Oil Rig Injuries & Accidents (15 Most Common Types)

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If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries or death following an oil rig accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous working conditions in the oil and gas industry. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Oil Rig Injuries Lawsuit Overview

Oil rig accident lawsuits address the severe injuries and fatalities that occur in one of America's most dangerous industries. These legal claims primarily allege negligence, inadequate safety protocols, and insufficient worker training in high-risk environments. The oil and gas extraction industry subjects workers to numerous hazards including falls, being struck by objects, machinery entrapment, explosions, and exposure to toxic substances.

Why Oil Rig and Gas Work are the Most Dangerous Jobs

The oil and gas extraction industry can be a lucrative business, with the promise of hefty salaries, luring hundreds of thousands of workers to the fields every year. This is especially true in recent years; despite regular boom and bust phases, the industry has rebounded heartily since the oil price crash in 2014.

Behind the scenes of such booming growth and the promise of record profits, however, is difficult and dangerous work. Ever-higher quotas, productivity and profits sacrifice caution over employee safety and proper head protection.

Common oil rig injuries, such as those caused when a worker is struck by an object, falls off equipment or is caught in machinery on the job, are often due to three factors: the fast-paced nature of the oil extracting business, inadequately trained workers and a lack of proper safeguards. When these elements combine, they can create the perfect conditions for accidents with often tragic consequences.

Oil Rig Injuries & Side Effects

Oil rig workers face potentially life-altering injuries from workplace accidents that can result in permanent disability or death.

Severe injuries suffered by oil rig workers in catastrophic accidents include:

Brain Injuries: Brain damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), head trauma
Burns and Lacerations: Severe lacerations, chemical burns
Musculoskeletal Trauma: Severely fractured or broken bones, neck and back injuries
Catastrophic Injuries: Loss of limbs due to amputation, various injuries from being crushed, spinal cord paralysis
Toxic Exposure: Toxic inhalation from flumes, chemical poisoning
Chronic Conditions: Chronic illnesses resulting from workplace exposure
Fatal Injuries: Wrongful death

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Oil Rig Accident Fatalities

Worst Offshore Oil Rig Accidents

Seven of the worst disasters on offshore oil rigs in recent history include:

1. Piper Alpha

The North Sea disaster on Piper Alpha remains the worst oil rig disaster ever, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The tragic event claimed the lives of 167 oil rig workers on 6 July 1988.

A communication error regarding safety control devices resulted in a hydrogen sulfide gas leakage which triggered multiple oil rig explosions on the platform. Of the 226 oil rig workers, only 61 survived. The resulting fire from this tragedy took close to three weeks to control.

Not only is Piper Alpha classed as the biggest oil disaster, but it is also one of the costliest man-made gas accidents in history — the total insured loss was around $1.4 billion. Of this amount, approximately $200 million was spent compensating the families of the oil rig explosion victims, according to the workers compensation system.

Related Article: Common Causes of Offshore Oil Rig Explosions

2. Alexander L. Kielland

Alexander L. Kielland was a semi-submersible oil rig platform in the North Sea. On March 17, 1980, high winds were causing waves up to 12m high. These many safety hazards caused a bracing attached to one of the legs to fail.

This caused a succession of structural failures, resulting in the platform tilting 30⁰ and eventually capsizing. Of the 212 workers on board, only 89 survived. Most of the fatalities were due to drowning, falling object strikes, and highly combustible toxic chemicals including airborne silica.

After the tragedy, investigations took place into the safety procedures on the rig. They found that there were hazardous materials including diesel particulate matter and an existing, but undetected crack on one of the leg bracings.

These investigations were closed to the public, and there are still families of the lost looking for answers as to why safety precautions were not followed.

3. Deepwater Horizon

The death toll from the Deepwater Horizon incident is low in comparison to other oil rig disasters, with 11 fatalities. However, this event was no less tragic. The explosion from defective equipment caused the biggest oil spill in US history — 4 million barrels of oil were spilled into the Gulf of Mexico.

Of the 126 oilfield workers onboard Deepwater Horizon on 20 April 2010, many were injured by the initial explosion which was caused by a burst of natural gas through the well's core.

The spill lasted almost 3 months, costing BP an estimated $65 billion in heavy machinery to clean up. Families of the injured and dead filed at least 50 wrongful death or personal injury cases against the oil companies.

4. Bohai 2

In November 1979, the Bohai 2 jack-up rig capsized off the coast of China in the Bohai Gulf. Tragically, this accident led to the death of 72 of 76 workers onboard.

While the rig was being towed with operating heavy machinery between China and Korea, a storm with force 10 winds caused waves to crash over the main deck. These waves inflicted significant damage to the deck and safety equipment, causing flooding of the rig. This, alongside the relentless storm, capsized the rig.

