Workers working at oil rigs have one of the most dangerous jobs globally. Because of their job’s nature, they often faced with the risk of serious injuries every day.
Oil rig injuries may range from mild to severe and deadly. Everyone injured in an accident at an oil rig caused by the negligence of another person deserves fair compensation for injuries. So, if you have either of the following oil rig injuries, consult a good gas drilling rig accident lawyer to tell you which steps to take:
1. Slip & Falls Injuries
Most platforms for oil rigs are exposed to many substances, like mud, drilling fluids, water, or oil. When leaked or spilled, these substances create a slippery surface, increasing the risks of slips & falls.
In addition, inclement weather conditions, such as high humidity or rain, may contribute to a slippery surface. Other causes that result in slip & fall injuries include the following:
- Human error fatigue
- Working at height
- Obstructed or uneven surfaces
2. Explosion and Fire Injuries
Because oil rigs principally deal with flammable oil as well as materials, such as hydrogen sulfide, burn injuries that result from explosions and fires are horrible.
If you don’t maintain breakers’ property, fire safety inspection is lax, or equipment is updated because workers’ protection is guaranteed, a burn or fire injury will be unavoidable. Burns are often disfiguring and might result in loss of range of motion.
3. Loss of Limbs and Amputation
Amputation or loss of limbs may happen after blood circulation loss that crush injuries or lacerations on oil rigs caused. Workers who suffer amputation or limb loss face high medical bills and may not be able to go back to work. At times, they might require artificial or prosthetic limbs to regain their mobility.
Even with assistive equipment and medical devices, loss of limbs is a traumatic injury with long-term financial, psychological, and physical effects. Attaining medical recovery to the maximum may take years of costly physical therapy and medical procedures.
4. Caught in or Struck by Equipment
Complex machinery, swinging lines, and heavy equipment are prevalent on every offshore rig. Workers often man lines, operate equipment, and perform a few tasks in close proximity to those dangers, increasing the risks of getting caught in or struck by equipment.
Swinging/falling objects, booms, and winches can strike workers and result in serious injuries. If they get caught in a machine, they may lose a hand/finger or experience crush injuries. Such injuries are often permanent and devastating.
5. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Repetitive motions and heavy lifting from working in oil rig platforms may result in serious musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries may progress with time when they aren’t treated on time and may impact the victim’s body in a couple of ways. Common symptoms related to musculoskeletal injuries, which might impact lives and linger, include the following:
- Limited range-of-motion
- Weakened muscles
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Pain & stiffness throughout muscles/joints
Each case is different, and your attorney will listen to the details keenly and highlight the legal options you have. This way, you and your attorney will create a good action plan that can work for your unique case.
