There was an explosion at an oil rig on a platform in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana on July 31, 2022. According to initial reports, the platform explosion occurred because cleaning chemicals left on the deck of the platform ignited. The platform is located in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, and owned and operated by Clovelly Oil Co. At least seven workers were injured in the incident, with one worker missing at present. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The explosion was so severe that houses on shore felt it occur.
Five of the workers who sustained blast and burn injuries were transported to University Medical Center, and the remaining two workers taken to East Jefferson General Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this explosion.
Unfortunately, incidents like this one are becoming to common in the oil and gas industry. There was a deadly oilfield accident near Fairview, Oklahoma on July 7, 2022. There was an explosion at an oil well site in Madison County, Mississippi on July 29, 2022.
Oil and gas extraction is dangerous work. Oil rigs can pose significant dangers both to workers and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, or workers can suffer the consequence. According to the Center for Public Integrity, 1,566 oilfield workers were killed from 2008 through 2017. Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate that the fatality rate for oil and gas workers is seven times higher than for workers in general in the United States. The CDC indicates that transportation related incidents remain the highest cause of oilfield worker death.
Those touched by an accident in the oil field should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving oilfield personal injury and wrongful death, including accidents in the oilfield. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an oilfield accident, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an oilfield accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.