Oil and Gas Explosions

While jobs in the oil and gas industry can be lucrative for workers, they come with significant safety risks. Oil and gas are volatile substances, and when explosions occur, the consequences can be severe for anyone caught in the blast. Those who work on oil rigs or in proximity to gasses are more likely to suffer injuries in an explosion.

If you were injured in an oil and gas industry explosion, the attorneys at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. are here to fight for your legal rights.

Causes of Oil and Gas Explosions

Fires are one of the most obvious causes of oil and gas explosions. The smallest spark or open flame can cause a chain reaction through oil and gas. If there is a large concentration of fuel in one place, the resulting explosion could be massive. Any fires that come from the explosion are difficult to extinguish because of the fuel supply.

Blowout is another cause of explosions, especially on oil rigs. When oil or gas erupts from a well, the resulting pressure can lead to detonation. Blowouts were more common in the past before the development of technology that accurately monitors pressure in the well. However, blowouts still occur.

Often, these causes connect back to equipment failures. If the monitors do not keep accurate readings on the pressure in oil rigs or a faulty wire sparks in an open source of oil or gas, then explosions can result. Those caught in the explosion can suffer extensive burns and even death.

Any of these causes can be the result of negligence, either on the part of an individual or the whole company. The company may not have followed safety regulations or a worker may not have performed their duties properly – with serious consequences as a result.

Determining Liability

Many different levels of liability can exist in an oil and gas explosion. Some potential claims within a personal injury or wrongful death case can include:

• Failure to perform needed maintenance and repair
• Lack of proper supervision
• Inadequate safety procedures to prevent explosions
• Failure to adhere to industry codes and standards
• Lack of proper training programs
• Negligence on the part of the refinery operators as well as other third parties

If one individual’s actions caused the explosion, that person is likely to be the liable party. Equipment failures and improper maintenance are often the responsibility of the refinery operators or maintenance workers. In some cases, a third party not connected to the refinery may be at fault in the incident.

Sometimes these issues can be very complex to navigate. Our team understands the regulations within the gas and oil industry and can use that knowledge to determine the responsible party in your oil or gas explosion injury.

Oil and gas explosions can result in devastating injuries for those involved. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or loss of life due to an oil or gas explosion, you may be eligible for compensation. Whether you need help with workers’ compensation or filing a personal injury lawsuit, we are here to help you.

Don’t face the court system alone. Our attorneys have been responsible for hundreds of successful cases over the past five years. Let us stand by you in court and help you gain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out what we can do to help you.