Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Overview

Oil rig accident lawsuits focus on securing compensation for workers who suffer injuries or death due to negligence, equipment failures, or unsafe conditions in the oil and gas industry.

These cases typically involve claims against employers, equipment manufacturers, or contractors who failed to maintain proper safety standards.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drilling industry workers face some of the most hazardous working conditions in the United States, with risks ranging from equipment malfunctions to catastrophic oil rig explosions.

Workers are typically required to operate heavy machinery for 12-hour shifts over two-week periods, creating conditions where fatigue and danger intersect.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which caused the largest marine oil spill in history, demonstrates the catastrophic potential of oil rig accidents and the need for robust legal protections for workers.

Latest Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit 2025 Updates

• February 2025– A federal court approved a $175 million settlement for workers injured in a Gulf of Mexico platform explosion that left 5 dead and 12 seriously injured with burn injuries and traumatic brain injuries. The settlement includes provisions for ongoing medical monitoring for all exposed workers.
• November 2024 – The Supreme Court upheld a ruling that strengthens Jones Act protections for maritime workers, confirming that oil rig employees qualify for compensation under the Act even when working on newer hybrid platforms previously contested by energy companies.
• August 2024 – A Texas jury awarded $42 million to the family of an oil rig worker who died from injuries sustained in a pressure equipment failure, finding the employer negligent in maintaining proper safety protocols and training.

Related Articles: Oil Field Accident & Injury Lawsuit Update

Oil and Gas Industry Injury Statistics

The oil and gas extraction industry consistently ranks among the most dangerous sectors for workplace injuries and fatalities:

• According to EHS Today, hand and finger injuries alone account for nearly 50% of all incidents in the oil and gas industry, and at some facilities, these injuries represent up to 80% of all recordable incidents [1]
• The fatality rate for oil and gas extraction workers is seven times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers
• Between 2013 and 2023, the industry averaged over 100 fatalities per year
• Transportation incidents account for approximately 40% of all oil and gas extraction fatalities
• Contact with objects and equipment accounts for about 25% of fatalities
• Fires and explosions cause approximately 15% of deaths in the industry
• The economic cost of these injuries is estimated at over $250 million annually in direct medical costs, with billions more in lost productivity

Related Article Major Oil Rig Disasters in Recent History

Oil Rig Accident Injuries & Side Effects

Oil rig workers face numerous hazards that can result in severe, life-altering injuries or death. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to permanent disability.

• Fire and Explosion Injuries: Due to the presence of flammable materials like crude oil and hydrogen sulfide gas, burn injuries from fires and explosions are extremely common. These can cause disfigurement, loss of limbs, and permanent disability.
• Transportation and Mechanical Injuries: Back and neck injuries often result from lifting heavy machinery or equipment without adequate support. These can include sprains, herniated discs, and other injuries that worsen over time and may lead to long-term disability.
• Chemical Exposure: Contact with toxic substances including crude oil, drilling fluids, and chemical solvents can cause respiratory problems, chemical burns, allergic reactions, rashes, and even brain damage from asphyxiation if proper protective equipment isn’t provided.
• Traumatic Injuries: Amputations, severe lacerations, crushing injuries, and head trauma can occur from interactions with hydraulic machinery or being struck by falling equipment. These injuries can be profound and may permanently prevent workers from returning to manual labor.
• Fatalities: Deaths can occur immediately in catastrophic events or later due to complications like post-injury infections or “dry drowning,” where ingested water causes airway closure even though it never reaches the lungs.

Related Article : Haynesville Shale Drilling Accident

Do You Qualify for an Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an oil rig accident lawsuit if:

• You were injured while working on an offshore or onshore oil rig, platform, or related facility.
• The accident occurred within the last three years (timeframe varies by jurisdiction and case type).
• Your injury was caused by equipment failure, inadequate safety measures, improper training, negligence, or another party’s actions.
• You have documented medical treatment for your injuries.
• You are a family member of someone who died in an oil rig accident.

