Houston Oil Rig Explosion Lawyer

Explosions often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in the vicinity. However, for those who work on oil rigs, explosions can be particularly severe, and the risk of severe injury or death for those involved is increased. For those who work on oil rigs, explosions are the single most dangerous incident that can occur.

At the Doan Law Firm, our team is here to help if you need a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer. We know what it takes to fully investigate these claims and help injury victims secure the compensation they are entitled to. Additionally, we have a track record of success helping families of those who have been killed in these explosions recover closure and compensation for what happened.

Call Today For A Free Consultation (800) 349-0000

Why Choose the Doan Law Firm?

• At the Doan Law Firm, we pride ourselves on giving personalized attention to every client that we take. Founder Jimmy Doan is supported by a large team but is available for direct contact with every client.
• We are one of the largest personal injury firms in the US, and we are able to put extensive resources into investigating Houston oil rig explosions.
• We take Houston oil rig explosion cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients will not have to pay any legal fees until after we obtain the compensation they are entitled to.

How Will an Attorney Help This Case?

Our highly-skilled Houston explosion lawyer is going to bring the resources necessary to stand up to aggressive employers and their legal teams. An attorney can:

• Obtain all evidence needed to prove liability, including any video surveillance of the incident as well as statements from eyewitnesses.
• Gather all safety documents and maintenance records related to the company and oil rig in question.
• Handle negotiations with other parties in an effort to reach a fair settlement on behalf of the injury victim.
• Fully prepare to take the Houston oil rig case to trial in order to ensure that the client is treated fairly.

Houston Oil Rig Explosion Resources

To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links:

Selecting the Right Lawyer
Cost of Hiring an Attorney
Understanding Oil Rig Explosions
Types of Oil Rig Explosions
Potential Compensation
How Much Compensation is Available?
Who Can Be Liable?
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Oil Rig Explosion Injuries
Wrongful Death Compensation

How to Select the Right Attorney for a Houston Oil Rig Explosion Claim

Victims of an oil rig explosion need legal representation. The insurance companies representing these organizations are highly skilled and determined to reduce any compensation you receive. Not just any personal injury attorney is best suited for these cases. Look for an attorney who:

• Has extensive experience navigating oil rig explosions, including an understanding of equipment failures, human error and negligence factors, well control issues, and ignition source causes
• Has a proven reputation for taking on oil rig companies and insurance companies, as you do not want to be their first plaintiff
• Demonstrates clear dedication to you throughout this process, including building your claim, investigating your injuries, and determining what your maximum compensation is

A Houston oil rig explosion claim requires careful attention to minute details. Look for an attorney with a proven track record in these areas.

What Is the Cost to Hire an Experienced Explosion Attorney?

Your Houston oil rig explosion lawyer will work closely with you to investigate your claim, submit your claim, and negotiate fair compensation without charging you anything upfront. They work on a contingency basis, meaning your attorney only gets paid if and when they win the case.

If you do not win your case, you owe the law firm nothing for attorney services. When you win your case, you will pay a percentage of your settlement amount to the attorney. The value is determined up front during your consultation and depends on the complexity of your case.

Understanding Oil Rig Explosions in Houston

There are various causes of oil rig explosions in and around the Houston area. First, anyone who has been at an oil rig knows that employees operate with or near heavy machinery incombustible substances each day. These rigs operate in unpredictable environments (off-shore for many, but there are also hazardous conditions onshore). All it takes is a mistake by an employee, a defect in the machinery or an improperly trained person to cause a massive explosion.

Some of the most common hazards that can lead to a Houston oil rig explosion include the following:

• Improperly grounded electrical equipment or wiring
• Poorly maintained pipelines that spray fuel or leak
• The improper use of torches or welding devices
• Defective ventilation systems that cause a backup of hazardous fumes
• Corrosion of mechanical or electrical equipment
• Improper storage of equipment or flammable materials

What Oil Rigs Are the Doan Law Firm Family With?

Our legal team has extensive experience helping offshore workers, maritime workers, and others obtain compensation in cases involving blowouts related to well control or BOP failures, as well as blowdown or gas-release accidents. We have worked with victims in oil explosion cases of all types throughout the region.

Compensation for Victims of Oil Rig Explosions

At the Doan Law Firm, we believe in making clients whole or at least helping them recover as much as possible, given the severity of the incident. This includes helping them recover both economic and non-economic damages after an oil rig explosion occurs:

• Economic damages. Economic damages for oil rig explosion accident victims involve measurable expenses they will likely incur as a result of the incident. An attorney will help gather receipts and bills that come in after the incident occurs to adequately calculate:
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Ongoing doctor or hospital visits
  • Prescription medications or medical devices
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Lost income or loss of future earning potential
  • Out-of-pocket costs
• Non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are not as easily calculable, as they revolve around an oil rig accident victim’s physical and emotional pain and suffering and their loss of quality of life. There are no receipts or bills that can adequately measure these types of losses, but there are accepted methods that your attorney can use to calculate non-economic damages properly.

How Much Compensation is Available

There is no specific amount of compensation paid to oil rig explosion victims in Houston if their claim is successful. Several factors can influence the value of a final settlement or jury verdict awarded through a trial. Some of the main factors that could influence a settlement or jury verdict dollar value include:

• Severity of the injuries
• Length of the recovery time
• Whether or not there was any shared fault
• Total assets of the at-fault party
• Insurance policy dollar amount limitations

We encourage you to speak to your explosion accident lawyer about how much to expect for your claim. Even though your attorney may not be able to give you an exact dollar amount, you may be able to get a ballpark estimate based on your lawyer’s experience handling similar claims.

