Oil Rig Explosion Lawyer

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Michael E. Pierce

Oil rig explosions are among the most dangerous types of accidents for oil and gas employees and other maritime workers. Oil platforms are at high risk for explosions and fires — all it takes is a small spark that can cause widespread damage or even sink an entire operation. In such cases, an oil rig explosion attorney can help the victim and their families deal with the massive losses caused by the incident.

An oil rig explosion can lead to life-changing and sometimes fatal injuries for employees. Tragically, explosions can result from simple mistakes or equipment failures, and can often result in widespread damage to the environment. If you or a loved one were injured in an oil rig explosion, the attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek can help. Contact us at 832-690-7000 for a free consultation on your legal rights.

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Oil Rig Explosion Injuries

As you can imagine, oil rig explosion injuries can be highly severe and catastrophic. They can involve a number of different maritime injury scenarios, including:

  • Burns
  • Injuries from falling objects
  • Chemical exposure
  • Lacerations and amputations
  • Spine and neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Many oil rig injuries can lead to paralysis, a loss of motor functioning, and other permanent conditions. Legal compensation may be needed to help the victim handle mounting medical bills and long-term care costs. Also, wrongful death issues can arise in cases when a worker has lost their life due to an oil rig explosion.

Besides physical injuries, oil rig explosions can dramatically impact the environment and economy in the surrounding areas. Explosions often involve oil spills and leaks as well, which can destroy marine life and other factors. Fishers and other local workers may lose the ability to bring in income, and legal action may be needed for them as well.

Oil Rig Explosion Compensation

While no amount of money can fully restore a victim to where they were before, a damages award can help them obtain a better quality of life after an accident.

At Pierce Skrabanek, a qualified oil rig explosion attorney can help obtain compensation for:

  • Maintenance and cure (compensation for recovery after an injury)
  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Environmental harm and property damage
  • Wrongful death expenses

Contact us at 832-690-7000 for a free consultation to determine what types of compensation you may be entitled to in connection with an oil rig explosion.

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Major Oil Rig Explosion Incidents

On April 20, 2010, the semi-submersible oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, exploded, causing one of the most catastrophic oil spills in history. The rig was owned by Transocean, a large offshore drilling contractor and leased by British Petroleum, the oil and gas giant otherwise known as “BP.” The Deepwater Horizon rig was one of the largest deepwater drilling rigs ever built, measuring 396 feet long and 256 feet wide. It burned for 36 hours until a final explosion sank it.

Of the 126 crew members on board at the time, 11 died, and many more were injured. After the explosion, the oil rig spilled 60,000 barrels of crude oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico, creating an environmental and economic disaster of epic proportions.

BP has been responsible for many of the most significant environmental disasters of the last decade:

  • 2004 refinery explosion killed several people and injured many others
  • 2005 refinery explosion at BP’s refinery in Texas City, Texas killed 15 people and injured 170 workers
  • 2006 corroded pipeline caused an oil spill in Prudhoe Bay
  • 2008 and 2009 pipelines in Alaska were found ruptured, clogged, and could have caused serious explosions

BP’s actions have not only affected those injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion, but they have also impacted the businesses of fishers, shrimpers, and oystermen along the gulf coast. Additionally, many businesses along the coast were left in financial ruin from the lost business due to the BP oil spill.

BP is not the only bad actor in the oil and gas industry. One day after BP agreed to pay a record $4.5 billion criminal fine for its role in Deepwater Horizon, another rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, demonstrating that safety continues to be a serious concern with offshore drilling. On November 16, 2012, a Black Elk Energy rig exploded, causing the deaths of two workers and injuring many more. The rig is located approximately 36 miles south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.

Oil Rig Accident Statistics

As the competition to drill for oil continues, there are mounting concerns regarding the safety of workers on oil rigs. The U.S. government recently reported that between 2001 and 2010, there were 69 documented offshore deaths, 1,349 injuries, and 858 fires and explosions on rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement reports that in 2018 alone, there were:

  • 77 fires
  • Three explosions
  • 19 gas releases
  • Six collisions
  • 19 spills

Explosions can be a risk and danger in various types of accidents, especially fires and gas release incidents.

Testimonials

Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services. 

Daryl M.

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“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

Denise J.

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“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

Victoria S.

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“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

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“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

Raymond H.

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“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Cam F.

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“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

Michele R.

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Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

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“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

Diane T.

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“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

Deborah S.

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“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”

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Contact an Experienced Oil Rig Explosion Attorney

The lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek have previously handled personal injury cases against BP and other oil and gas giants. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to help oil rig injury victims recover and move on toward a better life.

We provide free case evaluations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless we win. Our consistent results have led to our induction into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we have been nominated as Rising Stars by Texas Monthly. Get in touch with us at 832-690-7000 if you need help with a claim. Taking legal action is the first step toward getting your life back on track.

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Real Results for Real Challenges

We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

$4 Million Settlement Recovered for Plant Explosion Victim

The Plaintiff was a Mississippi resident who suffered an injury while working in a Texas refinery. There was an explosion at the refinery and ultimately the injured worker had to have surgery to repair a broken arm and herniated disc in his low back.  Paul took all the liability and damages depositions in the case. This included heads of safety, operations, and maintenance, as well as operators. Paul also argued a portion of the case at the Court of Appeals.

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$2 Million Settlement for Fractured Heel Victim

Served as lead counsel in an oil platform pressure release case. Plaintiff suffered a fractured heel as a result of being blown off of a tank when an operator inadvertently released pressure from a subsea valve. Plaintiff obtained a total settlement in excess of $2 million within a week of trial. Defendants in the case more than doubled their highest previous settlement offer in the days leading up to trial.

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