Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig Explosion Claims Three Lives

An oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico exploded and caught fire off the coast of Grand Isle, tragically killing three workers. Out of twenty-four workers on the platform at the time of the explosion, four workers also suffered serious burns. One worker who suffered severe burns died after the accident at the hospital.

Regulators from the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ordered Black Elk Energy, the platform operator, to immediately improve its offshore safety. Black Elk runs 98 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and the bureau recorded 156 non-compliance problems with Black Elk in 2012 alone.

Operators of oil platforms are legally required to create and implement safe working conditions for their workers. All too often, accidents occur when employers fail to routinely inspect and maintain equipment on the oil platform or fail to establish a framework of safe operating procedures for workers.

After an offshore accident, a maritime lawyer can analyze the conditions of your employment and determine your rights under federal maritime law. Certain maritime laws, such as the Jones Act, require an injured worker to prove his employer’s negligence or a vessel’s unseaworthiness in order to recover compensation. An employer’s violation of federal regulations can create an inference of negligence on the part of the employer and strengthen an injured worker’s case.

At Broussard, David & Moroux, our offshore accident lawyers have experience representing workers injured in oil platform accidents and their surviving family members. We will work with you and your family to ensure you recover the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, rehabilitation or loss. For a complimentary consultation, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll-free) or 337-337-2323 (local).