 88% of all U.S. offshore oil rigs located off Louisiana's coast.
Major Oil & Gas Operators
Dozens of major companies operate in Louisiana, from international oil giants to independent local producers. Among the largest are Chevron, Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil, which oversee land-based and offshore drilling.
The state is also home to independent Louisiana operators like:
LLOG Exploration, one of the nation's largest privately owned exploration companies.
Cantium LLC, which operates multiple Gulf fields such as Bay Marchand and Main Pass.
Comstock Resources and Chesapeake Energy, operating in the Haynesville Shale.
These companies rely on a network of drilling contractors, service providers, and skilled local laborers.
The People Behind the Rigs
Oil and gas operations provide 91,000 direct jobs in Louisiana, with another 255,000 in related or supporting industries. ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge refinery complex is the state's largest single-site employer, with about 4,500 workers. Other large operators like Shell and Chevron have a significant presence, with regional offices and facilities in the state to support their offshore platforms and onshore terminals. Oilfield service giants such as Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes also employ thousands of workers in drilling support, equipment maintenance, and well services.
This network of operators, contractors, and suppliers makes Louisiana one of the most active drilling regions—and one of the most dangerous.
Recent Louisiana Oil Rig Accidents
Any oil rig accident, injury, or fatality is one too many. In our experience as oil rig accident lawyers in Louisiana, we have seen how these incidents are caused by specific decisions or actions on the part of large companies that are more interested in production and profitability than their workers' lives.
Louisiana has seen some of the worst oil rig accidents in U.S. history:
Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill: On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon rig about 40 miles off the Louisiana coast claimed 11 lives and resulted in a 3-month spill of approximately 134 million gallons of oil into the Gulf. The spill formed an oil slick that extended over more than 57,500 square miles.
Black Elk Energy Production Platform Explosion: At about 9:00 a.m. on November 16, 2012, an explosion and fire occurred on a Black Elk Energy platform about 17 miles off the coast of Grand Isle. Three workers were killed, and several others were injured. Black Elk was ultimately convicted of worker safety and Clean Water Act violations.
Lake Pontchartrain Rig Explosion: On October 15, 2017, an oil and gas platform operated by Clovelly Oil Co. suddenly exploded, killing one worker and injuring seven others. The rig was operating on Lake Pontchartrain, just north of Kenner, Louisiana, and was undergoing maintenance at the time of the incident.
Recent oil rig accidents in the area include:
Offshore Helicopter Accident: On December 29, 2022, a Bell 07 helicopter transporting crew from an offshore platform went down off the Louisiana coast shortly after takeoff from the rig. Every person on the helicopter was killed, including the pilot and three oil rig workers.
Starks Oilfield Fatality: On February 26, 2025, a 21-year-old subcontractor from Sulphur, Louisiana, was struck and killed by a 9,000-pound piece of equipment while performing work at the Starks Brine Field in Calcasieu Parish.
Whether caused by poorly maintained equipment, lax safety standards, or aging machinery, these oil rig accidents in and off the coast of Louisiana have had catastrophic, ongoing consequences.
Types of Oil Rig Accidents in Baton Rouge & Louisiana
Whether their day begins in a Port Allen control room, at a Gonzales pump site, or as part of a crew heading to a Gulf offshore platform, oil rig workers face significant risks each day on the job when safety is not prioritized.
Some of the most common oil rig accidents in Louisiana include:
State and federal safety laws require oil companies to provide safe workplaces, but these incidents are still happening. Understanding why they happen is a key part of prevention. For example, heavy equipment failures often result from skipped maintenance or lack of operator training. Well-run training programs and regular inspections reduce these dangers. Gas and oil explosions commonly occur when crews ignore safety procedures. Strict rules and constant oversight protect teams working in these risky environments.
Accidents can occur at any hour, given Louisiana’s round-the-clock oil operations. With Baton Rouge serving as a regional processing hub, workers regularly operate in areas exposed to heavy machinery and hazardous material, including locations that see intense rain or flooding. Heat and unpredictable weather add new challenges each season, making year-round vigilance a must. Rig crews rely on timely support after an incident, so partnering with a team familiar with the realities of oil rig work and the Baton Rouge region is a must.
