If you’ve been injured on a drilling rig in Houston, you may have legal rights to compensation. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents workers harmed in drilling rig accidents across Houston and throughout Texas. Our team understands the dangers of drilling operations and the laws that may apply to your case. Whether your accident occurred on an offshore platform, a jack-up rig, or an onshore drilling site, we work to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation available under the law.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Drilling Rig Accident Claim
When you’re injured on a drilling rig, you need an attorney who understands both the industry and the law. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP brings decades of experience handling drilling rig accidents and other Houston catastrophic injury cases. Our team includes attorneys recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for their work in personal injury litigation.
Our track record includes recoveries for injured workers, including $25 million for an oil and gas incident injury, $14 million for an oil and gas accident injury, and $750,000 plus medical bills for an offshore worker’s hand injury. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. We understand the Jones Act, maritime law, and oilfield-specific regulations that may apply to your case. We also investigate drilling accidents, identify potentially responsible parties, and negotiate on your behalf.
When you choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP, you get a team focused on your recovery. We offer free consultations, work on contingency (meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation), and are available to answer your questions 24/7. Your case matters to us, and we handle it with care and attention.
Types of Drilling Rig Accidents We Handle
Drilling rig accidents take many forms, each with its own dangers and legal issues. Our team handles cases involving:
- Blowouts and well control failures that cause explosions and fires
- Equipment malfunctions and mechanical failures that injure workers
- Falls from heights and scaffolding accidents on drilling platforms
- Explosions and fires resulting from equipment failure or human error
- Chemical exposure and toxic substance injuries from hazardous materials
- Crush injuries and entanglement accidents involving heavy machinery
- Electrocution and electrical injuries from faulty equipment or improper safety practices
No matter what type of accident caused your injury, we have experience handling these claims and can pursue them on your behalf.
Common Injuries from Drilling Rig Accidents
Drilling rig injuries range from serious to catastrophic, sometimes resulting in permanent disability or death. Workers on drilling rigs face exposure to heavy machinery, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure equipment. When accidents occur, the results are often severe.
Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive function and memory, spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete paralysis, amputations of fingers, hands, arms, or legs, severe burns from fires or chemical exposure, fractures and broken bones that require extensive surgery and rehabilitation, and crush injuries that damage multiple body systems. Many of these injuries require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term lifestyle changes.
The financial impact extends beyond immediate medical bills. You may face lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP seeks compensation for these damages based on the facts of your case.
Legal Rights for Injured Drilling Rig Workers
Your legal rights depend on where your accident occurred and your employment status. Understanding these rights is important to pursuing the appropriate type of claim.
Jones Act Claims
If you work on a drilling vessel or offshore platform, you may qualify as a seaman under federal maritime law. Seamen have protections under the Jones Act, which allows you to sue your employer for negligence. This differs from workers’ compensation, which typically limits lawsuits against employers.
Under the Jones Act, you may recover damages if your employer or coworkers were negligent. You may also be entitled to maintenance and cure benefits, which cover certain living expenses and medical care while you recover, subject to legal requirements and limitations. The Jones Act can apply to workers on drilling vessels and offshore platforms.
Onshore Drilling Accident Claims
If your accident occurred on an onshore drilling site, different laws apply. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which provide medical coverage and wage replacement without requiring proof of negligence. In some situations, you may also have a third-party liability claim against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury.
Onshore drilling accidents may involve OSHA violations. If a party violated safety regulations, that may support a negligence claim. We review whether proper safety equipment was provided, whether workers received adequate training, and whether the site followed applicable standards.
How Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP Helps Drilling Rig Accident Victims
Our approach to drilling rig accident cases is detailed and strategic. We begin by investigating your accident. We gather evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, review safety records and maintenance logs, and consult with industry professionals. This process helps identify what happened and who may be responsible.
We then identify potentially responsible parties. In drilling accidents, liability can extend beyond your employer to equipment manufacturers, contractors, safety inspectors, and other companies involved in the operation. We pursue claims against parties whose actions may have contributed to your injury.
Throughout your case, we handle communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. We negotiate to reach a fair settlement and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys have courtroom experience and can present your case to a jury when needed.
We also keep you informed throughout the process. You’ll understand your options, know what to expect, and have input into major decisions about your case. You receive a free case evaluation with no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a drilling rig accident?
Your safety and health come first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, because some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Report the accident to your supervisor and make sure it’s documented. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions if you can do so safely, and get contact information from witnesses. Preserve any equipment or materials involved if possible, avoid detailed discussions about the accident with others, and contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP to discuss your situation and next steps.
How long do I have to file a drilling rig accident claim?
The deadline depends on the type of accident and where it occurred. For Jones Act claims, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. For onshore workers’ compensation claims in Texas, you typically must notify your employer within 30 days and file a claim within one year. For third-party liability claims, the statute of limitations is usually two years. Deadlines can vary, so it’s important to confirm based on your specific situation.
What damages can I recover in a drilling rig accident case?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. You may also recover lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and damages for pain and suffering. If your injury results in permanent disability, additional damages may be available. In some cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be considered.
Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?
You may still have a case if you were partially at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault; for example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you may recover $80,000.
How much is my drilling rig injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injury, medical costs, lost income, and the available evidence. Catastrophic injuries often result in higher recoveries than less severe injuries, but each case is different. We can review your situation and provide an estimate based on available information.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Many cases resolve through settlement, but some proceed to trial. Settlement discussions can take time as evidence is gathered and evaluated. If a reasonable settlement is offered, you can decide whether to accept it; if not, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured on a drilling rig in Houston, consider speaking with an attorney about your options. Call (713) 230-2200 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain potential next steps. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.