Fighting for Injured Roughnecks, Drivers & Other Oil Rig Injury Survivors in Baton Rouge
Roughnecks have one of the most dangerous jobs nationwide. There are countless ways a worker can get injured on the job. The machinery involved in drilling operations is difficult to manage and risky if not properly operated. Even the environment on an oil derrick puts workers at major risk.
Although oil extraction may be dangerous by nature, accidents can—and should—be prevented if employers and coworkers take proper precautions. If you were injured while working on an oil rig, contact a Louisiana oil rig accident lawyer to discuss your case. We can fight for you to receive the maximum compensation possible to recover from the damages. We work tirelessly to ensure injured workers can access medical care and other vital needs. Just as importantly, we work to ensure oil and gas companies are focused on improving safety.
Our team has years of experience standing up to negligent parties in the oil and gas sector. We understand the intricacies involved in these cases and the impact they have on real people's lives. Oil rig accidents often result from violations of safety protocols, and it's crucial to hold accountable those who disregard these essential measures. This accountability not only aids victims but also contributes to a safer industry overall.
Call Arnold & Itkin today at (888) 493-1629 to review your options with our Louisiana oil rig accident attorneys. Your consultation is completely free.
Types of Oil Rig Accidents in Baton Rouge & Louisiana
Between the ExxonMobil refinery near downtown Baton Rouge, numerous refineries and plants in Port Allen and the relative proximity of Port Fourchon and the dozens of offshore platforms accessed there, the Baton Rouge area is home to many oil and gas industry workers. Whether your day begins in a Port Allen control room, at a Gonzales pump site, or aboard transport vans heading south toward Gulf staging areas, you face considerable risks every day.
Some of the most common oil rig accidents in Louisiana include:
Despite the fact that oil companies are required by law to provide safe workplaces, accidents like the ones listed above occur at alarming rates. In these high-risk environments, understanding the root causes of accidents is vital for prevention. Heavy equipment failures often result from poor maintenance or lack of proper training for operators. Regular inspections and rigorous training programs are essential measures that can significantly mitigate risks. Furthermore, gas and oil explosions typically occur when safety regulations are ignored. Implementing strict safety protocols and ensuring that all staff are aware of these can prevent such disasters.
Offshore vs. Inland Oil Rig Accidents: Understanding the Differences
Oil rig accidents can happen in various environments, but the risks, challenges, and legal considerations differ significantly between offshore and inland (land-based) accidents. Understanding these differences is critical when pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in these hazardous workplaces.
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
Offshore oil rigs, located miles away from land, expose workers to unique dangers due to the remote and isolated nature of the environment. Common risks include:
Explosions & Fires: Accidents involving volatile materials can escalate quickly, with limited escape options.
Severe Weather: Offshore rigs are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and rough seas, increasing the likelihood of injuries during evacuations or operations. This is
Drowning & Falls: Working over open water heightens the danger of falls, often with fatal outcomes.
Legal claims for offshore injuries often fall under maritime laws, such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These laws provide specific protections and compensation options for injured workers.
Inland Oil Rig Accidents
Inland oil rigs located onshore also pose significant risks but differ in their nature and legal considerations. Common dangers include:
Heavy Equipment Failures: Land rigs often rely on large machinery, which can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Vehicle Accidents: Trucks and other vehicles are frequently used, increasing the risk of collisions.
Toxic Exposure: Inland workers may encounter harmful substances like benzene or silica dust.
Why the Distinction Matters
The type of accident—offshore or inland—not only influences the hazards a worker faces but also determines the legal framework for pursuing compensation. Offshore injuries often require navigating complex maritime laws, while inland cases may involve different rules and protections. At Arnold & Itkin, we have extensive experience handling both offshore and inland oil rig accident cases. Our team is committed to holding negligent employers and oil companies accountable, whether the accident occurred in Louisiana’s oilfields or miles off its coast.
If you’ve been injured in an oil rig accident, our attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation available under the law. Contact us today for a free consultation at (888) 493-1629 to discuss your case.
Oil & Gas Companies
Our Baton Rouge land rig accident attorneys stand up to oil and gas companies such as:
Understanding Baton Rouge's Oil & Gas Industry Regulations
Louisiana, particularly the Baton Rouge area, is a significant hub for the oil and gas industry, posing unique challenges and opportunities for safety and regulation. The state's regulations are influenced by both federal guidelines and local mandates designed to ensure the safety of workers and the environment. Key agencies like the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration play crucial roles in enforcing safety standards.
These regulations cover a broad spectrum of safety measures, from mandatory safety training programs to regular equipment inspections. Employers are required to comply with stringent guidelines, aiming to minimize the risk of catastrophic oil rig accidents. At Arnold & Itkin, we emphasize the importance of understanding these regulations to strengthen legal strategies and ensure safer workplaces. Being informed about state-specific regulations helps not only in legal contexts but also drives continuous improvements in operational safety standards in the oil and gas industry.
The unpredictability of oil rig injuries demands a proactive legal strategy dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring client welfare. We understand that recovery encompasses more than financial aspects; it includes emotional and physical rehabilitation. By choosing us, you gain a relentless ally that seeks comprehensive recovery solutions, both short-term and long-term.
Our commitment ensures you have access to multidisciplinary care, from therapy to advanced treatments, tailored to your unique needs. This holistic approach underscores our determination to support you throughout your recovery journey, empowering you and your family at every step.
Our 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.
Arnold & Itkin’s commitment to the success of our clients is our first priority. We will not compromise when it comes to your success and security. If you were injured in an oil rig or land rig accident, our Baton Rouge oil rig accident lawyers can help you fight to receive the compensation you deserve for necessary treatments and to help you on the path to healing.
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.