Who Could Hold Liability for an Oil Rig Explosion?

Understanding who could be held liable after an oil rig explosion is confusing, and we strongly encourage you to work with a skilled attorney with the resources needed to fully investigate these claims. Oil rig owners and operators and those who operate in this industry are good at shielding themselves from liability, but an attorney can dig in and work to hold them accountable. Some of the possible allowable parties in these situations include:

1. Oil rig operator. The operator is responsible for the overall management and supervision of oil rig operations. They may own or lease the rig and must ensure it meets safety standards, is properly maintained, and complies with relevant regulations. Their responsibilities also include due diligence in selecting competent contractors, ensuring appropriate supervision during operations, and providing adequate training to employees and contractors​​.
2. Contractors and subcontractors. Contractors and subcontractors engaged in performing specialized tasks on the oil rig must carry out their tasks in accordance with recognized industry practices and standards. They are responsible for following safety protocols and ensuring their workers are properly trained, qualified, and capable of performing their assigned tasks safely​​.
3. Manufacturers. Manufacturers provide equipment, machinery, and components used on the oil rig. They must ensure that their products meet safety standards and are capable of performing reliably under expected operating conditions​​.
4. Employer liability. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment. This includes supplying proper equipment, training, and maintenance. They can be held liable for negligence or failure to fulfill their responsibilities​​.
5. Third-party liability. If negligence by parties other than the employer contributed to the accident, such as equipment manufacturers or other third parties, they can be pursued for compensation​​.

As a victim, you may not have any idea who is responsible for your injuries. Our Houston oil rig explosion lawyer understands the industry, the individuals involved, and the mistakes that frequently lead to these damaging outcomes. That gives us the advantage of fighting for your full recovery of damages.

Workers’ Compensation vs Personal Injury Claims After an Oil Rig Accident

One of the most important steps in seeking recovery of your damages after an oil rig accident will be demonstrating whether your claim should be a workers’ compensation claim, paid to employees hurt on the job, or a personal injury claim, paid by those negligent for your injuries. It is important to understand the difference in these claims:

Workers’ compensation claims:

• Cover injuries related to work on the job site, such as the oil rig, for your employer
• Require no proof of fault, meaning you are covered if you are hurt on the job
• Provide recovery of damages, including medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages
• You cannot sue your employer for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering

Personal injury claims:

• Apply when a third party, not the employer, caused your injury and is responsible for your losses
• Require you to demonstrate fault by proving the party is negligent, such as a subcontractor’s error, the manufacturer of the equipment, or the owner of the site, is at fault
• Allows you to recover damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Your attorney will help you determine which route is best suited for your injuries based on the specific types of loss causes you have. Make sure to reach out to see how they can best help you get what you need.

Serious Accident Injuries from Oil Rig Explosions

If you were hurt in an explosion related to an oil rig’s inferior operation, we strongly recommend contacting our Houston oil rig explosion lawyer. Some of the most common serious injuries victims face after the accidents include:

• Burns: Burns are life-threatening, often debilitating, incredibly painful, and disfiguring. They may limit your ability to engage in activities and live a pain-free lifestyle.
• Crushing injuries: These are common instances in explosions when debris is moving quickly through the area. They often cause complex and life-threatening fractures.
• Head trauma: Damage to the skull or brain can lead to years of complications, including traumatic brain injuries that impair cognitive function.
• Hearing loss: The intense sound from such accidents often causes victims to lose their sense of hearing. This does not always occur, and it can lead to lifelong complications affecting health and well-being.
• Amputations: The loss of digits and limbs may lead to limitations for the rest of your life. Amputations are not only painful, but they can be emotionally traumatic as well.
• Loss of vision: Another catastrophic injury relates to the loss of vision, which can not be recovered from in most situations.

Loss of life is the ultimate type of injury from these accidents. Many people involved in these types of accidents die as a result, either immediately or in the weeks and months after. Some develop health conditions and diseases that can be debilitating for years.

Wrongful Death Compensation After an Oil Rig Explosion

If your family member lost their life due to an oil rig explosion, seek immediate support from our legal team. Working with an experienced Houston oil rig explosion lawyer is by far the most important strategy you have to get justice for your loved one.

Victims of these types of accidents, and their families, deserve fair compensation. Though the details are dependent on the situation, some of the types of compensation you may be owed include:

• All losses recoverable had the individual survived, including medical costs, lost income from missing work, and pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs, as well as any other reasonable end-of-life costs
• Final medical expenses and care provided at the end of life
• Loss of income for dependents
• Loss of companionship and support due to the death
• Mental anguish and despair suffered by the dependents
• Loss of consortium

There is no simple way to overcome such a tragic outcome. Yet, with the help of a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer from our firm, you will gain the knowledge and resources you need to take legal action. Let us fight for your loved one’s justice.

There Is No Risk in Reaching Out

This is a challenging time, and insurance companies may be pressuring you to act. Before you do, set up a free consultation with our legal team. There is no cost to you, and there is no obligation to work with us. We can inform you and support you as you build a strong claim.

Call a Houston Oil Rig Explosion Lawyer Today

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a Houston oil rig explosion, you need to contact the Doan Law Firm as soon as possible. Our team has the experience and resources necessary to handle every aspect of these cases, and our goal is to make sure that clients recover the compensation they need. This can include coverage of their medical bills, lost wages if they cannot work, possibly permanent disability coverage, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Houston oil rig explosion lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling (800) 349-0000.