The Deepwater Horizon Disaster is the most infamous and dramatic blowout in recent memory. Many workers were killed and injured when this well lost control in the Gulf of Mexico. This is not an isolated incident. Injuries can and do occur periodically when oil wells blow out. Fortunately, the law provides recovery to injured workers.
Drilling Rig Blowouts Cause Worker Injuries
Blowouts often cause fire and explosions, which cause burns, injuries from debris, and even death to oilfield hands. Additionally, the intense heat and pressure can cause structural damage to the wellhead and blowout preventer, potentially injuring or killing workers who are in the vicinity of the well. If the explosion does not kill the worker, then they are at high risk of having a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Release of Toxic Gas
A well blowout may also cause the release of toxic gas. Wells can release hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other toxic chemicals. This places workers on the site of the blowout, as well as people living or working nearby, at risk of exposure and adverse health consequences. These include:
- respiratory problems
- headaches
- dizziness
- death
Environmental Harm
During a blowout, the oil and gas can also escape from the well and flow to the surface, potentially causing an oil spill. This can harm wildlife, pollute water, and contaminate soil. Additionally, a well blowout can also cause the wellbore to collapse, making it difficult or impossible to control the release of oil and gas, and can cause additional damage to the equipment, water, and land where the well sits. Landowners should be especially vigilant to ensure their property is not damaged.
Oil Well Blowout Lawsuits
A blowout can have serious consequences for the health and safety of workers and nearby communities, as well as property. Clients seeking recovery of damages caused by a blowout should seek a lawyer experienced with both the law and oilfield operations. Lawyers need to investigate the facts to determine what rules were broken and caused the blowout. Building a case requires legal skill and knowledge of the oil field and the legal process. Therefore, injured workers and landowners should look closely at whether the attorney they hire possesses the requisite experience to successfully represent them.
