If you are working on an oil rig, you likely know a thing or two about the dangers of oil rigs and what could potentially cause problems during your workday. And if you aren’t working on an oil rig but want to, then you need to know what types of dangers will occur on the rig, as well as any lawsuits that might occur due to these specific accidents.
Working on an oil rig is a great job and can come with many benefits. However, that doesn’t mean you should be ignorant of the danger.
Unique Dangers On Oil Rigs
Collisions With Heavy Machines Or Equipment
These are some of the most common causes of injury to people on an oil rig, because large motor vehicles and heavy equipment are common on the rigs, and sometimes, it can get chaotic. If drivers or those walking around the heavy machines are tired, distracted, or not paying 100% attention to their surroundings, they can get struck, injured, or even killed by the equipment.
Additionally, suppose the equipment the workers use or are around isn’t maintained and constantly inspected. In that case, there is a high risk of workers getting injured because of that as well.
Risk of Explosions
Due to the pumping, extraction, and movement of oil, fuel, and other chemicals on the rig, fire hazards, and explosions are an ever-present danger. These can happen due to unsafe drilling practices, fires, oil rig blowouts, problems with both maintenance of the equipment as well as insufficient training of the workmen on the rig. Even bad weather can lead to the risk of a fire.
Suppose an explosion occurs on an oil rig where you are stationed and injured or a loved one was killed in the blast. In that case, you need to contact an experienced explosion accident attorney to work out your case and determine the cause of the accident.
Lawsuits That Have Resulted From Accidents
There are plenty of lawsuits that have occurred as a result of accidents, injuries, and explosions on oil rigs. Perhaps the most commonly known lawsuit is the lawsuit for the explosion of Deepwater Horizon. The offshore drilling rig exploded in 2010, killing 11 workers and leaving 17 with injuries, and almost 4,000 lawsuits were filed against the companies involved in the accident.
These lawsuits range from personal injury lawsuits and requests for compensation to compensation for the economic damages and environmental clean-up costs resulting from the explosion.
Eventually, BP pled guilty to 14 counts of felony in 2012, and had to pay 4.5 Billion dollars in fines to both the gulf and the survivors of the accident. This payment still is the largest payment for an oil spill in the history of the United States.
When To Contact An Oil Rig Lawyer
If you or a loved one have become involved in an accident on an oil rig, no matter the type, you need to contact a lawyer immediately. These attorneys know the best way to look at your case and ensure that you are represented fairly, the circumstances of your accident are analyzed, and you are given fair compensation.
With the right attorneys on your side, you will be able to make sure that you can
FAQs
What is an oil rig?
An oil rig is a large structure with facilities for drilling into the earth to extract and process crude oil.
Are there any special dangers associated with working on an oil rig?
Several unique risks are associated with working on an oil rig, such as collisions with heavy machines or equipment, the risk of explosions due to improper maintenance or insufficient training, and potential lawsuits due to accidents.
When should I contact an attorney for my oil rig accident case?
If you have been involved in an accident on an oil rig, no matter the type of incident, you must seek legal aid as soon as possible. An experienced oil rig attorney can help you seek justice and ensure you are represented fairly in your case.
What type of compensation can I expect from an oil rig lawsuit?
Compensation amounts will depend on the events and details of your case but generally include payments for personal injury costs, economic damages, and environmental clean-up costs (if applicable). The most notable example is BP’s payment of 4.5 billion dollars to those affected by the Deepwater Horizon explosion. An oil rig lawyer can also advise you on what other compensations may be available in your specific case.
