Working on an oil rig is extremely dangerous. In 2018, over 104 oil and gas workers died in the U.S1.. Louisiana has more than 4,000 platforms and rigs off its coast1. This puts many workers at risk of serious injuries or death. For example, a 2017 explosion in Lake Pontchartrain injured at least 7 people1.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an oil rig accident, we can help. At Gordon McKernan, we’ve been fighting for injury victims for over 40 years2. We know the challenges and legal issues of these cases. Our team will give you the attention and advice you need to get the compensation you deserve1.
Key Takeaways
- Oil rig workers face many dangers, like bad equipment, poor training, and slippery conditions1.
- Offshore accidents can cause serious injuries. It’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer1.
- The Jones Act protects injured seamen, offering benefits and the right to sue employers32.
- Our team at Gordon McKernan is available 24/7 for free consultations. We have offices across Louisiana2.
- Working with a skilled oil rig accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of success1.
Dangers Faced by Oil Rig Workers in Louisiana
Working on an oil rig in Louisiana is very dangerous. Offshore workers can get hurt badly while working. Oil companies must keep the work area safe for everyone4.
But, accidents still happen. This includes problems with drilling rigs, gas leaks, and bad weather4.
Common Causes of Oil Rig Accidents
Explosions on oil rigs are very dangerous for workers in Louisiana5. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found big cybersecurity risks in 20225. Workers often face accidents from bad equipment and the environment4.
Injuries Sustained in Oil Rig Accidents
Workers can get burns, broken bones, and head injuries4. These accidents hurt not just the workers but their families too. Families lose money, worry, and sometimes face grief4.
Workers on oil rigs can get help under the Jones Act4. But, they might face challenges from their employers. That’s why they need strong legal support4.
Incident | Location | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Wild Well Control well explosion | Louisiana | 4 contractors severely burned |
Texas Petroleum crude oil leak | Louisiana | 2,100-gallon leak, area contaminated |
Texas Petroleum oilfield platform boat explosion | Louisiana | 2 men died |
Breton Island platform fire | Louisiana | Oil spill, 28 people evacuated |
Beauregard Parish tank explosion | Louisiana | 14-year-old girl killed |
Seacor Power lift boat capsizing | Louisiana | 19 workers aboard, 6 rescued, 6 deceased, 7 presumed dead or missing |
Shell Auger Platform accident | Louisiana | 2 worker deaths during routine operation |
Talos Energy platform accident | Louisiana | Contractor seriously injured, later died |
Petrobras Americas drillship accident | Louisiana | Offshore contractor died |
Oil rig workers have a high likelihood of facing employer contests against their claims and attempts to avoid compensating for injuries, thus the importance of having a solid legal support system.
The Jones Act: Protecting the Rights of Offshore Workers
For oil rig workers in Louisiana, the Jones Act is key. It gives them legal protections and compensation if they get hurt. This law spells out the rights and duties of seamen who get injured at sea6.
Key Provisions of the Jones Act
The Jones Act gives injured maritime workers two main rights. First, they get “maintenance and cure,” which is like room and board at sea, plus medical care6. Second, they can sue their employer if the injury was caused by negligence or if the vessel was not safe6.
Employers are considered negligent if they don’t provide a safe work environment or if the rig or vessel is unsafe6. Workers have three years to file a Jones Act claim, in federal or state court6. Even independent contractors might be seen as employees under the Jones Act, based on their work and relationship with the vessel6.
The Jones Act covers many maritime workers in Louisiana, like deckhands, captains, and cooks67. These workers can get compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages, besides medical costs7.
It’s important for Louisiana oil rig workers to get legal help fast if they’re hurt on the job76. A skilled Jones Act lawyer can help protect their rights and make sure they get the compensation they deserve6.
“Broussard Injury Lawyers have recovered over $100 million in compensation for their clients, and our experienced maritime lawyers have a history of helping clients to recover more than $100 million in compensation.”
oil rig accident attorney louisiana
If you’ve been hurt in an oil rig accident in Louisiana, knowing your legal rights is key. The Mahone Firm, a top maritime law firm, offers the help you need8.
In Louisiana, the time limit to file a claim for oil rig injuries has changed. Now, you have two years to file a claim for accidents after July 1, 20248. But, if your injury happened before that, the old one-year limit still applies8.
Our team of offshore injury lawyers and maritime law firm experts know a lot about jones act claims and oilfield accident lawsuits. We’ve helped many clients get good results, including oil field injury attorney and drilling rig accident claims8.
If you were in a barge accident, platform accident, or any oil rig accident, our louisiana oil and gas attorney team is here for you. We make sure your rights are protected and you get the platform accident compensation you deserve89.
Don’t wait to contact our team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys if you’ve been hurt in an oilfield accident in Louisiana. Our oil rig accident attorney louisiana team is ready to help you through the maritime law process and get you the compensation you need89.
Conclusion
Oil rig workers in Louisiana face many dangers on the job. These include faulty equipment, bad weather, and the chance of serious injuries like burns and broken bones10. These risks are made worse by the carelessness of their employers and the owners of the rigs10.
The Jones Act helps protect these workers. It gives them the right to “maintenance and cure” and lets them sue their employer if they were careless1011. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) also helps. It provides compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses, without needing to prove the employer was at fault11.
If you’ve been hurt in an oil rig accident in Louisiana, you need a good lawyer. Look for someone like the team at Broussard, David & Moroux or the Chopin Law Firm1011. They can guide you through the legal process, make sure you file on time, and fight for the best compensation10. Don’t wait to get a free consultation. Your recovery and financial health could depend on it.
FAQ
What are the most common causes of oil rig accidents in Louisiana?
What types of injuries can oil rig workers sustain in an accident?
What rights do offshore workers have under the Jones Act?
What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an oil rig accident in Louisiana?
Why should I hire an experienced oil rig accident attorney in Louisiana?
Source Links
- Baton Rouge Offshore Accident Lawyer – Free Consultation – https://www.daylawgroup.com/baton-rouge-offshore-accident-lawyer/
- Louisiana Oil Rig Injury Lawyers – Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyers – https://www.nbalawfirm.com/louisiana-oil-rig-injury-lawyers/
- Oil Rig Accidents – https://cuerialawfirm.com/new-orleans-injury-lawyer/maritime-lawyer/oil-rig-accidents/
- Oil Rig Accident Attorney in Louisiana – https://www.getgordon.com/oil-rig-accident-lawyer/
- Offshore Oil Rig Explosion Accident Lawyer in Louisiana | Over $1 Billion Won – https://onmyside.com/areas-we-serve/louisiana/maritime-injury-lawyer/oil-rig/explosion/
- Louisiana Offshore & Maritime Accident Lawyer | Jones Act Attorney – https://www.broussardinjurylawyers.com/practice-areas/jones-act-offshore-maritime/
- PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS – https://www.charbonnetlawfirm.com/personal-injury-attorney/offshore-worker-jones-act-louisiana/
- Offshore Accident Lawyer | Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello – https://tcmlawoffice.com/practice-areas/oilfield-accidents-injuries/
- Louisiana Oil & Gas Drilling Injury | Floating Vessels & Drilling Rigs – https://www.markslear.com/personal-injury/drilling-rig-accidents/
- Offshore Injury | Lafayette Maritime Law Lawyers Broussard, David & Moroux – https://www.broussard-david.com/offshore-injury.html
- New Orleans Maritime Lawyers: Injuries on Rigs | The Chopin Law Firm LLC – https://www.chopinlawfirm.com/personal-injury/maritime-injury/injuries-on-rigs/