Maritime workers on offshore rigs may qualify under specific federal laws like the Jones Act, which provides special protections for seamen injured while working on vessels.

Related Article: Appalachian Basin Oil Rig Accident

Evidence Required for an Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you’ll need:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
• Employment records confirming your work status and location
• Incident reports filed with your employer or regulatory agencies
• Witness statements from coworkers or others present during the accident
• Photos or video of the accident scene, if available
• Documentation of safety violations or equipment failures

Damages You Can Recover

A successful oil rig accident lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress.
• Disability and disfigurement damages for permanent injuries.
• In fatal cases, funeral expenses and compensation for the family’s loss of financial support and companionship.

Laws Protecting Oil Rig Workers

Several important laws provide specific protections for oil rig workers injured on the job:

• The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920): This federal statute allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence. Under the Jones Act, offshore oil rig workers qualifying as “seamen” can recover damages beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This provides coverage for maritime workers who don’t qualify as seamen under the Jones Act, including many offshore platform workers.
• Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): This law allows families to recover damages when a worker dies due to negligence on the high seas beyond three nautical miles from shore.
• General Maritime Law: These principles cover incidents that occur on navigable waters and can provide additional legal protections for injured workers.

Statute of Limitations for Oil Rig Accident Lawsuits

Time limits for filing oil rig accident lawsuits vary based on the applicable laws and jurisdiction:

• Jones Act claims typically must be filed within three years of the date of injury
• LHWCA claims require notice to the employer within 30 days and claim filing within one year
• DOHSA claims generally have a three-year statute of limitations
• State-based claims for onshore accidents vary by state, ranging from one to three years in most jurisdictions

These deadlines are strict, and failing to file within the applicable timeframe can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Consulting with an experienced oil rig accident attorney promptly after an injury is crucial to preserving your legal rights.

Related Articles:

• TPC Chemical Plant Explosion Lawsuit
• Gas Field Injury Lawsuit
• Offshore Oil Rigs

FAQs

1. What should I do immediately after an oil rig accident?

After an oil rig accident, you should seek medical care immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Report the incident to your supervisor and document everything. Avoid signing any statements or agreements from your employer before consulting with an attorney who specializes in maritime and oil industry injuries.

2. Does workers’ compensation cover oil rig accidents?

The coverage depends on your specific situation. Onshore oil rig workers are typically covered by state workers’ compensation laws. Offshore workers may be covered by the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or general maritime law, which often provide more comprehensive benefits than standard workers’ compensation.

3. Can I sue my employer for an oil rig injury?

Yes, under certain circumstances. Unlike many land-based jobs where workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy, maritime laws like the Jones Act allow offshore oil rig workers to sue employers for negligence. Onshore workers may also have legal options beyond workers’ compensation if third parties or gross negligence were involved.

4. Can an oil rig injury attorney help if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

Yes, an oil rig injury attorney can help if your workers’ compensation claim is denied. They can assist in appealing the denial, gathering additional evidence, and representing you in hearings to secure the benefits you deserve.

5. Can an oil rig injury attorney help if I’m permanently disabled from my injury?

Yes, if you are permanently disabled from your injury, an oil rig injury attorney can help you seek compensation for long-term disability benefits, loss of earning capacity, and other damages. They can also assist in obtaining necessary medical and rehabilitation services to help you manage your disability.

6. What role do oil rig injury attorneys play in negotiating settlements?

Oil rig injury attorneys play a crucial role in negotiating settlements by advocating on your behalf with insurance companies or defendants. They work to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries, taking into account all medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they are prepared to take the case to trial.

See all the personal injury and accident cases our lawyers have taken on.

Get Your Free Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil rig accidents. Depending on the specific laws that apply to your case, you may have as little as one year from the date of injury to file a claim.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses
• Payment only if we win your case
• Specialized expertise in maritime law and oil industry cases

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve. The first step toward justice is understanding your legal options.

References:

1. https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21917416/hand-injuries-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry