Common Injuries from Oil Rig Explosions

An oil rig explosion can create incredible losses, often taking the lives of victims. As an industry with one of the highest workplace injury rates, it is not uncommon for serious injuries to cause lifelong losses for victims.

It is critical for victims to seek immediate medical care and to document all ongoing injuries and losses they have, even those complications that may develop over time. You have the right to a safe place to work, and when that does not happen, you have the right to seek damages with the assistance of an oil rig explosion lawyer. Some of the most common injuries from oil rig explosions include the following.

Common Oil Rig Explosion Injuries

When an oil rig explosion occurs, the force and impact can create numerous injuries for victims. It is not uncommon for victims to face a wide range of injuries, depending on where they are located, what strikes them, and how long it takes to get to safety. Even when all OSHA safety requirements are in place, mistakes and oversights change lives. The following are some of the most common injuries:

• Falls: Falls from heights can be devastating, yet they are very common when an explosion occurs. The sheer force of the explosion can make it impossible for a person to remain in place.
• Burns: Since oil rigs have combustible material everywhere, fires are a very common component of explosions. Explosions from well blowouts, welding, swabbing, or poor maintenance of ignition sources typically cause serious fires that spread quickly.
• Entrapment injuries: Being stuck in, stuck between, or crushed by equipment can also happen in an oil rig explosion due to the force. Entrapment can lead to crushing injuries as well as toxic exposure from fumes.
• Equipment injuries: When an explosion occurs, equipment becomes unstable and dangerous. That includes the moving pipes, rotary tables, tongs, kellys, and other components on the oil rig. All of these can cause serious injuries if a person is struck or crushed.
• Collapsing rigs: If the rig collapses as a result of the explosion, there is a very high risk of crushing. In some cases, a person may be tossed into the water or fall from significant heights.
• Electrocution: If any electrical system becomes unstable, the risk of serious injuries from electrocution is also very high.

These common injuries can amount to numerous physical implications for victims. You may suffer from injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and loss of mobility
• Serious burns
• Amputations
• Internal organ injury
• Broken and crushed bones
• Soft tissue injuries

In each of these situations, you may also face additional losses, such as complications from lacerations resulting in infections. Some people develop chronic pain due to nerve damage.

Emotional Trauma

Do not overlook one of the most significant types of injuries suffered in an oil rig explosion. That is emotional trauma. These are terrifying accidents that may result in serious mental health complications, including the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. That may make it impossible for you to do your job and may lead to numerous complicated outcomes for your future.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Oil Rig Accident Attorney

Serving all of Houston, The Doan Law Firm understands the complexities associated with oil rig explosions. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you determine who should be paying for the injuries and other losses you have.