Offshore Oil Rig Accident Attorney
Offshore drilling jobs can be dangerous, putting workers at risk for catastrophic, debilitating, and potentially fatal injuries.
When Texas offshore oil workers are injured doing jobs in the Gulf of Mexico, The Shelton Law Firm can help them seek damages.
Learn how our Houston, TX, law office can hold negligent companies accountable for putting their employees at risk.
A Potentially Dangerous Profession
More than a decade since the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, it still looms large in the minds of those who live or make their living on the Gulf Coast. For those who have careers in offshore drilling or working on rigs, the threat of an explosion remains a looming hazard.
Anyone who works in oil or gas extraction needs to understand their legal options following an accident. By working with attorney Michael E. Shelton, you will have an advocate on your side who will not be intimidated by energy companies or influential figures in the oil and gas industries.
Legal Representation for Offshore Accident Victims Help With Maritime Accident and Injury Claims
The offshore oil and drilling industry can be dangerous. Workers face constant hazards on oil platforms and rigs and in transit to platforms and rigs. Whatever operation you work for on the Gulf of Mexico, the legal team at our Houston, TX, law firm is here to offer assistance and legal insight following a rig or platform accident.
Were You Affected by an Offshore Drilling Accident? Contact The Shelton Law Firm
If you or a loved one was injured on an oil platform or rig in the Gulf of Mexico, you need to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. Attorney Michael E. Shelton is not intimidated by the oil or gas industry. As a former rig worker, he is familiar with what employees in those fields experience each day.
During your free consultation, you can tell us what happened during the offshore incident. Mr. Shelton will provide an honest assessment of your case. If he takes your case, you will not have to pay unless we reach a favorable resolution.
If you live in Texas and need to speak with a lawyer about an oil platform or rig incident, contact our law office online. You can also call our law firm in Houston, TX, to set up a free consultation.
Call Our Law Firm
(713) 807-0700
We Stand With Texas Offshore Workers
"He has knowledge of the many hazards that rig and platform workers face and can hold oil and petroleum companies accountable for any harm they have caused their workers."
The Dangers of Offshore Incidents A Look at the Numbers
A further breakdown of the BSEE's 2019 offshore incident numbers reveal that there were four recorded offshore explosions, 20 gas releases, 84 fires, and 169 dangerous lifting incidents.
Important to Note
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According to a report from Drilled News, Southerly, and WWNO, the BSEE numbers may be underreported since the federal agency does not tally deaths that occur in state waters. In Texas, state waters extend nine miles from the coastline, which is a lot of territory in the Gulf of Mexico. The Railroad Commission of Texas is supposed to regulate offshore drilling in state waters, but the agency reportedly does not track fatalities from that line of work.
Protection of Injured Workers' Rights Accidents in Drilling and Offshore Oil Extraction
Harmful incidents in offshore oil extraction can take numerous forms. The Houston, TX, law firm of attorney Michael E. Shelton protects injured offshore drilling rig workers' rights in the event of:
- Negligence in equipment operation
- Unsafe working conditions
- Cable or block breaks
- Grating collapse
- Pipe tongs malfunction
- Catheads slipping or improper placement
- Falling objects
- Slip and falls
Two federal statutes may play a major role in offshore incidents, oil spill accidents, and drilling explosion cases: the Jones Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
The Jones Act
Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act regulates maritime commerce in American waters and between U.S. ports. The Jones Act allows seamen to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working on boats, jack-ups, and oil platforms and rigs. To do so, an employer must have demonstrated some form of negligence that contributed to the offshore oil, gas, or energy accident.
Mr. Shelton can help take on negligent oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico, holding gas and drilling companies accountable for injuries and the loss of life.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
If you were seriously injured on a fixed platform, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act might come into play. This law considers a fixed oil platform to be an island of the closest contiguous state. Your work accident injury would then be covered by workers' compensation laws of that nearest state. A third-party drilling accident caused by a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer could result in a lawsuit against the third party.
Offshore oil and gas workers can count on our Houston, TX, law office for sound legal counsel throughout the litigation process.
"Mr. Mike just went into action."
In this personal injury testimonial, Andrea discusses her experience with the Shelton Law Firm. The entire team was genuine, caring, and communicative. She credits Michael E. Shelton with not only helping her heal but also ensuring her financial stability for years to come.
