Oil Rig Accidents

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New Orleans Oil Rig Accident Lawyers – Lambert Zainey

Working on an oil rig out in the Gulf of Mexico is tough, complex, and flat-out dangerous. These rigs are vital for energy, but things can go wrong fast. Fires, explosions, equipment breaking down, falls, or problems controlling the well can cause devastating injuries or even kill workers. When an accident happens on a rig, figuring out who’s responsible and which laws apply takes lawyers who really know offshore work.

Lambert Zainey’s New Orleans offshore injury lawyers have tons of experience helping workers hurt in serious oil rig accidents. We know the dangers, the machinery, the confusing mix of laws (like OCSLA, LHWCA, Jones Act), and the tricks companies use to pay less. If you or someone you care about got hurt because of unsafe conditions or carelessness on an oil rig, we’re here to fight for every penny you deserve.

Hurt in an Oil Rig Accident? Get Tough Lawyers on Your Side.

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Oil Rig Work: It’s Dangerous Out There

Offshore rigs – whether they’re fixed platforms stuck to the bottom, jack-ups standing on legs, or floating drillships – are packed with heavy machines, things that can catch fire or explode, and complicated jobs, often in bad weather. Workers face risks all the time, like:

Working way up high
Handling huge pipes and equipment
Systems under high pressure
Oil and gas that can easily catch fire
Dangerous chemicals and gases
Complex drilling and production tasks
Working in tight, enclosed spaces
Long, tiring shifts

Even with safety rules, accidents happen when companies are careless, equipment fails, or training isn’t good enough.

Which Laws Cover Oil Rig Accidents? (OCSLA, LHWCA, Jones Act)

The rules for rig injuries depend on what kind of rig it was and where it happened:

Fixed Platforms (Stuck to the seabed out on the OCS – Outer Continental Shelf): Injuries here usually fall under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). OCSLA often uses the law of the nearest state (like Louisiana) if you need to sue someone other than your boss for being careless. It also guarantees LHWCA benefits (like workers’ comp) from your employer.

>> Learn More About OCSLA.

>> Learn More About LHWCA.

Mobile Rigs (MODUs) (Like jack-ups when moving, semi-submersibles, drillships): If these are acting like “vessels,” injuries on board might be covered by General Maritime Law and maybe the Jones Act if you qualify as a seaman (part of the crew). The Jones Act lets seamen sue careless employers directly for more types of damages.

>> Learn About Jones Act Claims.

Figuring out the right law is the first step and takes lawyers who know offshore cases. See our main Offshore Injury page for overview.

case results

Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims

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$330 MILLION SETTLEMENT

Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.

SETTLED IN ONLY 12 MONTHS

Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.

Common Ways Accidents Happen on Rigs

We handle claims for all kinds of rig accidents, often caused by things like:

Fires & Explosions (Blowouts, Bad Equipment)

These are often the worst. Can be caused by losing control of the well (blowout), sparks igniting gas, bad electrical gear, or unsafe welding/cutting (“hot work”). Leads to terrible burns, often fatalities.

Falls (From Heights, Slips & Trips)

Falling from the derrick, decks, stairs, or scaffolds happens due to missing guardrails, slippery decks (oil, mud, water), bad lighting, or broken grating.

Getting Hit By or Caught In Things

Serious injuries from falling tools or pipes, swinging crane loads, or lines/hoses snapping loose. Getting limbs or bodies caught in machinery (draw works, tongs), pipes, or moving equipment.

Drilling Gear Breaking Down

Failure of top drives, draw works, Blowout Preventers (BOPs), pipe handling machines, mud pumps, or safety systems causes bad injuries. Often happens because maintenance wasn’t done right.

Well Control Problems & Blowouts

Losing control of well pressure lets oil and gas shoot out, risking massive fires or explosions. Usually caused by bad training, bad procedures, or faulty equipment like BOPs.

Rig Structure Problems (Failures, Collapse)

Rust, bad design, poor upkeep, or giant storms can make parts of the rig, or the whole thing, collapse.

