Oil rigs are high-risk environments where workers face danger every day in Texas. Heavy machinery, extreme pressure, and flammable chemicals create the perfect storm for explosions, fires, and other disasters. When oil rig explosions and fires happen, lives change in an instant. Workers suffer severe burns, traumatic injuries, and even death. Families are left to pick up the pieces, often with little support from the companies responsible.
The San Antonio oil rig accident lawyers at the Herrera Law Firm have seen firsthand how companies try to dodge responsibility. Here's what you need to know about the causes of these disasters, who may be liable, and what legal options you may have if you've been injured in Texas.
What causes oil rig explosions and fires?
Oil rigs operate under extreme pressure and handle flammable materials in an environment where even a small mistake can lead to disaster. Most explosions and fires happen for the following reasons:
- Equipment failure: A faulty blowout preventer, a ruptured pipeline, or a malfunctioning pressure valve can spark a deadly explosion. Many of these failures result from poor maintenance or defective manufacturing.
- Human error: A single misstep, such as improper drilling techniques or failure to follow safety protocols, can set off a chain reaction. Companies that rush workers or cut corners on training put everyone at risk.
- Lack of maintenance: Oil rigs require constant upkeep, yet some companies push machinery to the breaking point to avoid downtime. This leads to worn-out equipment, leaking pipes, and dangerous conditions.
- Gas leaks and volatile chemicals: Oil rigs contain highly flammable substances such as methane, crude oil, and hydrogen sulfide. A single spark can ignite an inferno if these materials are not properly controlled.
Who can be held liable for injuries caused by oil rig explosions and fires?
Every explosion or fire has a cause, and in most cases, someone’s negligence plays a role. The question is: who is responsible? Determining liability after an oil rig disaster is complicated. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and big oil companies have teams of lawyers working to shift the blame. However, Texas law allows injured workers to hold the right parties accountable, including:
- The oil company: The company that owns or operates the rig is responsible for maintaining a safe workplace. If they failed to enforce safety protocols, provided faulty equipment, or ignored known hazards, they can be held liable.
- Contractors and subcontractors: Most oil rigs rely on a network of contractors and subcontractors, each responsible for different aspects of the operation. If a third-party contractor caused the explosion—whether through negligence, faulty maintenance, or defective equipment—they may also be liable.
- Equipment manufacturers: If a piece of machinery failed due to a defect, the manufacturer might be at fault. Blowout preventers, pipelines, and pressure control systems must be designed to withstand extreme conditions. If they fail because of a design or manufacturing defect, the company that made them can be held accountable.
What legal options do Texas workers have after oil rig explosions and fires?
After a catastrophic injury, you may have several legal paths to seek compensation. Your options depend on whether you were classified as an employee or an independent contractor and where the accident occurred.
Can I sue my employer?
If your employer doesn't carry workers’ compensation insurance, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Even if they do have coverage, you may still have a case if their negligence was extreme, such as failing to fix known safety hazards.
Can I file a lawsuit against a third party?
If a contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to the explosion, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit. This allows you to seek damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including full compensation for pain and suffering.
What compensation can injured workers recover in Texas?
Oil rig injuries are often catastrophic, leading to lifelong medical issues and financial hardships. If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for your lost income and future earnings you can no longer make.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Disability and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries that affect your ability to work and live a normal life.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in an oil rig explosion, your family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
What should I do if you’ve been injured in an oil rig explosion?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil rig accident, the steps you take immediately after can make a huge difference in protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve. First and foremost, get medical attention. Burns, internal trauma, and respiratory issues from toxic exposure are very serious and can have potentially fatal or long-term consequences if not treated immediately. Seeing a doctor ensures you get the care you need and creates a medical record supporting your claim.
Next, report the oil rig accident to your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible. Keeping a record of when and how you reported it can help your case later on, especially if the company tries to downplay the incident. If possible, ask for a written report and keep a copy for your records. If you can, take photos of the oil rig accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Get the contact information of coworkers or witnesses who saw what happened.
Should I contact a Texas oil rig accident lawyer?
Finally, before signing anything or accepting any settlement, speak with a Texas attorney who understands oil rig injury cases. Oil companies and insurance providers may try to pressure you into a quick, lowball settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term needs. However, an experienced San Antonio lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in an oil rig accident, you need a tough, experienced legal team on your side. The Herrera Law Firm has spent decades fighting for injured oilfield workers across Texas. Our team understands how to take on powerful corporations and hold them accountable when their negligence results in someone's injury or death. We’re ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for an accident that wasn’t your fault. That’s why we handle oil rig injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We’re here to help you get the medical care, lost wages, and financial security you need to move forward. Don’t let an oil company or insurance adjuster pressure you into a low settlement.
Let us review your case for free and explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a San Antonio oil rig accident lawyer who knows how to win.