What To Do After an Oil Rig Accident in Baton Rouge
First, get immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, oil rig accidents often involve internal trauma, burns, or crush injuries that require emergency treatment as soon as possible. Remember: you can request to be seen by an independent doctor—not just the company's chosen provider.
Next, make sure the incident is officially reported. Your employer must document any workplace injury or fatality, but you should also create your own record. If possible, write down what happened, note who was present, and take photos or videos of the scene and your injuries. The more details, the better.
Be cautious when speaking with company investigators or insurance adjusters. It's common for companies to ask workers to sign statements or accept small settlements quickly, but these offers rarely reflect the full cost of your injuries. Don't sign or agree to anything until you've talked to an attorney.
Finally, contact a Baton Rouge oil rig accident lawyer as soon as you can. At Arnold & Itkin, we've helped injured workers and grieving families across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast hold powerful companies accountable. We know how these companies operate, and we know how to uncover the truth—no matter what they try to hide.
Even in an industry as dangerous as oil and gas, every accident is preventable when safety rules are followed.
Offshore vs. Inland Oil Rig Accidents in Louisiana
Oil rig accidents can happen in different environments, but the risks, challenges, and legal considerations vary greatly between offshore and inland (land-based) accidents. Knowing these distinctions matters when pursuing claims for injuries in Louisiana.
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
Offshore oil rigs, located miles from land, expose workers to unique dangers because of their remote settings. Medical transport may be delayed or made impossible due to poor weather.
Common risks include:
Explosions & Fires: Accidents involving volatile materials can escalate quickly, with few escape options.
Severe Weather: Offshore rigs face hazards from hurricanes and rough seas.
Drowning & Falls: Working near or over open water increases the risks of drowning or near-drowning.
Claims for offshore oil rig injuries usually fall under maritime laws such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These laws offer certain protections and compensation options for injured workers.
Inland Oil Rig Accidents
Inland oil rigs located onshore also present hazards but differ in their risks and legal rules. While some risks, such as drowning and rough seas, are absent, many others remain. In addition to heavy machinery and toxic substance risks, delayed medical treatment at remote oil rig locations can be an issue.
Common dangers include:
Heavy Equipment Failures: Land rigs rely on large machines, which can cause serious injuries if they malfunction.
Vehicle Accidents: Trucks and other vehicles present risks due to constant movement at and between sites.
Toxic Exposure: Inland rig workers may face chemical dangers from benzene or silica dust.
On land, oil rig accidents and injuries are not typically covered by maritime law or the Jones Act. Instead, state workers' compensation laws may apply, or injured rig workers may have grounds for personal injury lawsuits.
Why the Distinction Matters
The type of accident—offshore or inland—not only shapes the hazards a worker faces but also determines the legal framework for seeking compensation. Offshore injuries often involve complicated maritime laws, while inland cases follow state rules. Arnold & Itkin handles both offshore and land-based oil rig accident cases for clients across Louisiana, holding negligent employers and companies accountable in every region.
From refinery complexes along the Mississippi River to inland drilling sites in the state’s southern parishes, oil rig operations must comply with a complex web of state and federal safety rules designed to prevent catastrophic accidents.
Regulation and oversight in Louisiana come from multiple agencies. The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (previously the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources), through its Office of Conservation, regulates oil and gas drilling, well operations, and environmental safety at the state level. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federal workplace safety standards for land-based operations, requiring employers to follow strict procedures for training, equipment maintenance, and hazard communication. Offshore rigs and coastal facilities are additionally monitored by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), which oversees the safe operation of energy production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Together, these agencies require rig inspections, incident reporting, blowout prevention systems, and ongoing safety training for workers. Employers must identify potential hazards, implement control measures, and immediately address violations that could endanger lives. Baton Rouge companies that fail to comply with these standards may face steep fines—or worse, cause devastating accidents that change workers’ lives forever.
At Arnold & Itkin, we know how these regulations should work—and what happens when they’re ignored. Our Louisiana oil rig accident attorneys have taken on some of the largest oil and gas companies in Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast, exposing safety failures and holding corporations accountable for preventable harm. Understanding how Louisiana’s oil and gas regulations function is key not only to building strong legal cases, but also to promoting the culture of safety every worker deserves.
