Offshore oil rigs may offer competitive wages to attract workers. However, oil rig workers experience challenging working conditions every day. The work is extremely demanding, often requiring 14 days of work in a row before getting time off. Offshore oil rigs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The work on an oil rig is hard, manual labor. The physical nature of offshore oil rig jobs cannot be understated. Workers are often physically exhausted before the end of their two-week shift. For some workers, the harsh work conditions and backbreaking schedules cause serious health problems and injuries from accidents.
Offshore Oil Rig Workers Go Through Safety Training
Offshore oil rig employees must complete specific safety training. They are educated in safety procedures for the rig and their jobs. They are taught how to correctly use various tools and safety equipment, including goggles, fall protection, gloves, hard hats, and safety boots.
Oil rigs will always have dangerous and hazardous conditions. However, safety training teaches workers how to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. The training also instructs workers on how to respond to various emergencies and accidents. Knowing how to respond to an explosion, fire, or other accident on an oil rig can mean the difference between life and death.
An oil rig worker must maintain their health. A physically demanding job can cause a worker to become exhausted. Fatigue and drowsiness can lead to mistakes and accidents. Failing to take breaks, rest as much as possible, and eat a healthy diet can increase the risk of sustaining an injury on an oil rig.
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Despite the safety training and precautions workers and employers take, oil rig accidents happen.
Workers may sustain numerous injuries, including:
- Severe burns
- Drowning
- Crushed, fractured, and broken bones
- Falling from heights
- Back and neck injuries
- Injuries caused by machinery and equipment accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Slip and fall accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Electrocution
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ injury
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
The time it takes to move an injured oil rig worker from the rig to a hospital can cause conditions to worsen. A worker may develop a permanent impairment because of the accident and/or the delay in medical treatment. Oil rig accidents can result in lifelong disability.
Steps to Take After an Injury on an Offshore Oil Rig
You may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages after an oil rig accident.
Steps you can take to protect your rights include:
- Report your injury to your supervisor immediately so that a report can be prepared.
- Request medical attention for your injuries. You are not required to see the company doctor.
- Follow up with medical care and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Do not discuss your injuries or accidents with anyone other than your lawyer.
- It is best to avoid being online, especially posting on social media, until you speak with an attorney.
- Note the names of anyone who witnessed your accident.
- If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including anything that contributed to the cause of your injuries.
- Do not sign anything or make statements without consulting an experienced oil rig injury lawyer.
- Contact an offshore injury lawyer
Injured maritime workers deserve to be compensated fairly when they are injured in an offshore accident. Employers, oil rig owners, and insurance companies may not be concerned with your best interests. They may be concerned with avoiding liability for accidents and injuries.
The steps you take after an offshore oil rig accident can significantly impact the outcome of your injury case. Hiring an oil rig injury lawyer is one of the best steps you can take to protect your interests.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Offshore Oil Rig Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call 1-888-603-3636
For more information, please contact our Undefeated offshore oil rig lawyer attorneys in Houston, Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas: Contact an Offshore Oil Rig Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured in an Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact an offshore oil rig lawyer. They will have experience handling these kinds of cases, will be able to advise you of your legal rights, and will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
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(432) 220-0000
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