Attorneys Protect Gulf Coast Oil Rig Workers from Unsafe Conditions

The Deepwater Horizon disaster exposed dangerous workplace practices

The blowout on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in 2010 triggered a series of events that caused an explosion and killed 11 crew members and wounded 17 more. The explosion eventually crippled the platform and resulted in its eventual sinking. The oil spill this triggered created an 87-day crisis, during which oil flowed freely into the Gulf of Mexico. The consequences of that oil spill continue to affect the region.

The working conditions on oil platforms are inherently stressful and dangerous. Ignoring vital safety precautions can be fatal and result in a crisis similar to what faced the Gulf Coast region in 2010. The Downs Law Group practices both personal injury and maritime law in Florida. We can answer your questions about an accident or the safety practices of an oil rig on which you work.

Accidents are common on offshore oil drilling platforms

The oil and gas industry is known for its tough and demanding work. Fatalities within this industry are estimated at seven times that of the rest of the population. The work is often labor intensive and done with little rest. Statistics reveal that:

• In the three years prior to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout, 1,298 accidents occurred on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Those accidents resulted in 30 deaths.
• The Deepwater Horizon well was cited 18 times between 2000 and 2010 for pollution violations.
• The Coast Guard investigated 16 fires and other incidents on the platform.

Other evidence suggests that work periods can last longer than 12 hours and often approach 24 hours on duty. Federally required training is often ignored or minimal. As a result, the likelihood of a serious or even fatal accident grows even higher. Too often, unsafe conditions are ignored and safety regulations are routinely violated. Workers have a right to compensation if they are injured as a result of negligence and unsafe conditions.

There are many hazards on offshore oil rigs

There are numerous sources of potential accidents on offshore oil rigs. Common factors include:

Lack of sleep Flammable materials Inclement weather Lack of visibility Mechanical malfunction

Exposure to chemicals and gas Dangerous heights Poor training Poor safety equipment

Many accidents on oil rigs are the result of negligent decisions by management and violations of workplace safety regulations. If you have been injured under these kinds of circumstances, you may have a right to medical benefits and compensation for your injuries or lost work time. Do not let fear of retaliation stop you from pursuing legal options. Workplace injuries often require expensive medical care and can affect you for the rest of your life.

Contact our firm to schedule a free initial consultation about your BP oil spill case

Unsafe oil rig conditions are not only a hazard to the crew, but possibly a disaster waiting to happen. After the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, surveys revealed that many workers were afraid of reporting violations out of fear of retaliation. Do not let this happen to you. If you have been injured on an oil rig or want to report unsafe conditions, contact our firm at 305-444-8226 or online to schedule a free initial consultation.