Oil and gas production are critical industries in Texas. However, working on an oil rig is dangerous. While safety regulations are in place, harmful incidents do happen, and workers can suffer catastrophic injuries. However, the knowledgeable legal team of Terry & Thweatt, P.C. provides invaluable education about and strategies for a compensation claim if you’re injured in an oil rig accident in Houston or the nearby Permian Basin or Eagle Ford Shale.
Prevalence of Houston Oil Rig Accidents
According to the most recent statistics from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), a branch of the U.S. Department of the Interior, an average of 800 offshore incidents occur annually on oil and gas rigs. Texas leads the nation in offshore oil and gas production, and consequently, a significant portion of these incidents likely occur in waters around Houston.
BSEE doesn’t differentiate between the types of offshore facilities, but its data highlights the inherent risks associated with these operations.
Why Do Oil Rig Accidents Happen?
In most cases, crew members are extensively trained, and the workplace environment adheres to all safety regulations. However, various factors contribute to workers experiencing illness and injuries on the rig including, but not limited to:
- Falling objects
- Explosions and fires
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Not wearing personal protective equipment
- Blowouts
- Machinery malfunctions
- Vessel collisions
- Human error
How to Handle an Oil Rig Accident in Houston
Your health is the priority. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, a thorough medical evaluation is essential to diagnose and document any injuries. You don't want to put off getting proper care for an injury only to suffer something more severe later on.
Next, report the accident to your supervisor and file an incident report according to company procedures. A seaman injured offshore may also consider filing a Jones Act claim. It protects seamen working on various vessels, including jack-up oil rigs and drill ships, semi-submersible oil rigs, dredges, and oil tankers, among others.
Gather all possible evidence by taking pictures of the accident scene, the damaged equipment, and your injuries. Note down the names and contact information of any witnesses. Keep detailed records of all medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. These are all crucial pieces of evidence you can use in your claim.
Under no circumstances should you discuss the accident with anyone except your doctor and attorney. Insurance companies and their adjusters may try to contact you for a statement. It’s best to politely decline and advise them to speak with your attorney. Which also means you'll need to contact an attorney.
An experienced attorney specializing in oil rig accidents can investigate the cause of the accident, identify potentially liable parties, and protect your rights under Texas law. Terry & Thweatt, P.C., provides skillful legal counsel for onshore and offshore accident victims.
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Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuit
Texas law allows injured workers to pursue compensation through the Texas Workers' Compensation system or a third-party liability lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Holding all liable parties responsible allows you to pursue compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you experienced as a result of an oil rig accident in Houston.
Workers' Compensation
In Houston, most employers must carry workers' compensation insurance, which provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement to employees who suffer an illness or injury on the job, regardless of fault. However, these benefits are typically limited and may not cover all of your losses.
Third-Party Lawsuit
If a party other than your employer was negligent and caused your accident, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against them. This could be a manufacturer of defective equipment, a subcontractor that failed to follow safety protocols or another vessel involved in a collision.
A successful lawsuit can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by workers' compensation. Texas law follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning that your recovery in a lawsuit may be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. However, you can still receive compensation as long as your portion of the blame is less than 50 percent.
How Terry & Thweatt, P.C. Help You Build a Solid Oil Rig Accident Case
Joe Terry and Lee Thweatt guide a dedicated, experienced team with a proven track record of holding negligent companies accountable and securing maximum compensation for injured workers. We will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to determine liability.
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement.
- Take your case to trial, if necessary, to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships an oil rig accident can cause. Trust our legal professionals to provide strategic solutions and assist you through the entire process.
Exceptional Representation for Jones Act Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
If you were seriously injured in an oil rig accident in Houston or the nearby Permian Basin or Eagle Ford Shale, get the exceptional representation you deserve.
Contact our Houston oilfield injury attorney to request a free initial consultation by clicking the button above, and we’ll reach out soon to discuss your Jones Act claim. For immediate assistance, call 713-600-4710 right now!
