Working in offshore oil and gas rigs is one of the more dangerous offshore jobs. As a relatively new position developed over the last fifty years, offshore oil rig workers often did not receive the same protection that sailors and other seaman received as afforded within the Jones Act and the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. However, these acts have since been interpreted to cover oil and gas workers, as well as other workers who spend a set percentage of time at sea. If you or a loved one have been injured in an offshore accident which was caused by equipment failure, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Oil rig explosions are often caused by blowouts, which can occur due to a sudden rush of hydrocarbons. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill raised awareness about the dangers of blowouts and the resulting oil rig explosions that can occur due to both negligence and equipment failure. Oil and gas companies must perform monthly and annual inspections of their equipment to stay within federal compliance. Failure to do so may put oil rig workers at risk of oil rig explosions and resulting injuries.

While most maritime laws were written around one hundred years ago, with sailors in mind as the protected individuals, these acts have since expanded to include all workers at sea, including oil rig workers. Oil rig workers often face especially dangerous situations and must be equipped with the ability to handle different scenarios. However, equipment failure is not the fault of worker error, but may be the fault of the manufacturer or the vessel operator in failing to achieve an appropriate inspection.

Oil rig workers injured during the course of their employment are often eligible to receive damages for their resulting injury, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering

An experienced maritime law attorney will assist you in determining the most appropriate statute to bring a claim within, as well as calculating the appropriate amount of damages for your injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil rig accident which was the result of equipment failure, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their oil rig accident claims, including accidents which resulted from equipment failures and malfunctions. Offshore workers face tough conditions, but often have to trust in their coworkers, employers, and the equipment they use. This trust may feel misplaced when equipment malfunctions during the course of the job, and workers may be eligible to claim compensation from their employers as a result of injuries sustained during an offshore accident. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.