Law Office of Scott A. Nelson, P.C.

Offshore oil rig accident lawyers in Texas and other states will see interesting developments over the next few years.  The giant oil slick presents serious risks to the energy sector. Federal offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico produces about one-third of the United States’ total crude production. Floating oil in nearby waters poses a serious threat of fire and is also a threat to workers’ health. As such, other rigs may have to shut down if the oil spreads to their location.

Shipping may also face serious challenges. Although oil does not usually damage these ocean-going vessels, it can cling to their hulls. They will have to be cleaned before they enter U.S. ports or waterways so they do not contaminate the inland waters. The incoming oily ships would have to transfer their cargo or be thoroughly cleaned.

The oil spill continues to spread across the waters southeast of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. BP and various federal agencies continue now with their emergency response and control efforts. BP plugged one of three leakage points on May 5, but the oil continues to be gushing out at 5,000 barrels per day. Some estimate the rate could be as high as 60,000 barrels per day. This oil rig accident is not only horrible because of the death and injuries of the workers, but also the terrible environmental disaster.

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon exploded off the coast of Louisiana, killing 11 workers. The rig, a semi-submersible offshore drilling rig built in 2001 in South Korea, was owned by Transocean and leased to British Petroleum (BP). The rig sank 2 days after the explosion, causing what may be the worst environmental disasters in history.