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Worst Oilfield Accidents

Worst Oilfield Accidents of All Time

In 2021, U.S. petroleum consumption averaged roughly 19.78 million barrels per day, and oil rig employees take significant risks to keep up with this demand. They operate heavy machinery and drill for a highly flammable substance, sometimes several miles offshore.

One minor mistake could lead to a major explosion. Over the years, the world has witnessed some of the most catastrophic oilfield disasters of all time and learning from these events could help workers stay safe on the job. 

Call Kemmy Law Firm today at (830) 264-6297 or fill out our secure contact form.

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The Kemmy Difference

We have a saying that goes "When you hire the Kemmy Law Firm, you don't just hire one lawyer, you hire a team of lawyers." Tom Kemmy is an award-winning and board certified personal injury lawyer who has been practicing injury law since 1986. His sons are experienced personal injury lawyers and former prosecutors that represented the State of Texas against murderers, thieves, drug traffickers, and violent criminals. We put our combined experience and knowledge in the pursuit of one goal, to win and obtain maximum justice for our client. 

LET OUR FAMILY PROTECT YOURS

Hear How We've Made A Difference

    1. Deepwater Horizon

    One of the most infamous oil rig disasters of the 21st century is undoubtedly the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It occurred in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20th, 2010. Once crew members drilled beyond the ocean floor to reach the Macondo Prospect oil reserve, they pulled out the drill and placed cement plugs that would be removed later to extract the oil.

    The ocean floor’s intense pressure eventually caused a blowout, which traveled up to the drilling platform, resulting in a massive explosion. Blowout preventers are designed to stop this type of accident from occurring. However, this particular blowout preventer was defective and failed to contain the extreme pressure.

    After two days, Deepwater Horizon sank. An estimated 4 million barrels of oil began to spill out into the Gulf over the next 87 days, making this the largest oil spill in the history of marine oil drilling operations. Scientists say that oil from Deepwater Horizon can still be detected more than 10 years after the incident.

    The effects of Deepwater Horizon went far beyond the initial event. BP found themselves facing a $5.5 billion Clean Water Act penalty—not to mention the $8.8 billion in natural resource damages.

    • $20 MILLION Oil and gas case involving significant economic harm
    • $13.5 MILLION
      Jury Verdict
      Patient paralyzed after nurses failed to tell a doctor about a change in condition
    • $8 MILLION Young college student suffers brain injury from negligent conduct
    • $7.5 MILLION West texas woman becomes brain injured when basic safety rules were not followed
    • $6.2 MILLION
      Jury Verdict
      Marine veteran suffers catastrophic harm after a dangerous fall
    • $6 MILLION Children who were abused by an employee of a company that was entrusted with the care of children

      2. Bohai 2

      In November of 1979, one of the most fatal oil rig disasters occurred off the coast of China in the Gulf of Bohai. Out of the 76 crew members on the rig, only four survived. Many quickly assume that fires and explosions are the main cause of oil rig disasters. However, for offshore rigs, severe weather could produce significant waves and put crew members in grave danger if the rig isn’t stable.

      This was the case for the Bohai 2 rig, which was being towed to another location when an intense storm hit. Violent winds broke a ventilator pump, causing a puncture hole in the deck and flooding. Quickly, things went from bad to worse, and the rig capsized, killing nearly everyone on board.

      After the catastrophe, reports stated that the crew members were not adequately trained in emergency evacuation procedures or the use of life-saving equipment. Investigators also found that the crew did not follow proper towing procedures because the operating instructions were in Japanese, not Chinese.

      We Know the Stakes The Kemmy Experience

      All of our clients have families of their own. They are decent, hardworking people, and come to uswith complex business issues or because their lives have been changed by a catastrophic injury.

      3. Piper Alpha

      Weighing in at 14,000 tons with a height two and a half times the size of the Statue of Liberty is the Piper Alpha oil rig, located 140 miles off the coast of Scotland. On July 6, 1988, a gas leak was discovered in the rig’s condensate pumps. Per routine procedure, the pump was sealed temporarily.

      However, the crew that worked the following shift turned on the defective pump, not knowing it was out of commission, which led to a series of explosions that engulfed the rig in flames.

      Just three hours after the initial explosions, the rig collapsed into the sea. Out of the 226 men aboard, only 61 survived. In addition to the 165 lives lost, the disaster resulted in $3.4 billion in total insured damages. Piper Alpha has since become a case study to learn from the crew members’ mistakes and understand what could happen if safety failures occur.

