Oil rigs are rough places to work. The job is hard, and it can be dangerous. It may pay well, but like other high-risk vocations, you must stay sharp and attentive to what is happening around you.
Are you a Roughneck or Roustabout that got hurt on the job? If you have been in an oil rig accident, you need to know what happens next.
Experiencing an accident on an oil rig can leave you confused about what to do. You will have a lot of questions and few answers. It can be hard not to feel overwhelmed.
Nobody wants to find themselves in this position. But if you do, then preparing yourself and knowing your rights is crucial. Read on to learn more about what to do following an oil rig accident.
What to Do After an Oil Rig Accident?
There are several steps you should take when involved in a workplace accident. Here is a quick guide to help you following an accident on your rig:
Check for Injuries
Your health and safety are the most crucial factors following an accident on an oil rig. Take a moment and check yourself and any other victims for injuries as soon as possible following the oil rig accident. Get medical help as soon as you can.
You may have internal wounds that are not immediately clear. Getting medical help right away might save your life! Following an accident, seeking medical attention will provide useful evidence that can help in a personal injury lawsuit, later on.
Get to Safety
Get to safety as soon as you can if you can move without hurting yourself any further. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to evacuate the rig.
Some oil rig mishaps can trigger a series of events that result in even more harm and injury. Protect yourself by leaving the rig altogether or moving to a more secure location.
Call the Authorities
As soon as you can, get in touch with the authorities; if you need to concentrate on getting medical help, you can send someone else. Authorities can take pictures of the accident scene, write an accident report, interview witnesses, and gather more information for use in a personal injury lawsuit later on.
Document the Accident Scene
If you can, visit the oil rig accident area and take photos. Even though the authorities will compile their accident report, it is helpful to record the events yourself. Obtain contact information from other rig personnel who were involved in the accident or witnessed it occur.
Take pictures and videos, and gather any other evidence that could support a claim for damages in the future. A record of the incident can help demonstrate the severity of an accident or the depth of the oil rig accident injuries.
Types of Oil Rig Accidents
Several types of accidents can happen on an oil rig. Here are a few examples of what may have happened to you:
A Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall is the most common type of accident that happens on oil rigs. It is often caused by a spill or a slippery substance left on the floor by somebody.
An Upset Fence Accident
An upset fence is an accident that can happen on an oil rig during initial construction or when a rig is going through dismantling. It has been responsible for many deaths in the past. An upset fence accident occurs when the rig scaffolding collapses and falls on the workers.
A Confined Space Accident
A confined space accident happens when someone gets trapped in a confined space and can not get out. Most of the time, the victim is an employee.
But it can also happen to a visitor if they get trapped. A confined space can be anything from an oil tank to a small room on the rig.
A Platform Fall Accident
A platform fall accident is when a worker falls from a platform. As with any other accident, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible.
Collecting Evidence of the Oil Rig Accident
If you want to prove that your injuries resulted from an accident at work, you will want to collect as much evidence as possible. This can include photographs of the scene, medical records, and any documents or texts relating to the accident.
You can also ask your lawyer to hire an investigator who can collect evidence for you. It is important to note that the longer you wait to collect evidence, the less effective it may be. The best time to start collecting evidence is as soon as possible.
Hiring a Lawyer After an Oil Rig Accident
Hopefully, you won’t have to hire an oil rig accident lawyer following an accident. But it’s better to prepare in case you end up needing the assistance.
You should hire a lawyer if your injuries are serious, if your injury is ongoing, and/or if it is severe. If you need to see doctors, or if you have to miss work, you may have a case. It may also be useful to have a lawyer if you need help navigating the process.
A lawyer will help you find out what your rights are, gather evidence, and work toward a settlement. They will also protect your rights and make sure that your claim is valid.
You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been injured in an oil rig accident. However, you will have to prove your injuries were the result of the accident. An oil rig accident law firm will help you with this process by obtaining all the necessary evidence.
They will also make sure that you receive the best possible outcome. They will ensure that your rights are being protected and that you receive fair treatment.
You May Need Help Moving Forward
After going through an oil rig accident, it is normal to feel confused about what to do in the aftermath. We hope this article has helped clarify how you can move forward with your life and receive the compensation that you deserve.
Heard Merman is more than a typical personal injury legal and trial firm. We specialize in trial law and personal injury in Texas.
Our trial and accident attorneys have won awards for their accomplishments and excellence in service locally and throughout the nation. Contact us or check out our Blog section. We are here to serve you.