Due to insufficient training using properly maintained respiratory protection and two-handed controls, the majority of the crew members perished.

5. Mumbai High North

When the Mumbai High North oil rig collided with a support vessel on July 27, 2005, a fire broke out resulting in an oil rig accident which killed 22 people. The chain of events started when a cook on the support vessel cut the tips off two of his fingers and another body part due to a lack of protective shields.

An inland monsoon meant that helicopters were grounded, therefore the injured cook was transported via crane lift to receive treatment. Strong swells in the water pushed the support vessel toward the platform and the resulting collision caused the fire to break out.

Alongside the tragic oil rig injuries and deaths, there was a significant oil spill and gas leakage which caused damaging production loss to the area.

6. DS Seacrest

Huge 40ft waves brought on by Typhoon Gay sunk the DS Seacrest. The powerful cyclone caused 800 deaths around the Gulf of Thailand, over 10% of which were workers on crude oil rig jobs.

Of the 97 crew members, rescuers only saved 6. According to reports, the vessel was reported missing on November 4, 1989, and it wasn't until the next day that it was discovered.

Four of the surviving oilfield workers sued the oil industry over a lack of safety procedures and physical therapy. They likely employed the help of a maritime injury lawyer, but unfortunately for the plaintiffs, the oil rig injuries lawsuit was declared invalid due to the ship being in satisfactory condition and operating within its design limits.

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7. Ocean Ranger

Ocean Ranger was a common oil drilling rig that was operating in Canadian waters when it sank, tragically killing every single one of the 84 crew members on board.

The semi-submersible platform was drilling a well on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland when it was hit by a storm with waves reaching up to 65ft in height. One of these waves broke a portside window, causing water damage in the ballast control room.

This damage meant that the ballast control system malfunctioned, resulting in the balance of the rig being incorrect. This, in turn, caused more water to flood the rig and by the next morning, the whole platform was underwater.

Lawsuits against gas industries raised by families of the lost totaled $20 million.

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Statute of Limitations for Oil Rig Accident Lawsuits

Time limits for filing oil rig accident claims vary depending on several factors including location, applicable maritime laws, and the nature of the accident. While specific timelines may differ based on your circumstances, it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your legal rights are protected. Families seeking compensation for wrongful death or injuries may have limited time to file their claims.

Do You Qualify for an Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an oil rig accident lawsuit if:

You were working on an offshore or onshore oil rig when injured
You experienced serious injuries including brain trauma, burns, broken bones, amputations, or toxic exposure
Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the oil rig accident
You are the family member of someone who died in an oil rig accident

Evidence Required for an Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit

To successfully pursue an oil rig accident claim, you'll need:

Medical records documenting your injuries
Employment records confirming your work on the oil rig
Incident reports filed after the accident
Witness statements from co-workers
Documentation of safety violations if applicable

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in oil rig accident cases may include:

Medical expenses for immediate and ongoing care
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability and disfigurement
Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an oil rig injury?

Report the incident to your supervisor immediately, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, document everything related to the accident including photos if possible, and contact an experienced oil rig injury attorney before signing any documents or accepting settlements from your employer.

How long do I have to file an oil rig injury lawsuit?

The statute of limitations varies depending on whether maritime law applies, which state has jurisdiction, and other factors. Generally, you may have between 1-3 years to file, but this timeline can be different based on your specific circumstances. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

Who can be held liable for oil rig accidents?

Potentially liable parties include the rig owner, operating company, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance companies. Multiple parties may share liability for the same accident, which is why thorough investigation by experienced attorneys is essential.

Can I seek compensation for long-term disability resulting from an oil rig injury?

Yes, if your oil rig injury results in long-term disability, you can seek compensation to cover ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Compensation may also include pain and suffering and any necessary modifications to your living environment.

How does workers' compensation interact with a lawsuit for oil rig injuries?

Workers' compensation benefits are typically available to cover medical expenses and lost wages after an oil rig injury. However, these benefits may not fully compensate you for all damages. A lawsuit can provide additional compensation, particularly if third-party negligence contributed to your injuries.

What role do expert witnesses play in oil rig injury lawsuits?

Expert witnesses can play a crucial role in oil rig injury lawsuits by providing specialized knowledge about industry safety standards, accident reconstruction, and the medical implications of your injuries. Their testimony can help establish liability and prove the extent of your damages.

What makes oil rig accidents different from other workplace injuries?

Oil rig accidents often fall under maritime law rather than standard workers' compensation, potentially involving multiple jurisdictions, complex liability issues, and higher compensation possibilities. The remote locations and catastrophic nature of many oil rig injuries also complicate medical treatment and recovery.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil rig accident injuries. Depending on your situation, you may have as little as one year from the date of injury to file your claim.

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