When we speak of natural gas and oil, its rich deposits can be found underneath the soil. But the highly sought-after resources can also be found in the most challenging of environments — at the bottom of the sea. That’s why hardcore drilling companies set up their rigs in what Houston offshore injury lawyers deem as one of the most dangerous jobs sites in the world. Working in these jobs exposes riggers to serious occupational hazards like drilling rig injuries or death.
An injured rigger suffers not only physical but also emotional hurt. This often results from frustrations arising from legal conflicts over their claims for compensation. For these legal battles, seeking the help of a Houston offshore injury lawyer is the best recourse to enforce one’s rights to work safety and compensation for injuries.
A Houston offshore injury lawyer can assist injured workers or the families they left behind to seek compensation, resulting from their injury or death. Here are some of the key contributing factors that lead to drilling rig injuries:
- Overwhelming noise produced by gigantic drilling machines can impair these workers’ auditory functions. To avert ear problems from happening, the employer is responsible for providing its workers with appropriate ear protection such as ear plugs.
- The use of faulty equipment may lead to accidents, causing injury or death to workers nearby. As its operator, the employer is bound to make the necessary upkeep to ensure proper functioning.
- While a pared down staff cuts operating costs, this can lead to longer working hours. As a result, employers have an overly worked and fatigued workforce, which is prone to mental lapses. Thus, it is important to allow these workers ample time to rest.
- Like most businesses, drill rig companies have production goals and deadlines to meet. To do this, some of these companies rush training to equip their stations with enough manpower. But this can lead to dangerous consequences. This is negligence on the employer’s part and exposes the latter to liability for failure to give its workers adequate training.
Though not a comprehensive list, this article aims to illustrate that living the life of drill rigger can be dangerous. There is always the imminent danger of getting injured, or worse, dying from a workplace accident. In the event of these dire occurrences, the law provides for compensation and other indemnities to the injured worker. Other rights may also include compensation for lost earning potential on the part of the employee. For laws relating to these rights, consult a Houston offshore injury lawyer.
The Jones Act attorneys and offshore injury lawyers have decades of experience in maritime job related injuries. Call today for a free consultation.
