Explosions often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in the vicinity. However, for those who work on oil rigs, explosions can be particularly severe, and the risk of severe injury or death for those involved is increased. For those who work on oil rigs, explosions are the single most dangerous incident that can occur.
At the Doan Law Firm, our team is here to help if you need a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer. We know what it takes to fully investigate these claims and help injury victims secure the compensation they are entitled to. Additionally, we have a track record of success helping families of those who have been killed in these explosions recover closure and compensation for what happened.
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Why Choose the Doan Law Firm?
- At the Doan Law Firm, we pride ourselves on giving personalized attention to every client that we take. Founder Jimmy Doan is supported by a large team but is available for direct contact with every client.
- We are one of the largest personal injury firms in the US, and we are able to put extensive resources into investigating Houston oil rig explosions.
- We take Houston oil rig explosion cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients will not have to pay any legal fees until after we obtain the compensation they are entitled to.
How Will an Attorney Help This Case?
A skilled Houston explosion lawyer is going to bring the resources necessary to stand up to aggressive employers and their legal teams. An attorney can:
- Obtain all evidence needed to prove liability, including any video surveillance of the incident as well as statements from eyewitnesses.
- Gather all safety documents and maintenance records related to the company and oil rig in question.
- Handle negotiations with other parties in an effort to reach a fair settlement on behalf of the injury victim.
- Fully prepare to take the Houston oil rig case to trial in order to ensure that the client is treated fairly.
Understanding Oil Rig Explosions in Houston
There are various causes of oil rig explosions in and around the Houston area. First, anyone who has been at an oil rig knows that employees operate with or near heavy machinery incombustible substances each day. These rigs operate in unpredictable environments (off-shore for many, but there are also hazardous conditions onshore). All it takes is a mistake by an employee, a defect in the machinery or an improperly trained person to cause a massive explosion.
Some of the most common hazards that can lead to a Houston oil rig explosion include the following:
- Improperly grounded electrical equipment or wiring
- Poorly maintained pipelines that spray fuel or leak
- The improper use of torches or welding devices
- Defective ventilation systems that cause a backup of hazardous fumes
- Corrosion of mechanical or electrical equipment
- Improper storage of equipment or flammable materials
Compensation for Victims of Oil Rig Explosions
At the Doan Law Firm, we believe in making clients whole or at least helping them recover as much as possible, given the severity of the incident. This includes helping them recover both economic and non-economic damages after an oil rig explosion occurs:
- Economic damages. Economic damages for oil rig explosion accident victims involve measurable expenses they will likely incur as a result of the incident. An attorney will help gather receipts and bills that come in after the incident occurs to adequately calculate:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Ongoing doctor or hospital visits
- Prescription medications or medical devices
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income or loss of future earning potential
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are not as easily calculable, as they revolve around an oil rig accident victim’s physical and emotional pain and suffering and their loss of quality of life. There are no receipts or bills that can adequately measure these types of losses, but there are accepted methods that your attorney can use to calculate non-economic damages properly.
How Much Compensation is Available
There is no specific amount of compensation paid to oil rig explosion victims in Houston if their claim is successful. Several factors can influence the value of a final settlement or jury verdict awarded through a trial. Some of the main factors that could influence a settlement or jury verdict dollar value include:
- Severity of the injuries
- Length of the recovery time
- Whether or not there was any shared fault
- Total assets of the at-fault party
- Insurance policy dollar amount limitations
We encourage you to speak to your explosion accident lawyer about how much to expect for your claim. Even though your attorney may not be able to give you an exact dollar amount, you may be able to get a ballpark estimate based on your lawyer’s experience handling similar claims.
Who Could Hold Liability for an Oil Rig Explosion?
Understanding who could be held liable after an oil rig explosion is confusing, and we strongly encourage you to work with a skilled attorney with the resources needed to fully investigate these claims. Oil rig owners and operators and those who operate in this industry are good at shielding themselves from liability, but an attorney can dig in and work to hold them accountable. Some of the possible allowable parties in these situations include:
- Oil rig operator. The operator is responsible for the overall management and supervision of oil rig operations. They may own or lease the rig and must ensure it meets safety standards, is properly maintained, and complies with relevant regulations. Their responsibilities also include due diligence in selecting competent contractors, ensuring appropriate supervision during operations, and providing adequate training to employees and contractors.
- Contractors and subcontractors. Contractors and subcontractors engaged in performing specialized tasks on the oil rig must carry out their tasks in accordance with recognized industry practices and standards. They are responsible for following safety protocols and ensuring their workers are properly trained, qualified, and capable of performing their assigned tasks safely.
- Manufacturers. Manufacturers provide equipment, machinery, and components used on the oil rig. They must ensure that their products meet safety standards and are capable of performing reliably under expected operating conditions.
- Employer liability. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment. This includes supplying proper equipment, training, and maintenance. They can be held liable for negligence or failure to fulfill their responsibilities.
- Third-party liability. If negligence by parties other than the employer contributed to the accident, such as equipment manufacturers or other third parties, they can be pursued for compensation.
Call a Houston Oil Rig Explosion Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a Houston oil rig explosion, you need to contact the Doan Law Firm as soon as possible. Our team has the experience and resources necessary to handle every aspect of these cases, and our goal is to make sure that clients recover the compensation they need. This can include coverage of their medical bills, lost wages if they cannot work, possibly permanent disability coverage, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling (800) 349-0000.
