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BP Website Response to Deep Horizon Oil Spill

Oil Rig Injury Attorney:  BP has launched a new website designed to defend its response to the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill. The oil spill left 11 people dead and spilled almost 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. In the new website, the company defends its actions after the horrific accident. In part, the website says “The Deepwater Horizon blowout and explosion was a tragic accident, and BP, alone, among all involved parties, stepped up from the beginning and acknowledged its role”.

BP does not admit negligence, stating that it was not “grossly negligent in its actions leading up to the spill”. In response to lawsuits that were subsequently filed after the accident, BP replies that gross negligence has not been proven.

Additionally, BP says that the estimate of spilled oil is too high. The estimate may be important when it comes to fines. Under the Clean Water Act, BP may be fined $1,100 for each spilled barrel. The fine jumps to $4,300 each barrel if BP were to be found grossly negligent.

When determining penalties using the Clean Water Act, the courts must determine the parties’ responsibility as well as how much oil was spilled. They court may also take other factors into consideration such as the company’s actions after the spill occurred. Certainly an oil rig injury attorney will work to prove the gross negligence.

In cases such as this one, the culpability is likely quite clear. The resolution will be based on whether the court feels the case for gross negligence has been proven. An experienced oil rig injury attorney gets involved in these types of cases. If involved in an accident of this type it is best to seek counsel from an oil rig injury attorney as soon as possible. The lawyer will review every aspect of the case to help resolve the case in a favorable manner.

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Rights of an Injured Offshore Worker

Offshore workers have very hazardous jobs. Injuries are all too common among these workers and unfortunately, when a accident does occur, it often has serious results. If you are an injured offshore worker you need to understand that you do have rights. The first step for victims of injuries is to speak to an offshore injury attorney. This is a lawyer who specializes in these types of accidents.

Sometimes an injured offshore worker may be afraid to take legal action because of fear. However, it is important to know that maritime laws and particularly the Jones Act, protects seamen by ensuring they maintain their rights. One of the most important rights as an injured offshore worker is the right to an attorney. Contact an offshore injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident happens.

Once an offshore injury attorney has been contacted you can rest assured that the lawyer will begin working on your case by gathering information and reviewing doctor reports. If an accident occurs you can be sure that the company will immediately begin taking action by utilizing the company investigators and legal team. You need to take steps to protect your rights so you are protected every step of the way.

If you have suffered an injury, your main concern is likely your current and future health. It is essential that you seek the medical treatments necessary to ensure this happens. Your attorney will help to make sure that you receive all the medical benefits that you are entitled to. You’ll also probably be concerned about the inability to work while you’re recovering from the injury. If the accident or injury was the result of negligence on the part of another, your lawyer may help you seek additional damages to include such things as lost wages, and money for pain and suffering.

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Man Acquitted of Causing Deaths in Boating Accident

November 14th saw the conclusion of a trial for a tragic boating accident that happened in June 2012. The accused, Paul Bennett, had been his fishing boat when it crashed into the Prince family’s pontoon. Two young boys, Jake and Griffin Prince, were killed by the impact, and investigations have been ongoing since then as to who exactly was at fault for the fatal incident.

While Bennett was found not guilty of being at fault for the deaths of the boys, he was convicted on several other charges and sentenced to two and a half years of prison. He is also no longer allowed to operate a boat in the state of Georgia.

The original accident also caused a legislation change in the state, with a lowering of the legal alcohol limit permitted when in operation of a boat. It had been 0.10 but is now 0.08.

The boys’ family was unconvinced that Bennett was not at fault for the accident. While they are relieved that he received partial punishment and is no longer permitted to operate a boat, they still expressed disappointment that he was not being held responsible for the actions that they feel led to Jake and Griffin’s deaths. They are, however, happy that the law has been changed to make things safer for everyone and that the long process of determining what had happened was done, so that they could move forward with their lives.

Regardless of where responsibility lies for this accident, it is agreed by all parties that it was unexpected and tragic. Very few people are mentally or legally prepared for a serious boating accident. If you spend a lot of time on the water, you should seek the services of a maritime lawyer like Kirkendall Dwyer LLP.

