Available 24/7/365
Free Consultations
(800) 349-0000
Oil rig explosions are complex accidents involving numerous parties and liabilities. The amount of time it takes to file a claim and receive compensation from such an accident depends on the extent of your injuries, the location of the explosion, and the overall timeline set by the court. It is not uncommon for these cases to take 12 to 18 months to go from initial investigations to the determination of a settlement.
Take a look at the timeline of an oil rig explosion lawsuit in Houston and what you can expect if you are the victim.
The first part of the process will likely take the longest. A full investigation of the explosion is necessary. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will carry out any type of offshore incident investigation. They will protect the site and conduct a thorough investigation to determine:
This takes time. Depending on the size and scale of the explosion, the investigation could take weeks to months to complete. During that time, victims should focus on building their claim by getting medical care and working with an oil rig explosion attorney to document the case. Do not wait to do so.
Your oil rig explosion attorney will begin investigating the evidence available and speaking to experts to determine fault and liability in a case like this. Your attorney will also determine what your losses are likely to be both now and in the future. Factors such as your emotional, physical, and financial implications must be clearly documented. This ultimately allows your attorney to file a claim against the at-fault party.
Most cases like this can take several months to process. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party typically occurs around six months after the initial investigation is completed. You can expect your attorney to work diligently throughout this process to present your losses to the at-fault party in an effort to reach a settlement.
If your case goes to trial, the process is extended further, often 12 months or longer from the incident. The length of time depends on what the court requires. If multiple parties are involved, high losses are present, and liability is complicated, the discovery process will be prolonged. During this time, continue to focus on your healing and document your losses.
Going to trial may be necessary if a resolution cannot be reached with the at-fault parties. This may mean you need to testify in court. In a large-scale accident, the jury and judge will consider all available information and evidence to build a thorough understanding of fault and negligence.
Resolving your case can take 18 months or longer when multiple parties are involved. However, during that time, your attorney can help you navigate the future.
Serving all of Houston, The Doan Law Firm has recovered billions of dollars in losses for our clients. Expect us to fight for you to receive fair compensation, no matter how long it takes. Contact our oil rig explosion lawyer for a free consultation.