Yes, people die on oil rigs. Between 2008 and 2017, approximately 1,566 oil rig employees were killed in the U.S., as reported by the Center for Public Integrity.
Additionally, The Center for Public Integrity found that 10,873 violations were handed down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) against oil and extract companies between 2008 and 2018. According to The Center for Public Integrity, 64% of these OSHA violations were considered “serious,” which suggests that these hazards could result in death or serious injuries to oil rig employees. According to OSHA, it investigated over 500 oil rig accidents that included at least one fatality between 2008 and 2018.
Oilfield Accident Statistics
The oil industry is a dangerous field by nature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,189 oil and gas extraction employees died in the U.S. between 2003 and 2013. This resulted in approximately 108 deaths per year, which the CDC determined was an average yearly fatality rate of 25 deaths per 100,000 employees.
Furthermore, the CDC found that work-related fatalities between 2003 and 2013 for oil and gas extract employees rose by 27.6%.
Additionally, the CDC reported that nearly 26% of all oil rig fatalities spanning the 11-year stretch were caused by contact with oil rig objects or equipment. Also, during this time period, over 50% of worker fatalities were in the oil well service industry.
Oil and Gas Exports Are on the Rise
While the oil and gas extract industry remains dangerous, demand continues to rise. In 2018, The Center for Public Integrity released another report addressing the oil and gas export surges taking place in western Texas and in southeastern New Mexico. This increase in demand means more offshore workers and oil rig workers are at risk of suffering a workplace accident.
According to the report, oil rigs in Texas and New Mexico were producing twice as much oil in 2018 as they were in 2014. Furthermore, BusinessWire estimates that oil production throughout these states will double by 2023.
Common Injuries on Oil Rigs
Oil rigs can be dangerous places to work. There are countless ways a worker can be injured. Some common injuries that take place on oil rigs include:
- Burns (thermal and chemical)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Hearing and vision loss from explosions
- Lacerations
- Fatal injuries
- Medical conditions due to exposure to toxic chemicals and harmful substances
What to Do if You Lost a Loved One in an Oil Rig Accident
If you lost a loved one due to an oil rig accident, you are likely entitled to compensation through either workers’ compensation or a third-party claim. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation rarely covers necessary expenses and losses.
If you received a workers’ compensation death payment, you are likely unable to sue your loved one’s employer. However, in some cases, a third party might be liable for the fatal injuries your loved one suffered. Several different companies may be working together on an oil rig, which means that several parties could share liability for your loved one’s passing. You may be able to file a claim against one or more third parties.
Our wrongful death attorneys can handle your case while you and your family grieve in peace. You deserve to honor the memory of your loved one properly. Though no amount of compensation can bring them back, a settlement can help your family cope in their absence.
You Do Not Need to Handle Your Oil Rig Accident Case Alone
You should be focusing on grieving your loss and spending time with your family, not how you can make ends meet through legal action. A lawyer can handle the entire process on your behalf. For example, an oil rig accident lawyer can investigate the accident, determine all liable parties, gather evidence, build a case, and negotiate with all liable parties.
Gas companies and oil companies are usually multi-million dollar corporations, which means they may have a team of defense attorneys at their disposal. You don’t have to go up against them alone. You have the right to hire legal representation for your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
You Can Afford Legal Help After an Oil Rig Accident
You are likely facing countless unexpected expenses as a result of the loss of your loved one. Getting legal help does not need to be another expense. Personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency-fee-basis, which means that you owe nothing upfront. They advance the costs of your case and only recover attorney’s fees when you recover compensation. If your case is not successful, you do not pay the lawyers for their time.
Connect with Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
While people die on oil rigs, you should not be left paying the price if you lost a loved one. If you have been injured due to an oilfield accident, the personal injury lawyers of Loncar Lyon Jenkins will fight for compensation on your behalf.
To learn more about seeking justice for your oilfield accident with Loncar Lyon Jenkins, call our personal injury law firm today and begin a free case review.
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