Oil rigs sit hundreds of feet in the air above the ocean, with about 200 people on board. Meaning, if there is any kind of malfunction, it can turn deadly quickly. Missteps and injuries are common on oil rigs due to the strain and hard hours of labor that employees put in to ensure that the global economy can continue to rely on them.
An oil rig explosion is the most devastating accident that can happen on an oil rig. Explosions on oil rigs have been known to claim many lives and create environmental disasters with the oil that spills into our oceans. If you’ve been injured in an oil rig explosion in Texas, Jolly Roger Law has dedicated attorneys who have extensive experience fighting for worker's rights and compensation.
How Common Are Oil Rig Explosions?
This industry is generally considered one of the top 3 dangerous jobs in the country and responsible for many disastrous accidents, as workers are subjected to some of the most hazardous conditions on oil rigs. Drilling for oil 500 feet above the ocean on a platform about the size of 6 football fields can create the most perilous environment for disaster. Oil platforms have a high risk of fire and explosions. With the high use of electricity and fuel running so many pieces of dangerous equipment, a tiny spark can injure the whole rig.
Injuries on oil rigs are so common that the CDC has reported on the dangers of offshore oil rig work for years. And while explosions aren’t as common as they could be, with about one explosion a year, the workers and their families suffer the tragedies from the realities of the hazards they face.
The Devastating Consequences of Oil Rig Explosions
Negligence in the oil industry can lead to the death of your loved ones. Chemicals, high pressures, and aging machinery create the perfect setup for an explosion, but negligence is the most common factor in an oil rig explosion. Negligence has been the leading cause of oil rig explosions more than any other factor. When negligence causes an explosion, workers on the rig can face injuries such as:
- Burns
- Blunt force trauma
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hearing or vision loss
- Heart attacks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Chemical inhalation and respiratory distress
The severity of a worker's injuries depends on the circumstances of the explosion and their proximity to the blast. In the wake of an oil rig explosion, facing the mounting medical bills or even the expenses of a tragic loss can seem daunting. Jolly Roger Law has experienced offshore attorneys who can ease the burden that your family is facing so you can focus on healing.
Safety Regulations and Prevention Measures
Various regulatory communities worldwide work tirelessly to control laws that can promote safety on oil rigs and ensure environments are protected. Protecting your physical well-being and the safety of everyone on the rig is the most important thing you can do.
Safety measures for workers include:
- Wearing the right PPE at all times
- Traffic safety and knowing where your no-go zones are
- No smoking anywhere outside of designated areas
- Taking your breaks and stay well rested
While negligence on the workers' side can cause some of the most catastrophic explosions on oil rigs, negligence on the part of the companies is also a concern. Employers and companies disregarding safety and training or ensuring that they have provided enough equipment can lead to workers making mistakes that can put everyone’s lives at risk. Employers and companies are responsible for enforcing the standards that are put into place to keep everyone safe. It’s their job to ensure that safety is the top priority and the rig runs efficiently and safely.
What to Do in the Aftermath of an Explosion?
You should seek medical attention if you or a loved one has suffered an oil rig explosion. Seeking medical attention can ensure your physical well-being; even if you feel fine, a trained medical professional won’t miss an internal issue. After you have sought medical attention, you should immediately seek legal representation.
You may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disability
- Wrongful death
The damages that you can recover will vary based on the circumstances of the explosion and the injuries you face, but working with an experienced legal team such as Jolly Roger Law, you can be assured that you will receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Protecting Your Rights After an Oil Rig Explosion
An oil rig explosion can be one of the scariest things that your family can face with you as an offshore worker. Fortunately, there are ways to recover compensation for your injuries. Obtaining the compensation isn’t just about holding anyone accountable. It’s ensuring that you, your injuries, and your family are cared for. Compensation may be the best way to manage an explosion's aftermath comfortably. At Jolly Roger Law, we want to see you rebuild your life and career so you can return to the high seas. Don't navigate these complex legal waters alone. Contact us today.