Common Injuries from Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rig workers in Baton Rouge face a range of injuries due to difficult and dangerous working conditions. Injuries include fractures, burns, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, often resulting from explosions or heavy equipment accidents. Workers exposed to dangerous chemicals or toxic fumes might develop respiratory issues or other long-term health problems. Deep cuts, crushing injuries, and repetitive motion problems also occur on drilling sites, particularly during high-paced operations. Recovery from these injuries is often long, difficult, and expensive.
An injured oil rig worker may not be able to return to the same job or may be unable to earn a living at all. Medical bills and the cost of ongoing care can add up into the millions of dollars, and families may have to make significant adjustments to an entirely new way of life. As local oil rig accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, we are committed to helping injured workers and their families get the full support they need—for life.
Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge: Serving Clients in Louisiana & Nationwide
The unpredictable nature of oil rig injuries calls for an approach focused on seeking justice and prioritizing your well-being. Recovery means physical and emotional rehabilitation, not just financial support. When you choose Arnold & Itkin, you gain a determined partner committed to finding solutions for your most pressing needs.
Our approach makes sure you have access to support that addresses your unique situation, whether you need therapy, advanced care, or guidance through recovery. Our oil rig accident lawyers in Louisiana strive to help you and your loved ones move forward. Our local experience helps clients in Baton Rouge and statewide overcome challenges created by insurance companies and large corporations. We know Louisiana’s legal system and address local barriers that affect workers and families throughout the region.
Our Louisiana oil rig injury attorneys have been recognized as leaders in this particular area of law. We are proud to be honored by prestigious organizations such as Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Martindale®, and many others. Our lawyers have been individually spotlighted for their successes in complex injury cases, including selection for inclusion in the Lawdragon Legends of the 500 list, The National Trial Lawyers, and Justia, to name a few. Insurance companies know our name, they know our reputation, and they know that we fight to win.
Most importantly, Arnold & Itkin always puts clients' needs first. Our Baton Rouge oil rig accident lawyers focus on your long-term well-being and support your journey toward recovery and security. If you were hurt in an oil rig or land rig accident, now is the time to discuss your options and pursue appropriate compensation for your losses.
Oil rig accidents can often be attributed to a variety of factors, primarily including human error, equipment malfunction, and environmental hazards. Human error frequently results from insufficient training or misjudgment during critical tasks. Equipment malfunction is a significant factor as well, often stemming from inadequate maintenance or outdated machinery. Environmental conditions, such as extreme weather or unstable geological formations, can exacerbate the inherent risks of oil drilling. In Baton Rouge, where oil and gas operations are integral to the regional economy, it's especially vital to identify these causes to implement effective safety protocols. Understanding these common causes aids not only in prevention but also prepares workers and companies to take immediate corrective actions, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of oil rig accidents.
How Do Louisiana Laws Impact Oil Rig Accident Claims?
Louisiana's laws governing oil rig accident claims are complex, weaving through state-specific regulations and federal guidelines applicable to maritime activities. The state follows a contributory negligence rule, which means the compensation an injured worker can receive may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. Additionally, the Jones Act, a federal law, applies to some offshore workers, providing them with the right to seek compensation from employers for injuries due to negligence. Understanding these laws is crucial for any claim related to oil rig accidents in Baton Rouge.
How Do I Know Who Is Responsible for My Accident?
In most cases it will not be obvious who is at fault for your injuries because negligence is not a direct action. Most people only see the consequences rather than the negligence itself. Our job is to investigate your case with other industry experts to accurately determine who is at fault for your injuries. One or more parties could be at fault—regardless of whoever is found responsible, we can help you develop a case.
How Long Do I Have to File My Oil Rig Injury Claim?
Different states have different statutes of limitations for oilfield cases. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury if the incident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. If the accident occurred before this date, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of injury.
When Will My Case Go to Court?
There are cases that don’t need to go to court because they are settled outside the courtroom. Our firm will pursue a settlement outside of court if your opponent makes an offer that is fair to you. However, we are not afraid to pursue a court case if the defendant is not willing to settle for a proper amount.
If I’m Found Partially at Fault, Is There Still Hope?
Yes—there is still the possibility of presenting a comparative negligence (or percentage of fault). For example, if you were found 20% responsible, you may only seek up to the amount of compensation that the other party was found liable for. If this were a case where there was a $1 million recovery, you could get up to $800 thousand.
