Oil Well Blowout Accident Lawyers in Odessa, TX

What Causes an Oil Well Blowout?

In addition to following OSHA regulations, oil well operators and companies must adhere to the American Petroleum Institute (API) rules and regulations.

However, severe injuries and wrongful deaths can occur anytime these regulations are not followed. Some causes of oil well blowouts in Odessa, TX include:

• Swabbing
• Lack of sufficient mud weight
• Failure to initiate shut-in procedures
• Failure to reduce hydrostatic pressure
• Failure of blowout preventers (BOPs)
• Hot work and welding
• Other types of equipment defects
• Negligent use of electric tools
• Failure to utilize well control procedures
• Failure to properly train oil well workers

What Are the Risks Involved?

The risks of an oil well blowout is undeniable. With the sudden release of pressure, not only can individuals suffer critical injuries due to the explosion itself, but the mud, rocks, sand, or other debris can also cause critical injuries. When the pressure releases, equipment parts can be demolished and destabilize the oil rig.

Furthermore, oil well blowouts have the potential to release hydrocarbons, which can ignite from friction. This can not only cause additional explosions, but expose workers to dangerous toxic chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

Who’s At Fault for an Oil Well Blowout?

More often than not, when oil well blowouts occur, the oil well operator will be found liable. However, oil and gas companies can also be held accountable when oil well blowouts occur.

Generally, oil well operators can make mistakes by rushing, sealing to take necessary safety precautions, failing to monitor drilling pressure properly, and making other careless mistakes. The oil and gas companies can also be held accountable since they are responsible for the actions of their oil well operators and other employees.

Since oil well blowout accidents can be so complex, having an experienced attorney working for you could help to ensure all liable parties are identified and held accountable accordingly.

How to Recover Compensation from an Oil Well Blowout Accident

Oil well blowout injuries are often life-changing. It is not unusual for oil well operators and other gas or oil employees to suffer from traumatic brain injuries, third-degree burns, loss of limbs, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other debilitating injuries.

No matter what type of injury you have been diagnosed with, if it has had a significant impact on your life and is expected to for the foreseeable future, recovering maximum compensation will be in your best interests. Fortunately, you may access the compensation you need to get through these difficult times in many ways.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Those who work on or near oil rigs may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits when involved in an on-the-job accident such as an oil well blowout. Workers’ compensation benefits are not dependent on how many hours you work each week or how long you have been working with the company.

What matters is that your injuries occur during a work-related event. If your workers’ comp claim is approved, you can receive benefits shortly after. Some of the different types of benefits you could be awarded include:

• Disability benefits amounting to approximately 2/3 of your average weekly salary
• Total coverage of your medical expenses, including transportation costs, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injuries will prevent you from continuing to work in the gas or oil industry
• Death benefits for the surviving family members of oil and gas workers who pass away from fatal oil well blowout injuries

Third-Party Liability Claims

Workers’ compensation benefits are available no matter who is responsible for causing the oil well blowout. However, since these benefits are often insufficient, pursuing a third-party liability claim may be your best opportunity to fully recover from your damages.

By filing a civil lawsuit against those responsible for causing your injuries, you will not be restricted by the limitations of your workers’ compensation benefits. Examples of damages that could be recovered through your third-party liability lawsuit include the following:

• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium, including intimate spousal relations
• Diminished earning capacity
• Loss of employee benefits, including holiday pay, vacation time, salary increases, health insurance, or employer retirement savings contributions
• Any medical expenses the insurance company refuses to cover
• Personal property damages
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Physical pain and suffering
• Skin scarring and disfiguring injuries

Contact an Oil Well Blowout Accident Attorney Today

Oil well blowout accidents happen. But when the operator or other liable party’s negligence is the cause, you have the right to hold them accountable. Fight for full recovery of your damages.

Maximize your compensation with help from our reputable oil well blowout accident lawyers in Odessa, TX at Kemmy Law Firm. When you are ready to take action, fill out our quick contact form or call our office at Contact us today by calling (432) 400-0000 to schedule your free consultation today.