Common Causes of Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rig accidents can cause any number of injuries. Some of the most common our attorneys see include:
Burns: Because oil, gas and other chemicals used in oil rigs are so extremely flammable, burns often occur in oil rig accidents. These volatile materials and others are present in most oil rigs. When pressure builds up, it can easily cause an explosion, sparking a blaze and lead to serious burns on workers in the area. Burns can also occur from touching toxic chemicals and substances.
Exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes: Rigs often house many toxic chemicals and substances. Extended exposure to the fumes of these substances often causes respiratory problems, damage to the brain and other health conditions in workers.
Brain and head injuries: Oil rig workers are often very high off the ground. Falling from such heights can cause serious head, brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent brain damage and sometimes paralysis. Workers can suffer these injuries from equipment that falls from above them, or from a slip and fall in an unsafe work area.
Amputations: Machinery and tools as strong as those on oil rigs can crush or sever limbs and other body parts.
Compensation for Oil Rig Accidents
You may be wondering what type of compensation you can receive if you or someone you loved has suffered an injury on an oil rig. You can receive compensation for injuries, or wrongful death in these areas:
- Hospital bills
- Medical equipment
- Prescriptions
- Physicians bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of current and future income
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Physical rehabilitation
- Vocational training and rehabilitation