Texas Oil Rig Explosion Lawsuits

How Can Negligence Contribute to an Oil Rig Explosion?

Often, oil rig explosions are preventable. The most common cause of deadly oil rig explosions is negligence or failure to adhere to essential safety protocols. 

A few ways that negligence may contribute to an oil rig explosion include the following:

• Malfunctioning or poorly maintained fire alarms and mass notification systems
• Lack of accessible emergency equipment
• Inadequate training on fire prevention and emergency responses
• Malfunctioning or poorly maintained gas monitoring systems
• Lack of fire safety inspections

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and many instances of negligence may cause a spark to ignite near flammable gasses, triggering an explosion. Victims of oil rig explosions typically suffer severe, life-altering injuries that may impact their everyday lives. The experienced attorneys at Hilliard Law will work with you to understand your case to determine the cause of the explosion and who may be liable.

Who May Be Held Liable for a Texas Oil Rig Explosion?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the explosion and your subsequent injuries, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to any benefits you may receive through workers’ compensation. To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you must prove that negligence contributed to the explosion and directly caused your injuries. 

A few parties that may bear fault for an oil rig explosion include the following:

• Contractors and subcontractors
• The oil and gas company
• The property owner
• The owner of the oil rig
• The manufacturer of the oil rig
• The manufacturer of safety, shipping, and other equipment

In many cases, more than one party may bear responsibility for an oil rig explosion. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to determine liability and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Evidence Needed to Support an Oil Rig Explosion Lawsuit in Texas

To support an oil rig explosion lawsuit, you'll need to gather a variety of evidence to establish liability, damages, and causation. Here's a breakdown of the key types of evidence typically required:

• Accident Reports and Documentation: Incident reports provide detailed accounts of the explosion, including immediate responses and observations. Regulatory reports from agencies like OSHA or BSEE offer insights into compliance and safety issues. Inspection reports can reveal prior problems with equipment or safety procedures.
• Expert Testimonies: Industry experts can clarify technical details about oil rig operations and the explosion’s causes. Forensic engineers analyze physical evidence, such as debris, to pinpoint the source of the explosion. Their testimonies help establish how and why the explosion occurred.
• Witness Testimonies: Survivors and eyewitnesses provide firsthand accounts of the explosion and its immediate effects. Statements from crew members can reveal safety lapses or conditions leading up to the incident. Their perspectives help build a clearer picture of what happened.
• Maintenance and Safety Records: Maintenance logs show whether equipment was properly maintained or if there were lapses that could have caused the explosion. Safety training records indicate if the crew was adequately trained in emergency procedures. Both sets of records are crucial for identifying potential negligence.
• Photographic and Video Evidence: Photos and videos of the explosion site capture the damage and conditions before and after the incident. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras or drones can provide visual evidence of the explosion’s timing and impact. This evidence helps document the extent of the damage.
• Contractual Documents: Contracts between the rig operator and contractors outline safety responsibilities and obligations. Insurance policies detail coverage and potential compensation for damages. These documents can clarify liability and financial responsibilities.
• Regulatory Compliance Records: Compliance history shows if the rig followed industry regulations and safety standards. Violation records highlight any previous safety infractions or enforcement actions. This information helps assess whether regulatory breaches contributed to the explosion.
• Medical Records: Medical records detail the injuries sustained by individuals during the explosion, including diagnoses and treatments. They also document ongoing care needs and recovery progress. These records are essential for assessing the impact of the explosion on victims’ health.

How a Knowledgeable Oil Rig Explosion Attorney Can Help You

Oil rig explosion lawsuits are known to be legally complex and may be challenging to handle on your own in the wake of the accident. At Hilliard Law, our attorneys are familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to oil rig explosions and can apply their extensive knowledge and skills to your case. 

There are several more ways our attorneys can help you and the success of your claim, including the following:

• Thoroughly investigating every detail of your case
• Gathering evidence to establish negligence and liability
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
• Negotiating with all parties on your behalf
• Representing your interests inside and outside of the courtroom
• Organizing your medical bills and other accident-related expenses
• Answering your legal questions and guiding you through every step of the claims process

Our attorneys understand the challenges associated with recovering from an oil rig explosion and are dedicated to making the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can devote your energy to your healing and recovery.

Damages You May Be Able to Collect Through a Texas Oil Rig Explosion Lawsuit

Victims of oil rig explosions often suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Through an oil rig explosion lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for the full extent of your losses, including the following:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Short or long-term disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

When you retain our services, we will review every detail of your case to determine which damages you may be eligible to receive.

Speak To an Experienced Texas Oil Rig Explosion Attorney at Hilliard Law

At Hilliard Law, our attorneys are passionate about defending the rights of oil rig explosion victims. We find the negligence that contributes to these deadly accidents unacceptable and will fight tirelessly to hold the parties responsible for the explosion fully accountable for the losses you have suffered. Our experienced team of lawyers has a proven track record of successfully recovering the maximum compensation available for our clients across Texas.

At Hilliard Law, our personal injury lawyers have been helping accident victims since 1985. We know how to fight for you. If we take your case, we will work on a Contingent Fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win. 

Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form.