Houston Oil Rig Accident Attorneys
Hurt in an Oil Drilling Accident? We Help Injured Workers Nationwide. Offices in Texas & Louisiana.
Oil drilling is one of the biggest industries in Texas. This sector of our state's economy employs both inshore and offshore workers for crude petroleum exploration, drilling, and completion of wells as well as the operation of a variety of equipment that is used to prepare oil up to the point of shipment to a refinery. Unfortunately, this industry is also one of the most dangerous in Texas. Blowouts occur on offshore drilling rigs and land-based oil wells, leading to serious and often fatal burns. Injuries and deaths can also result from defective or poorly maintained equipment, machinery and pipelines. Drilling industry workers also face the risk of falls from great heights, such as from derricks.
Drilling for Offshore Oil Is One of the Most Dangerous Jobs
At any moment, a variety of things can go wrong. Workers are expected to do their jobs for 12 hours a day for up to 2 weeks. Not only is this exhausting, but the job comes with other inherent dangers. Seamen are often required to handle combustible materials with cranes swinging overhead. Heavy equipment is everywhere. Even though employers are obligated to make work conditions as safe as possible, navigating the deck can easily turn from dangerous to disastrous. Hard hats and steel-toed boots are mandatory—and for good reason.
Serious oil rig accidents are not necessarily common, but when they do occur, they can easily become catastrophic. Although large disasters are usually averted, smaller accidents can be equally devastating on a personal level. Maritime workers are at high risk of spinal cord injuries, slip and falls, traumatic brain injuries, and a variety of other accidents. The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined oil companies millions because of unsafe working conditions; many people remain concerned about the dangers of working on an oil rig.
Common Oil Drilling Accidents & Injuries
- Sparks from equipment igniting flammable liquids and triggering explosions
- Well blowouts, explosions, and fires in production tanks
- Being struck by swinging pipes, casing, or cables
- Getting crushed by loads of cargo or heavy equipment
- Hands or feet getting caught in machinery
- Equipment failing because of improper maintenance
- Falls from derricks, unsecured ladders, platforms, hoists, slippery stairways, and unguarded heights
Representing the Victims of Catastrophic Oil Rig Explosions
Arguably the worst type of oil rig accident, oil rig explosions have caused some of the most awful maritime accidents in the history of the world.
Some notable oil rig explosions in history include:
- Deepwater Horizon Explosion: Killed 11 & Injured 17 Others
- Petrobras Enchova Explosion: Killed 42
- Occidental Piper Alpha Explosion: Killed 167
- Petrobras P-36 Explosion: Killed 11
There are hundreds of minor explosions that oil rig employees have suffered throughout the decades. While these explosions do not make headlines, many people are killed or injured in these smaller blasts. The unfortunate truth about these explosions is that the workers and families affected by these blasts are less likely to seek legal help because they are pressured by the responsible maritime company to “stay faithful” to the business. Some maritime employers have a history of treating explosion victims’ onsite where employees are incorrectly diagnosed to cover up the company’s responsibility to their employee. An employee should never assume that they are helping their coworkers by keeping quiet about an oil rig explosion. When companies are not held accountable for small oil explosions, they will be alright with forgoing safety standards until an explosion affects their business. If you are interested in legal help regarding your oil rig explosion case, contact our firm immediately.
Call Our Texas Oil Drilling Accident Lawyers (888) 493-1629 for a Free Consultation
At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we are devoted to helping victims of oil rig accidents get the financial compensation they may deserve. If you have suffered a burn injury, skull fracture, or amputation/limb loss injury and you believe another person's carelessness or negligence caused the accident, we want to help you understand your rights. Have you suffered any kind of serious injury while working on an oil rig? Our law firm is here to look out for your best interests and fight for the legal protections that you deserve. Call now for a free review of your case.
Call (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation. Let us demand justice on your behalf.