Oil Rig Accidents
Working on an oil rig, whether on land or offshore, is a strenuous, demanding, and dangerous job. As demand for oil continues to rise and oil companies pressure their employees to step up production and profit, important safety measures are often ignored, making the job even riskier.
In recent years, the accident and fatality rates among oil rig workers have spiked. Between 2002 and 2007, the number of worker deaths per year rose by approximately 70%; in 2006 alone, 125 workers were killed while working on or around oil rigs.
For more information on your rights as an oil rig worker,
call 800-220-9341 to speak with an oil rig accident lawyer at Williams Kherkher.
Causes of Oil Rig Accidents
Jobs on an oil rig are almost always physically exhausting; they combine long workdays (typically 8-12 hours) with heavy equipment, hazardous conditions, and constant pressure. Though oil rig workers are often attracted by the industry's higher pay, they are subjected to some of the most dangerous working conditions around.
In addition to the heavy equipment and heavy labor associated with oil drilling, workers on offshore oil rigs must also contend with the unpredictable natural dangers of a maritime environment. Accidents, injuries, and deaths among oil rig workers can be caused by:
- Inadequate training
- Falls (especially from heights)
- Drug and alcohol use
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Faulty equipment
- Lack of safety equipment
- Exposure to dangerous/toxic substances
- Exposure to the elements/severe weather
- Fires/explosions
Liability for Oil Rig Injuries
In many situations, the negligence of an oil company may be the root cause of employees' injuries. When profits take precedence over safety, accidents often occur. If you or someone you love has been hurt while working on an oil rig, you may be able to recover damages under United States maritime law, including the important
Jones Act.
Oil companies are both wealthy and influential; virtually every oil company employs a team of highly-trained attorneys whose job is to stop people from winning lawsuits against the company. If you have been injured on an oil rig, you will need an attorney who can successfully take on a powerful oil company.
Contact Williams Kherkher
Based in Houston, Texas, Williams Kherkher has been defending the rights of injured people for 25 years. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident while working on an oil rig, the experienced attorneys of Williams Kherkher may be able to help you recover compensation for your physical and emotional suffering.
For more information, call an
oil rig injury lawyer at Williams Kherkher by dialing 800-220-9341 today.