Oil rig explosions create incredible damage. In a matter of a few moments, they can take a person’s life, create catastrophic, life-long injuries, or result in burns that create disfigurements. When you are hurt as a result of an oil rig explosion in Houston, you may be able to recover damages related to the incident.
Note that there are limitations on the damages you can collect, depending on what occurred, as well as whether you are an employee or a visitor to the location. The key to remember is that a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer will help you recover comprehensive damages to the fullest level allowed under the law.
To pursue a personal injury claim, you must provide evidence of fault as well as documentation of the losses you have suffered. Some of the most common forms of damages in an oil rig explosion may include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that are quantifiable and often very direct. Calculating the losses is more direct. Examples of economic damages include:
Non-economic damages are harder to put a value on, but they are still very real losses. These are critical to recover as they are meant to help you rebuild your life. Examples of non-economic damages may include:
The value of these damages is dependent on the severity of your injuries, as well as whether there are any ongoing complications and losses. A person who faces catastrophic losses may require ongoing financial support to meet their everyday needs for the rest of their life. Those with injuries that result in loss of hearing or vision, permanent disability, permanent chronic pain from never damage, or amputations may need consistent support going forward.
Under Texas law, it is possible to receive punitive damages in limited cases like this. Punitive damages are a way for the court to punish the defendant, rather than compensate you for the losses you have. Their objective is to make it clear that allowing such incidents to happen again is not desirable.
However, these damages are not often available. They only occur in situations where gross negligence occurred. This typically results from fraud, malice, or intentional acts. If you can demonstrate to a court of law that this occurred, they may take action to seek these losses. Notably, when punitive damages are available, they typically cannot exceed $200,000 or two times the economic damages, plus the non-economic damages, whichever is greater, with an overall maximum limit of $750,000.
Contact The Doan Law Firm today to discuss your case, injuries, and losses. We provide a free consultation to victims who deserve to have a voice after such a tragic accident. Speak to our Houston oil rig accident lawyer about your case, knowing we have recovered billions of dollars for our clients.