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

To date, the oil still flows from the Deepwater Horizon well. Offshore oil rig accident lawyers in Texas and the Gulf Coast are monitoring the situation, hoping for a solution. in mid-August. Unfortunately, BP’s recent effort to temporarily control the flow by cutting off the damaged riser pipe and then capping the pipe to divert the majority of the oil to a ship has not succeeded.

Last week, BP struggled to stop the gusher, slicing off the bent well pipe with huge shears after the diamond-tipped saw got stuck during the operation. The cut was jagged, so placing a cap over the flow of oil to capture it and then funnel it to a surface ship, may be difficult. Since the cut is jagged, the cap may not fit properly.

The relief well should be finished by mid-August, but some experts say it may not succeed.

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.

Oil rig accident attorneys need to always investigate the weather and the role it plays in an accident. On November 25, 1979, The Bohai No. 2 jack-up, which was operated by the Ocean Oil Company sank in a storm with fierce winds. At the time of its sinking, it was being towed in the Gulf of Bohai, which is between China and Korea. 72 of the 74 persons on board perished. Apparently, huge waves washed over the main deck and broke a ventilator pump free, causing it to puncture a hole in the deck. Eventually, the horrendous weather and lack of stability casued by the flooding caused the jack-up to capsize and then sink.  The crew was apparently not properly trained on emergency procedures and the use of lifesaving equipment. Contact Texas oil rig accident lawyer Scott Nelson if you or a loved one has been hurt and need assistance. Mr. Nelson serves Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Laredo, Corpus Christi and all of Texas.

Offshore Oil rig accident attorneys need to understand how weather can cause major accidents. On October 21, 2007, the Usumacinta, a mat-supported jack-up rig, was brought into position alongside the Kab-101 platform to finish drilling the Kab-103 well. The Kab-101 platform is a light production Sea Pony type platform.

On October 23, 2007, a cold front passed through the Gulf of Mexico bringing winds of 80 miles per hour and 20 to 25 foot seas. The rough weather caused oscillating movements, which in turn caused the cantilever deck of the Usumacinta to run into the top of the production valve tree on the Kab-101 platform. This caused a serious leak of oil and gas. 22 oil workers were killed as a result of this accident, with 63 injured.

Contact Texas oil rig accident lawyer Scott Nelson if you or a loved one has been hurt in an oil rig accident. Mr. Nelson serves Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi and all of Texas.