      4. Ocean Ranger

      The Ocean Ranger oil rig was one of the world’s largest semisubmersible drill rigs. On February 15, 1982, a severe storm caused it to collapse in the Grand Banks off the coast of Newfoundland. All 84 crew members on board the Ocean Ranger didn’t make it out alive despite their best efforts.

      The crew endured 90mph winds and nearly 60-foot waves. Although these were considered severe weather conditions, two other refineries—the Sedco 706 and the Zapata Ugland—were drilling nearby and remained intact with minimal damage.

      This fact led investigators to believe internal errors might have contributed to this disaster. Inherent design flaws, lack of safety standards, poor emergency training, and inadequate safety gear, among other issues, were reported during investigations.

      This event has since left a long-term impact on the families in Newfoundland, given that most of the crew members that perished were Newfoundlanders.

      5. Mumbai High North

      Mumbai High North is an oil refinery located off the coast of Mumbai, India that exploded on July 27th, 2005, resulting in the deaths of 22 crew members. The complex is made up of four bridge-linked platforms roughly 60 miles from the shore: The NA, MHF, MHN, and MHW.

      The rig exploded after a multipurpose support vessel collided with platform MHN, causing a gas leak that resulted in the rig bursting into flames. In addition to the uncontrollable fires, the rescue was made even more difficult when a monsoon prevented helicopters from taking off.

      Rescue teams eventually saved 362 crew members after 15 long hours, and reports have provided valuable insight into the lessons to be learned from this horrific event.

      Injured on an Oilfield? Call Kemmy Law Firm

      Oil rig disasters have claimed the lives of thousands of victims throughout the years. Unfortunately, many oilfield accidents can be avoided. When someone’s negligence leads to your injuries or damages, you should pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

      Let the Kemmy Law Firm help you recover everything you lost by calling (830) 264-6297 today to schedule your free consultation.

      • "You could not hire a better attorneys than the Kemmy's."

        My husband was involved in an industrial accident & we hired the Kemmy law firm to represent him with that case. You could not hire a better attorneys than the Kemmy's. They went above & beyond to help him get what he deserved. If you are searching for a lawyer in Texas you need to hire them!!!

        - Colleen B.
      • "Very easy to talk to, sincerely cared about my situation."
        I was involved in an accident and was injurred. My co-worker recommended Seamus from Kemmy Law. I am so greatful that I followed through with the recommendation. He was very easy to talk to, sincerely cared about my situation, and kept me informed with the process, just all around amazing! Thank you Seamus!!!
        - Holly O.
      • "They were so patient and explained everything in detail."

        Everyone we worked with was amazing. They were so patient and explained everything in detail. They worked with my mom and then when she passed away the game plan changed and they made sure to explain everything. We were blessed to have them on our team. I would highly recommend them.

        - Dora M.
      • "Nick was very open and transparent."

        Mr. Kemmy comes from good stock and was referred to us by one of the best. And if he's good enough for him to lay his reputation on the line, he's good enough for me. Nick was very open and transparent, and shared some of our frustrations. We were very please with him representing us. Thanks again Nick.

        - Richard G.
      • "Showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy."

        Ben Kemmy and his awesome staff showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. This helped me a great deal to get through this difficult time. I recommend Kemmy Law Firm to all who need the services .

        - Jim P.
      • "Not only were they my lawyers they became like family."
        I honestly got to say Tom and Danny got to be two of the best attorneys in the state of Texas I was injured in the oilfield accident about 3 years ago and they fought for me in my case like some sharks hands down best attorneys out there not only were they my lawyers they became like family thanks Kemmy law firm
        - Jeremiah L.
      • "I wholeheartedly endorse Kemmy Law without reservation."
        Working with Tom and Nick Kemmy on my case was a far better experience than I expected going in. They were thoughtful and listened to what I had to say. It was also gratifying that Kemmy Law Firm is truly a family affair with the Dad, Thomas, four sons and a daughter in law, Nick's wife, working together. If you're looking for legal representation, I wholeheartedly endorse Kemmy Law without reservation.
        - Jerry G.
      • "I would recommend the Kemmy Law Firm 100 times out of 100."

        We could not be more satisfied with Kemmy Law Firm. They represented us, and especially my father with respect and efficiency and earned every bit of what the law allowed. This helped my mother more than I can articulate. I would recommend the Kemmy Law Firm 100 times out of 100.

        - Iaz P.

        Let Our Family Protect Yours

        When you work with us at Kemmy Law Firm, you are working with a family run firm with more than 50 years of combined experience.

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