Large offshore oil rigs can be extremely dangerous places for workers. We have only to think of the Deepwater Horizon accident and spill in 2010, which killed 11 people and is etched on American history as one of the worst industrial accidents ever, to realize how catastrophic these events can be.

What are the most common types of accidents on offshore oil rigs? According to the United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), 428 injuries were reported on offshore oil rigs during 2017.

Most Common Types of Oil Rig Accidents

Here are the 6 most common causes of offshore oil rig accidents:

1. Lifting problems (126 out of the 428 incidents in 2017)
2. Fires and explosions (73 incidents in 2017)
3. Evacuations and musters (53 incidents last year)
4. Release of gas (16 incidents in 2017)
5. Collisions (11 incidents in 2017)
6. Loss of well control (2 accidents in 2016)

In early December, the BSEE reported a fatality onboard the Petrobras 10,000 due to a worker being trapped between the loading platform of a skate and a stanchion.

Unfortunately, these accidents can cause injuries ranging from disfigurement to broken bones. Many of them could have been prevented.

Both the Federal and state governments have compensation plans to reimburse workers for medical bills and time off from work due to an accident. But sometimes the compensation offered to injured oil rig workers isn’t enough to cover medical bills and other expenses stemming from the accident. If you’re struggling to recover financially after a drilling rig injury, or if you suspect negligence was a contributing factory to your injury, contact Louisiana offshore oil rig accident attorney Bart Bernard.

Bart will fight with you every step of the way for fair compensation for damages such as economic loss, retraining if you can no longer work at your old occupation, as well as pain and suffering, especially if negligence played a role in your accident.

Speak Today with a Louisiana Offshore Oil Rig Accident Lawyer

Accidents and fatalities on an offshore oil rig can be followed by months of navigating a complicated set of benefits, determining what actually happened and who was a fault, and even job loss. Louisiana offshore oil rig accident lawyer Bart Bernard can help ensure that your claim is fully investigated, that any negligence on the part of other parties is brought to light, and that you receive just compensation under the law. Call today for a free, no-obligation case review!

Additional Resources:

1. 12 Types of Maritime Accidents. Marine Insight. https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/12-types-of-maritime-accidents/
2. United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Stats & Facts. Offshore Incident Statistics. https://www.bsee.gov/stats-facts/offshore-incident-statistics
3. United States Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Safety Hazards Associated with Oil and Gas Extraction Activities. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/oilgaswelldrilling/safetyhazards.html#explosions.
4. United States Department of Environmental Protection (EPA). Deepwater Horizon – BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/deepwater-horizon-bp-gulf-mexico-oil-spill