It can be complicated when a crew member dies on an oil rig because they aren’t on a boat. There are laws in place that protect seamen, but oil rig workers are in a gray area concerning death. Fortunately, the Death On High Seas Act applies to oil rig workers. Their surviving family members are able to receive wrongful death benefits on their behalf.
When an oil rig worker dies, they leave behind dependents and loved ones who suffer without their presence. Seattle maritime lawyers can educate you on the process for filing a claim against the oil rig company. Additionally, they can let you know how much compensation you are owed.
The Death On High Seas Act Protects Oil Rig Workers
The Death on High Seas Act applies to workers who are killed while performing their job on a vessel in navigable waters. This includes oil rig workers. If an oil rig worker dies due to an accident or injury on the job, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the company that owns the rig.
Common Causes Of Oil Rig Worker Deaths
There are many ways that an oil rig worker may have died while at work. Some of the more common examples include:
Fires
Because oil is highly flammable, fires can break out on an oil rig. Oil rigs require the use of open flames, which make it easier for workers to get hurt. Burn wounds can be caused by accidental fires, resulting in first, second, and third-degree burns.
Explosions
Oil rig explosions can occur when there is an uncontrolled release of natural gas from a well. Even though pressure systems are typically designed to prevent blowouts, they can sometimes occur when the system fails. These are called “gushers”, although there is equipment that helps reduce the chance of this happening.
Slip and Fall
Oil rig workers can also slip and fall due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting, resulting in a tragic slip and fall injury.
Fall From a Great Height
Oil rig workers can fall from great heights while working. This can occur when an engineer is fixing electrical equipment and wiring near the ceiling, workers changing lightbulbs, or warehouse stockers climbing ladders to update inventory. Falling from a height can cause catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
Exposure To Hazardous Materials
Oil rig workers can be exposed to hazardous materials, which can cause long-term health effects. Some of the more common hazardous materials that workers can be exposed to include:
Sulfur Dioxide: Sulfur Dioxide can cause various respiratory problems in oil rig workers.
Benzene: Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause long-term health complications.
Ammonia: Ammonia can cause burns and other respiratory problems in oil rig workers who have been exposed to it.
Drowning
One of the dangers that workers on offshore rigs face is the risk of drowning. This can happen when an oil rig worker falls off the rig. Sometimes gas leaks can force oil rig workers to evacuate. The use of life rafts exposes oil rig workers to the elements, which can result in drowning. Additionally, a strong storm can cause an oil drilling rig to capsize, which can also cause fatalities.
Are Oil Rig Workers Eligible For The Jones Act?
The Jones Act protects sailors and maritime workers. Under the Jones Act, maritime workers are entitled to certain protections, including the right to sue their employers if they are injured or killed while working. It also applies to oil rig workers since they qualify as maritime employees. When an oil rig worker passes away, their surviving family members and those listed in the will or estate can file a lawsuit on their behalf.
Speak To An Attorney
If you are a family member of an oil rig worker who died while on the job, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the company that owns the rig. You will need to speak with a lawyer to determine if you have a case, and the lawyer can help you through the process.
