The offshore oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the Gulf Coast’s economy, employing thousands of brave men and women who work in demanding and inherently dangerous conditions. Among the most terrifying and devastating incidents that can occur on an offshore facility is an oil rig explosion. These catastrophic blasts can instantly transform a routine workday into a nightmare, leading to severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, or even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an oil rig explosion, you need immediate legal intervention from a law firm with unparalleled experience in complex maritime and offshore injury litigation. At our firm, our dedicated Oil Rig Explosion Lawyers are committed to holding negligent corporations accountable and securing the maximum compensation for victims and their families across the Gulf Coast and worldwide.
Oil rigs and platforms are massive, intricate structures handling highly volatile materials under immense pressure. When safety protocols fail, or negligence is at play, the results can be unimaginable.
Most oil rig explosions are preventable and often stem from a combination of human error, equipment failure, and corporate negligence. Common causes include:
The intensity of an oil rig explosion means that injuries are almost always catastrophic and often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation. These can include:
If you are injured in an offshore oil rig explosion, your legal rights are governed by complex federal maritime laws. The specific laws that apply depend significantly on whether the rig is considered a “vessel” and your employment status.
For workers on mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs), such as jack-up rigs, drillships, or semi-submersibles, who qualify as “seamen” (meaning they spend a significant amount of time working on a vessel “in navigation”), the Jones Act is a primary legal avenue. This federal law allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence that caused or contributed to their injuries, even if that negligence was slight. Under the Jones Act, you can seek comprehensive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure” benefits, covering daily living expenses and medical treatment during their recovery, regardless of fault.
If you were injured on a fixed platform (a rig permanently affixed to the Outer Continental Shelf), and you do not qualify as a “seaman,” your claim likely falls under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), as extended by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). This federal workers’ compensation program provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages (disability payments), and vocational rehabilitation, generally without needing to prove employer fault. However, it typically does not cover pain and suffering.
Beyond the Jones Act, seamen can also bring claims under General Maritime Law, particularly for unseaworthiness. This principle holds vessel owners strictly liable for providing a vessel that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. An unseaworthy condition (e.g., defective equipment on the rig, inadequate safety systems, or an unqualified crew) can lead to an explosion and give rise to a claim.
If a defective piece of equipment – such as a faulty blowout preventer, a malfunctioning valve, or an improperly manufactured drilling component – caused or contributed to the explosion, the manufacturer or distributor of that equipment may also be held liable under product liability laws.
In the tragic event that an oil rig explosion results in a fatality, the surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim. These claims allow families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages, often under DOHSA or state wrongful death statutes.
Oil rig explosion cases are among the most challenging and high-stakes personal injury claims. They involve immense corporate power, complex engineering, and a battle over highly technical evidence. You need a legal team with proven results in this niche.
Our attorneys have a profound understanding of the unique legal, scientific, and operational aspects of offshore oil and gas. We have successfully represented numerous victims of catastrophic offshore accidents, including explosions, against some of the largest energy companies in the world.
We know that immediate action is crucial after an explosion. Our team will:
Oil and gas companies have vast resources and aggressive legal teams dedicated to minimizing their liability. We are not intimidated. We will fiercely advocate on your behalf, negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement or taking your case to court if necessary to secure the justice you deserve.
The long-term impact of an oil rig explosion injury can be devastating, requiring lifelong medical care and potentially preventing a return to work. We meticulously calculate all your damages to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation for:
Prioritize your safety and seek immediate emergency medical attention for any injuries. Ensure the incident is reported to your supervisor and that an official report is filed. If safe to do so, document the scene and your injuries with photos/videos. Crucially, do NOT give recorded statements or sign any documents presented by your employer or their insurer without first consulting with an experienced maritime attorney.
The statute of limitations varies depending on the specific law that applies to your case. Under the Jones Act, it is generally three years. Under the LHWCA, it is typically one year, with notice required within 30 days. For product liability or wrongful death claims, other deadlines may apply. It is vital to contact a maritime attorney immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the strict legal deadlines.
Under maritime law, a principle called “comparative negligence” applies. This means that even if you were found to be partly at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation, though your damages might be reduced by your percentage of fault. Your employer cannot simply blame you to avoid liability.
If you qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, you are entitled to “maintenance and cure.” “Maintenance” covers your basic living expenses (like rent, food) while you are recovering, and “cure” covers all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your work-related injury until you reach maximum medical improvement. These are no-fault benefits.
Yes. If your loved one died as a result of an oil rig explosion, you may have a wrongful death claim. Depending on where the death occurred (e.g., beyond three nautical miles from shore), the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) may apply, or you may have a claim under state wrongful death statutes. An attorney can help determine the best course of action.
An oil rig explosion is a life-altering event that can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and an inability to return to work. You do not have to face the powerful oil and gas corporations and their legal teams alone. At our firm, our Gulf Coast Oil Rig Explosion Lawyers have the specialized knowledge, resources, and aggressive litigation experience to fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. We are deeply committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you rebuild your life after such a traumatic event.
