A Maritime Injury Lawyer Explains the Dangers of Offshore Oil Rigs
Offshore oil rigs serve as crucial hubs for oil and gas extraction, playing a pivotal role in global energy production. However, the operation of these facilities is not without risks. Despite stringent safety measures, accidents such as fires, collisions, and explosions can and do occur, posing threats to human life and the environment.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our experienced maritime injury lawyers, based in New York and New Jersey, represent clients injured in offshore oil rig accidents nationwide.
Types of Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
Offshore oil rigs are among some of the most dangerous places to work. Various types of accidents can occur on offshore oil rigs, each with its own consequences. Some of the most common types of accidents are fires and explosions.
Fires
Due to highly flammable substances like oil and gas, fires pose a significant risk on offshore oil rigs. Equipment malfunctions, electrical faults, or human error can spark these fires. Once ignited, they can spread rapidly, engulfing the entire structure in flames and endangering the lives of workers onboard.
Explosions
Explosions represent one of the most devastating accidents that can occur on an offshore oil rig. Various factors, including igniting flammable gases, equipment failure, or improper handling of hazardous materials, can trigger these explosions. The sheer force of an explosion can cause extensive damage to the rig, endangering the lives of everyone onboard and posing a significant risk to the surrounding marine environment.
On April 20, 2010, a tragic oil rig explosion occurred when the Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Natural gas surged through the concrete core a contractor, Halliburton, installed to seal the oil well. The gas came onto the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and caused an explosion that killed 11 workers and injured 17 others. Two days later, the oil rig capsized and sank, causing tens of thousands of barrels of oil to be spilled into the Gulf per day.
Potential Offshore Oil Rig Accident Injuries
The aftermath of an offshore oil rig accident can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some of the common injuries sustained in such accidents include:
- Burn injuries. Fires and explosions can cause severe burns to workers exposed to flames, heat, and hot surfaces. Burn injuries can cause excruciating pain, permanent disfigurement, and long-term medical complications.
- Traumatic injuries. Collisions and explosions can cause traumatic injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. The impact of these injuries can vary depending on the severity of the accident, but they often require immediate medical attention and extensive rehabilitation.
- Respiratory issues. Inhalation of toxic fumes and smoke during fires and explosions can lead to respiratory problems, including lung damage, chemical pneumonitis, and asphyxiation. These respiratory issues can have long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of affected individuals.
- Psychological trauma. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic accident on an offshore oil rig can leave lasting psychological scars on workers. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological consequences of such incidents, impacting the mental health of survivors and their ability to return to work.
Role of a Maritime Injury Lawyer
In the wake of an offshore oil rig accident, you may be left grappling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In such challenging times, a maritime injury lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you seek compensation for your losses. A maritime injury lawyer can help in the following ways:
- Legal guidance. Maritime injury law requires specialized knowledge and experience to navigate effectively. A maritime injury lawyer has the skills to interpret relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing offshore accidents.
- Investigation and evidence gathering. Your maritime injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate the causes of the offshore oil rig accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This may involve reviewing safety records, conducting witness interviews, and collaborating with experts in various fields.
- Negotiation and litigation. A maritime injury lawyer can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, employers, and other parties responsible for the accident. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A nationwide offshore oil rig injury attorney at Hofmann & Schweitzer can litigate your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
