Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a lawsuit under general maritime law and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) against SBM Offshore USA, Inc., SBM Gulf Production LLC, Murphy Exploration & Production Company–USA, and Wood Group PSN, Inc. on behalf of an offshore worker who suffered severe injuries while working aboard the Thunder Hawk, a semi-submersible production platform. The lawsuit alleges that negligence and unsafe conditions aboard the platform led to a preventable accident, causing significant harm to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On March 4, 2016, the plaintiff, a field service technician employed by DXP Enterprises Inc., was working aboard the Thunder Hawk, which was owned by SBM and operated by Murphy. While assisting in assembling a pump on the platform, the plaintiff was working alongside others to piece together ten-foot sections of the pump with the assistance of a crane.
During the lifting process, the crane operator failed to maintain proper tension, allowing too much slack in the lines, which caused the pipe section to shift unexpectedly. As a result, the plaintiff was jerked to the floor of the platform, suffering severe injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that these injuries were not caused by any fault of the plaintiff but instead resulted from dangerous working conditions and negligence by SBM, Murphy, and Wood Group.
Allegations of Negligence Against SBM, Murphy, and Wood Group
The lawsuit asserts that SBM, Murphy, and Wood Group failed to provide a safe working environment aboard the Thunder Hawk, exposing the plaintiff to unnecessary risks. Allegations of negligence include:
- Failure to maintain adequate communication with the crane operator, leading to unsafe lifting conditions.
- Improper crane operation, including allowing slack in the lines during lifting.
- Failure to maintain the platform and its equipment, creating hazardous conditions.
- Performing lifting operations in adverse weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to provide a reasonably safe place to work, despite known hazards associated with crane operations.
- Failure to warn the plaintiff of known and existing dangers associated with the operation.
- Allowing an incompetent and reckless crane operator to perform hazardous lifts.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Wood Group, whose personnel operated the crane, was specifically negligent in:
- Failing to maintain proper control over the crane during lifting operations.
- Neglecting to enforce proper safety protocols for crane lifts on the platform.
The lawsuit argues that proper crane operation, better communication, and adherence to safety procedures could have prevented the accident.
Responsibilities of Offshore Operators and Contractors to Ensure Safe Working Conditions
Operators of offshore production platforms, semi-submersibles, and similar oil and gas facilities have a fundamental duty to maintain a safe working environment for all personnel aboard. This responsibility extends beyond basic oversight—it requires proactive measures to ensure that lifting operations, heavy machinery use, and general work conditions do not expose workers to unnecessary risks. One of the most critical aspects of offshore safety is the proper operation of cranes and other lifting equipment. Crane operations must be executed with precision, with clear communication between operators and workers on the ground to prevent sudden shifts, dropped loads, or unexpected movements that could lead to serious injury. When lifting protocols are ignored or communication fails, workers are placed in immediate danger, as seen in this case.
Beyond crane operations, platform operators and contractors are expected to implement comprehensive safety assessments and training programs. Routine hazard identification should take place before every major operation, ensuring that no equipment malfunctions, unsecured loads, or environmental factors—such as worsening weather conditions—pose an imminent risk. Training programs must ensure that every worker, from crane operators to deckhands, understands the risks involved in their tasks and follows industry-standard safety protocols. Proper supervision is also a critical element of offshore safety. Crew members must be actively monitored to ensure that established safety measures are followed, and stop-work authority should be strictly enforced when conditions become unsafe. When companies neglect these responsibilities—failing to monitor crane operations, disregarding the dangers of slack in lifting lines, or allowing untrained personnel to handle complex machinery—they create an environment where catastrophic injuries become inevitable.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Offshore Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working aboard an offshore platform, semi-submersible, or oil and gas facility, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under maritime law and OCSLA. The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving offshore injuries, crane accidents, and unsafe working conditions.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are strict deadlines for filing offshore injury claims, so don’t wait to take action.