Gulf Coast Oil Rig Explosion / Maritime Worker Injuries

Gulf Coast Oil Rig Explosion / Maritime Worker Injuries

The life of the offshore worker has special rewards, but also special hazards. The April 20, 2010 explosion and fire aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig is a vivid reminder of the dangers that offshore workers face.

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The Deepwater Horizon rig, owned by Transocean Ltd., was drilling about 52 miles southeast of Venice, La., in 5,000 feet of water when an explosive fire occurred. Most of the 126-member crew escaped from the burning oil rig, but at least seven suffered critical injuries and early reports indicated 11 crew members were missing.

If you are an oil rig worker, offshore worker, seaman or dockworker who suffered an injury in a maritime-related accident in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s important to talk to an attorney who focuses on maritime and admiralty law.

The maritime and oil rig accident attorneys of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP have extensive experience helping offshore-injury victims obtain fair compensation, and we can help you. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case.

The fire aboard the Deepwater Horizon rig, owned by Houston-based Transocean and leased by BP, illustrates that the challenge of supplying the nation’s oil and gas is becoming more complex and dangerous for workers as oil companies pursue deep-water drilling.

A fifth-generation exploration rig, the Deepwater Horizon is one of the world’s largest and most advanced engineering projects. Capable of operating in up to 8,000 feet of water, the Deepwater Horizon recently broke a world record in drill depth, according to The Christian Science Monitor. But such advanced rigs demand a lot of attention to maintain and operate.

While the cause of fire aboard the Deepwater Horizon remains under investigation, too many accidents are preventable and caused by human error, unsafe working conditions and defective equipment. Offshore workers, including oil rig workers, have special legal rights because of the inherent danger of their jobs. The Jones Act, a federal law, protects offshore workers and regulates compensation to seamen and offshore workers who become injured on the job. The Jones Act gives maritime workers, including oil rig workers, the right to file claims against their employer if the worker’s injuries were caused as a result of negligence. An employer may be found to be negligent for failing to provide safe working conditions or if the oil rig or ship is considered unseaworthy.

Choosing a lawyer experienced in the complexities of maritime law is similar to hiring a skilled harbor pilot knowledgeable about local conditions to bring a ship safely into port. To achieve the best legal outcome, talk to a maritime attorneys who know this area of law. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been representing maritime injury victims for more than 20 years. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case.