Oil rig accidents

As a McAllen oil rig accident lawyer, I know the risks of drilling.  If you work on an oil rig anywhere in the world, you know how dangerous an accident can be. Injuries suffered to workers on oil rigs are often very serious. They may include, broken bones, serious burns, head trauma and spine trauma. When an oil rig worker is seriously hurt, his livelihood and ability to help his family is in serious jeopardy.

A good oil rig accident attorney knows that many of these accidents are completely preventable. Often, the severe injuries and death are caused by unsafe working conditions or defective wellheads or other equipment. Oftentimes, the oil companies which own or manage the rigs will be found liable because they failed to implement sufficient safety and security measures or failed to properly maintain the oil rig.  Oil rig operators are also under a lot of pressure to work as fast as possible because time is often money.  Safety is often overlooked for money. 

An injured worker may be able to recover damages for lost wages, lost future wages and income, pain and suffering, past medical bills, future medical care, funeral costs. Punitive damages, designed to punish the wrongdoer, may also be awarded in some cases.

Some of the more common causes for oil rig accidents include: 

Defective drilling rigs, wellheads and other machinery

Design Defects

Corrosion to pipes, valves and struts

 Improperly designed or installed safety features

Lack of maintenance

 Manufacturing flaws or omissions

 Gas leaks

Collapse of the derrick or rig itself

 Structural damage to the rig itself

Hazardous weather conditions

Missing or faulty safety guards

 Damaged tongs, blocks and cables

Rusted ladders, railings, or grating

 Oil drill malfunctions

Falling and flying objects

 Toxic chemical exposure

Slip and falls

Negligent supervision

Improper or inadequate training

Contact McAllen oil rig accident lawyer Scott Nelson if you or a loved one is injured and needs help. Serving Houston, Alice, San Antonio and all of Texas.