Breathing Bad Stuff (Chemicals, Gas)

Exposure to harmful drilling muds, chemicals, or poisonous gases like H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) can damage lungs, burn skin, or poison workers. Happens when there’s not enough fresh air or proper safety masks (PPE).

The Serious Injuries We See from Rig Accidents

Because rig work is so dangerous, injuries are often severe and change lives:

Bad Burns (from Fire, Explosions, Chemicals)
Brain Injuries (TBIs) (from Falls, Getting Hit)
Lost Limbs (Amputations) (from Getting
Caught in Machines, Crushing)
Multiple Broken Bones
Crush Injuries
Lung Damage (from Breathing Bad Stuff)
Death
Spinal Cord Injuries / Paralysis (from Falls, Crushing)
Internal Organ Damage

We understand how devastating these injuries are – physically, emotionally, and financially. We fight to get you money that covers the real cost.

Who Can Be Blamed (Held Liable) for a Rig Accident?

Finding everyone responsible is important to get full compensation:

Your Employer: Usually provides LHWCA benefits if you’re on a fixed platform (no fault needed). If you’re a Jones Act seaman (on a mobile rig/vessel), you can sue them directly if they were negligent.
Platform Owner/Operator (if not your boss): Could be responsible under state law (via OCSLA) or maritime law if they were careless in keeping the platform safe or running operations.
Other Companies on the Rig: If a different contractor (like welders, crane company, service hands) was careless and hurt you, they can be held responsible.
Equipment Makers: If faulty equipment (like a bad valve, BOP, crane) caused the accident, the company that made it might be responsible.
Designers/Engineers: If the rig itself was designed badly leading to collapse or failure.

Our team digs deep to find everyone who played a part in causing your injury.

Why Choose Lambert Zainey for Your Rig Accident Case?

Handling tough oil rig cases takes the right skills:

We Know Offshore: We’ve been handling cases from Gulf of Mexico rig and platform accidents for decades.
We Understand Rigs: We know the equipment, the jobs, the safety rules, and what can go wrong out there.
We Know the Laws: We know how to figure out the complex rules that apply to your specific case.
We Investigate Thoroughly: We work with top experts (engineers, safety pros) to prove how the accident happened and who was careless.
We Beat Big Oil & Gas Companies: We’re not afraid to take on the major corporations and have a history of winning big for our clients.
We’re On Your Side: Getting hurt is tough, and legal claims can be confusing. We make it a priority to give you personal attention, explain things clearly, and guide you with compassion every step of the way. You’ll never be just another case file to us. Read More About Our Maritime Attorneys.

We have represented injured maritime workers for over 40 years. We understand the laws that govern maritime employers and employees.

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Companies We’ve Fought Against

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Common Questions About Oil Rig Accidents

Working on an oil rig can be dangerous, and injuries are often serious. This section answers key questions to help you understand your rights and what steps you can take after an accident.

Almost always OCSLA. Fixed platforms aren’t considered vessels, so the Jones Act usually doesn’t apply. OCSLA likely uses Louisiana law (if it’s off the coast of Louisiana) for lawsuits against others and gives you LHWCA benefits from your boss.

It depends! If the rig was jacked-up and sitting on the bottom, OCSLA probably applies. If it was floating or being moved, it might count as a vessel, and the Jones Act could apply if you’re crew. We figure this out.

Usually not if you’re on a fixed platform (under OCSLA/LHWCA). LHWCA benefits are typically your only option against your employer. But if you’re a Jones Act seaman (on a mobile rig/vessel), yes, you can sue your employer if they were careless. You can often sue other careless companies (third parties) no matter what.

Bad training, not following safety rules (like for welding or locking out machines), equipment not maintained, not providing safety gear (PPE), ignoring known dangers, and not having enough crew are common problems.

Tell your supervisor right away and get medical help! There are strict deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims under LHWCA (via OCSLA) and the Jones Act. Waiting too long can kill your case.

Call Our New Orleans Oil Rig Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone in your family was seriously hurt or killed in an oil rig accident, you need tough, experienced lawyers right away. The offshore injury team at Lambert Zainey knows the dangers, the laws, and what’s at stake. We’re ready to fight for you.

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