Working on an oil rig is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Offshore oil workers face many challenges on a daily basis, but the risk of an explosion must always be taken seriously. An oil rig explosion can happen in an instant and can kill or seriously injure workers. There are many potential causes for an oil rig explosion. When a blast occurs, it must be carefully investigated in order to determine who should be held responsible. Often, it is discovered that the explosion could have been prevented prior to its occurrence.
The dangers and negative outcomes associated with oil rig explosions often lead victims to seek legal advice in the aftermath. An oil rig accident case is complex and should only be handled by a skilled and experienced lawyer. Here at Burg Simpson, we can help during your time of need. Our national oil rig explosion attorneys have helped clients handle some of the most difficult cases and we know what needs to be done to help you get the compensation that you deserve. If you believe you may have a case following an oil rig explosion, give us a call now to see how we can help.
Causes of Oil Rig Explosions 
One of the most well-known and catastrophic oil rig explosions in history was the Deepwater Horizon Spill. In 2010, an oil rig stationed off the Gulf of Mexico exploded, killing 11 workers and causing millions of gallons of oil to be spilled into the ocean. The resulting cleanup was the most expensive in history, costing more than 63 million dollars.
Following an extensive investigation, it was determined that the Deepwater Horizon explosion was caused by a failure to follow safety protocols and a misinterpretation of pressure results within the ship. Ultimately, human error was to blame for this catastrophic event. Other common causes of an oil rig explosion are:
- Equipment malfunctions including valves, alarms, and separators
- Electrical fires
- Oil and gas leaks
- Blowouts
- Engine failure
While the cause of an oil rig explosion may vary, if you were injured by a blast you could be entitled to receive compensation and should protect your legal rights as soon as possible.
Compensation for Injured Victims
If you were hurt in an oil rig explosion, you may have a legal claim. Explosions can cause serious injuries and can result in the loss of your ability to work and earn a living. Victims of oil rig explosions can seek various types of compensation for their injuries, including:
- Medical and prescription bills: The payment of any and all medical costs and prescription expenses incurred due to injuries suffered in the explosion.
- Lost wages: Victims who are forced to miss work as a result of their injuries can be compensated for their loss of income.
- Pain and Suffering: An oil rig explosion can cause tremendous physical and emotional trauma. This pain can interfere with multiple aspects of your life. An explosion accident victim should seek compensation for this suffering and the impact that the explosion had on their livelihood.
- Punitive damages: Although these damages are not available in every case, victims can receive punitive damages as part of their claims. While other types of damages are designed to compensate for injuries and losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for taking a willful or reckless action.
Explosion Accident Laws
The Jones Act or the Houston Jones Act is the main statute available to maritime and oil rig workers. The Jones Act was passed by Congress in 1920 and is sometimes known as the Maritime Marine Act. Under the Jones Act, an oil rig worker or other employee injured at sea can bring a lawsuit against their employer for payment of their damages.
The Jones Act only applies to a certain class of individuals. In order to receive Jones Act protection, the injured victim must spend at least 30% of their time on a vessel that is in navigation. Once an employee qualifies for protection under the Jones Act, they must file a lawsuit in federal court in order to start the process.
Many claims under the Jones Act will be settled. However, you should always hire an experienced Jones Act lawyer to help with your claim. The insurance company will have their own lawyers working on the case. In order to level the playing field, you should seek experienced representation as soon as possible.
Legal Protection in an Oil Rig Explosion
An oil rig explosion is a very serious event and can result in catastrophic and long-term damage to victims. In the worst-case scenario, the explosion can even be fatal. Following an oil rig explosion, victims should seek to protect themselves. This means executing their legal rights as soon as possible and filing a claim.
Every state has a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is designed to allow cases to move forward in a timely manner. If a case is not filed within the time allowed by the statute of limitations then is likely to be barred forever, resulting in the loss of rights.
Oil Rig Explosion Attorneys
Here at Burg Simpson, we can help following a serious event like an oil and gas explosion. Many law firms lack the experience and resources to handle these complex and difficult cases. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected while fighting for the compensation that you need and deserve. We understand that this is a difficult time in your life and we are here to stand up for your legal rights.
Our firm offers a free consultation and case evaluation for all potential and prospective clients. When you are in need of a tough and aggressive law firm, you can count on us to deliver the results that you need. Let us help you move forward following a sudden and unexpected tragedy. To schedule your time to speak with a national oil and gas explosion lawyer, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-2112.
