While the oil and gas industry is an inherently dangerous line of work to be in, the most dangerous is by far the hazards of oil rig fires. Oil rig fires frequently lead to oil rig explosions which can injure everyone onboard the oil platform or in the nearby vicinity. If you or a loved one were injured in an oil rig fire, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

Oil rig fires are largely caused by oilfield blowouts. While not as common as they once were, blowouts can still be a cause for concern and often occur when drilling mud is insufficient to hold back natural gas retrieved from a well. When this happens, natural gas and other liquids will travel from this highly pressurized zone to an under-pressured zone, often to the surface. If the pressure is extreme or the current oil rig crew is caught off-guard, a blowout may occur, resulting in an oil rig fire. Many different oil rig workers must consistently work together to ensure that all aspects of the oil rig are kept under control and all necessary precautions are put in place to prevent a blow out and resulting oil rig fire.

Burns are some of the most severe types of injuries and require a lengthy recovery process. Burns are categorized into different ranges of severity, from first degree to third degree. However, the majority of burns stemming from oil rig fires and resulting oil rig explosions are often second degree or third degree. Second degree burns are very serious, and involve the entire upper layers of the skin. While most second degree burns will heal within a few weeks, some may lead to long-lasting scarring. Third degree burns are more severe burns which impact the deeper layers of your skin. Fourth degree burns are the most serious type of burn injury and will extend fully into the muscle and bone, potentially leading to death in severe cases.

A victim of an oil rig fire should be entitled to receive compensation from the negligent party, covering their medical expenses, lost wages, and future earnings. As an offshore employee, an oil rig worker should be entitled to the same type of federal protection as maritime workers and sailors receive. An experienced maritime attorney will be able to better assist you in determining the amount of damages you are entitled to receive as a result of injuries sustained in an oil rig fire.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil rig fire, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting his clients with maritime law claims, many stemming from oil rig explosions and the resulting fires. Oil rig workers are entitled to receive compensation similar to any sailor onboard a seafaring vessel. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.