Individuals who work on oil rigs hold some of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Often, the multiple hazards they face on a day-to-day basis become the cause of serious accidents.
If you have been hurt while working on an oil rig, a skilled maritime injury lawyer could help you seek compensation. Although recovering damages is rarely easy, an experienced Midland oil rig accident lawyer could help you build a strong case and receive a fair payout.
Common Causes of Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rigs are filled with complex machinery that can be dangerous when not used or maintained properly. Some of the most common causes of accidents on these platforms include:
- Equipment failures caused by malfunctioning machinery, defective tools, and poorly maintained equipment
- Explosions and fires due to the presence of flammable materials like oil and gas
- Falls from heights, as oil rigs have multiple elevated work areas, slippery surfaces, and the potential for structural failures
- Slips and trips, as oil and water often cover platform surfaces, making them hazardous
- Toxic exposure to dangerous chemicals and fumes
Oil rig workers are often under serious pressure to achieve quick results. When managers push employees to work harder and ignore safety rules, accidents occur. A dedicated Midland oil rig injury attorney could help identify the cause of an accident and identify the liable party.
Damages in Oil Rig Accidents
An injured maritime worker could seek several different types of damages after being injured on an oil rig. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) can cover certain types of damages, and if oil rig workers are also seamen, they can benefit from the protection offered by the Jones Act.
In most cases, injured oil rig workers can receive compensation for all medical and rehabilitation expenses. If an injury leads to a disability, the payout should cover expenses associated with ongoing medical care.
The possibility of recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering depends on the specific circumstances of an injury and how the injured person chooses to pursue compensation. An experienced oil rig accident lawyer from Midland could help evaluate a case and choose the best course of action.
Death on an Oil Rig
If a worker dies in an oil rig accident, their family may be able to seek compensation under the Death on the High Seas Act. This law helps loved ones recover money for financial losses when a worker dies while doing their job more than three miles from the U.S. coast.
Consult an Experienced Oil Rig Accident Lawyer in Midland Today
If you or your loved one were injured while working on an oil rig, you are entitled to compensation. To protect your rights and have a chance at recovering full damages, work with an experienced Midland oil rig accident lawyer.
The legal team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP has helped many maritime workers who sustained injuries on oil rigs in Texas get the money they deserve. We work hard to help you overcome the hardships associated with financial strain after an accident. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
