Houston Oil Rig Explosion Lawyer

Fires are one of the biggest threats oil rig workers face. This is particularly true considering the fact that the large fuel supplies on rigs can readily feed fires, potentially making them uncontrollable. Some common causes of oil rig fires include:

• Improperly using welding, grinding or cutting tools
• Failing to repair damaged electric devices or electric wires
• Improperly handling oil, gas or other flammable substances
• Failing to contain kitchen fires, which can spread to other parts of the rig
• Leaving appliances or equipment running while unattended.

Blowouts are another significant risk facing rig workers. Blowouts, which can occur above or below the surface of the sea, result in crude oil being uncontrollably released from a rig. Some common causes of blowouts, which can lead to oil rig explosions, include:

• Equipment failures – These can arise from failures to maintain equipment or inherently defective equipment.
• Worker negligence – This can involve untrained or careless employees failing to follow proper safety protocols or failing to properly carry out their job duties.

The negligence that can contribute to oil rig explosions can arise in many forms. In addition to those discussed above, other instances of negligence that can cause rig explosions include (and are not limited to):

• Employer negligence
• Subcontractor negligence
• Equipment manufacturer negligence.

Rig explosions commonly cause catastrophic injuries. These can include (and are not limited to):

• Burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (from blasts and falls)
• Hearing and/or vision
• Loss of limb(s) and disfigurement
• Severe lacerations and/or bone fracture(s)
• Fatal injuries.

In the most serious cases, these injuries can result in:

• Irreversible, if not fatal, outcomes
• Lost earning capacity and income for families
• A need for long-term, expensive medical care
• Lasting psychological damage to workers and families.

The Amaro Law Firm can help workers and families secure the financial recoveries they deserve for these impacts and losses.

The known dangers of the oil drilling industry have led to the enactment of various safety regulations. These regulations, overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),¹ are intended to minimize the risk of explosions, blowouts and other accidents that could harm workers.

Unfortunately, oil companies and others do not always comply with these safety regulations. This occurs all too often because employers prioritize profits over workers’ safety. That can result in cutting corners to try to reduce costs and increase profits.

Some common examples of safety violations on rigs include:

• Failures to properly train rig workers or provide them with essential personal protective gear
• Failures to maintain rig equipment
• A lack of safety or emergency protocols

When these or other safety regulations cause oil rig explosions, employers can be liable for compensating victims. They may also be on the hook for paying punitive damages.

In the wake of a rig explosion, the options for recovery will depend on various factors, some of which include:

• The type of rig where the explosion occurred – Jack-up and floating rigs, for example, are usually considered to be vessels. This can mean that workers injured on these (and similar) rigs are protected under the Jones Act. In contrast, workers injured on fixed rig structures may be able to pursue claims under the Outer-Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).
• The cause of the explosion – Whether the negligence of an employer, a worker or some other party contributed to the explosion can impact the available legal remedies for injured workers.

Regardless of the type of claim pursued, financial recoveries for the victims of oil rig explosions can include (but may not be restricted to):

• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Hospital, surgery and medical treatment costs
• Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation needs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium.

The Amaro Law Firm offers free case evaluations to provide injured workers with helpful information about their recovery options. Since being founded, our firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients.

Our Houston maritime injury lawyers can provide invaluable support, advocacy and representation when it’s time to file an injury claim. We always tailor our services to fit the specifics of a claim (and the needs and goals of our clients). In general, though, some of the ways we can help you with an oil rig explosion claim include by:

• Explaining the law, your rights and the recovery process
• Determining all liable parties and the legal remedies available to you
• Handling all the administrative work to initiate your claim
• Building you a strong claim and bringing your claim to the best possible outcome.

Let us provide you with more details during a free, no obligations consultation.

Call (713) 352-7975 or email our firm to take the first step towards justice and recovery. The Houston maritime & offshore injury lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm have the insight, experience and resources you can count on for effective advocacy and exceptional representation in any type of maritime and offshore injury claim.

Our record of success and exceptional representation has earned us 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.

We offer virtual consultations and can travel to meet you if you are unable to come to our office.

1: OSHA oil drilling safety regulations