Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a lawsuit against Genesis Energy, L.P. and Danos, LLC on behalf of an offshore worker who sustained serious injuries while working on the Garden Banks 72 platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The lawsuit alleges that negligence and unsafe working conditions aboard the platform led to a preventable accident, causing severe head and bodily injuries to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On May 11, 2022, the plaintiff, employed by Alliance Offshore as a rigger, was assisting with removing tubing from a well aboard the Genesis Energy-operated platform. During the operation, the plaintiff was using a spreader bar between the pipes to facilitate the removal process. While performing this task, the spreader bar unexpectedly came loose, striking the plaintiff in the head.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the plaintiff required an emergency helicopter evacuation for immediate medical treatment. He suffered serious injuries to his head, brain, neck, and back, among other areas, and continues to experience ongoing medical complications as a result of the accident.
The lawsuit asserts that these injuries were not due to any fault of the plaintiff but were instead caused by the unsafe work conditions, lack of proper supervision, and negligence by Genesis Energy, L.P. and Danos, LLC.
Failures That Led to the Offshore Platform Injury
Offshore oil and gas platforms require strict adherence to safety protocols due to the hazardous nature of the work. Proper training, supervision, and equipment maintenance are critical to preventing accidents like the one that occurred in this case. However, the lawsuit alleges that Genesis Energy and Danos failed to provide a safe working environment, leading to the plaintiff’s injury.
One of the primary failures alleged in the lawsuit was the lack of proper supervision and safety oversight. When working with equipment such as spreader bars, there must be strict adherence to safety procedures to prevent uncontrolled movements. The failure to secure the spreader bar properly resulted in it coming loose and striking the plaintiff, an entirely preventable event had proper safety measures been in place.
Another alleged failure was the lack of adequate planning and risk assessment. Before conducting a complex operation like tubing removal, a detailed job safety analysis (JSA) should have been performed to evaluate all potential hazards. This includes checking that all equipment is properly secured and that workers are positioned safely away from potential impact zones. The absence of these precautions directly contributed to the accident.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims coordination between different contractors on the platform appears to have been lacking. The plaintiff was assisted by a worker employed by Danos, LLC, and poor communication between different work teams may have played a role in the unsafe conditions. Effective coordination between contractors and operators is essential on offshore platforms to ensure that all personnel are aware of potential risks and proper work procedures.
Next Steps: Understanding Your Rights After an Offshore Injury
Workers injured on offshore oil and gas platforms have legal protections under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and general maritime law. These laws provide injured workers with avenues to hold platform operators, contractors, and equipment providers accountable when their negligence results in serious injury.
Key legal rights for injured offshore workers include:
- The right to file a claim against platform operators and contractors for failing to provide a safe work environment.
- Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability.
- The ability to seek damages for pain and suffering, including the emotional toll of a serious injury.
- Legal recourse for violations of industry safety standards, including failure to properly train personnel, lack of proper job hazard assessments, and failure to coordinate worksite operations.
Understanding these rights is crucial for offshore workers seeking fair compensation for their injuries. Consulting an experienced offshore injury attorney ensures that all available legal avenues are pursued.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Offshore Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working on an offshore platform, rig, or vessel, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under OCSLA and maritime law. The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have experience handling cases involving offshore injuries, unsafe working conditions, and contractor negligence.
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.