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Numerous Accidents Reported after Typhoon

As expected, the Philippine Coast Guard has been receiving many reports of maritime accidents since the typhoon hit. The typhoon is considered to be one of the most powerful storms ever known to man so it is no wonder that many ships were impacted as a result. High winds create huge waves which can cause even some of the most seaworthy vessels to become damaged or disabled.

Unfortunately, when a ship goes down at sea there are often no survivors. This is especially true when there is a major storm in the area. A small lifeboat or life preservers or vests are no match for the powerful waves and wind that the typhoon produced.

Thus far, 13 maritime accidents have been reported to the coast guard. However, many more are likely expected. If entire ships went down with no survivors, it could take weeks or longer to learn of the accident. One of the worst accidents reported so far is the Andrea Princess, a cargo ship. It was taking shelter as best it could in Ando Island when the typhoon hit. The rough seas caused it to drift and eventually run aground. Of the crew members aboard, 2 have died, 5 are missing, and 15 have been saved.

The full extent of the disaster has not yet been realized. Many ships sunk, and many more drifted until they came to shore. Piles of debris including many ships must be gone through. It is likely that there were many maritime fatalities that are not yet known. While the typhoon was a natural disaster, many maritime accidents are the result of negligence. A Texas City personal injury attorney has experience dealing with all types of maritime accidents and injuries.

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to a Texas City personal injury attorney to learn what you should do after an accident occurs. Your attorney will answer any questions you may have and guide you through the legal process. It’s best to call a Texas City personal injury attorney as soon after the injury occurs as possible.

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Four Filipino Offshore Workers Dead in One Year

Things are getting ugly in the Gulf as the beginning of November marks the fourth death of a Filipino offshore worker within one year. Three were killed in an explosion on an oil platform in the latter half of last November, and now a worker trying to decommission a platform has also been killed in an accident.

Understandably, the Philippine Embassy has been concerned. The incidents suggest both the use of immigrant workers to take on riskier jobs- and it is obvious how dangerous these jobs can be- and bring up concerns about safety procedures. While many deep water wells have been revamped over the last three years after a serious incident in 2010, there has been much less stress on the safety protocols of shallow water wells.

However, it is clear that more emphasis does need to be made on these shallow water platforms and their safety procedures and training. The Philippine Embassy has urged the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, founded after the 2010 incident, to investigate this death and perform a close assessment on any related safety practices to protect both Filipino and American offshore workers from further injuries or fatalities.

Houston maritime workers, who have their own work in the Gulf, should be particularly concerned about these potential safety issues. If you do not already have a maritime lawyer in Houston lined up in case the worst should occur, you need to do so immediately. Call Kirkendall Dwyer LLP in order to get compensation for injuries you or a loved one has suffered or simply to get more information about your options in case a serious accident should happen to you. Be prepared and take on the very best in order to protect yourself properly.

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Types of Maritme Accidents

There are many types of maritime accidents. Of these, the most dangerous, and the type with the most potential for injuries or death, is a collision at sea. There are a number of different ways a collision can take place. All of them present hazardous conditions for those aboard the vessels. Serious accidents, with injuries, can occur quickly. A victim of such an accident will want to discuss it with an experienced maritime injury lawyer.

Bow-On: This type of collision occurs when two ships collide front to front. It can be compared to a head-on collision in a vehicle. In many cases, the bow-on accident may be caused by an inability to brake or slow the vessel. Maritime rules call for vessels that are approaching each other in this manner to pass to the starboard, so both ships avoid a collision course. Failure to take action is almost always attributed to human error.

Stern Collisions: This type of accident happens when one vessel hits another near the rear. This can cause extensive damage. Stern collisions are most likely to happen when passing another vessel. Maritime rules provide that a vessel that is being passed should stay out of the way of the other vessel. It is possible to run into the other vessel, which is commonly caused by crew members who are not paying attention.

Side Collisions: A side collision is similar to a T-bone accident in a vehicle. One vessel crashes into the side of another vessel. Sometimes an accident of this type could be caused by adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or waves that make it difficult to gain control of the vessel.

Allison Accidents: These are accidents that occur when a moving vessel runs into a stationary object. A common Allison accident may happen when a vessel hits a bridge or seawall. In cases such as this, the moving vessel is presumed to be at fault.  These accidents, while often close to shore, can be dangerous to both crew members and passengers. Talk to a maritime injury lawyer to learn what steps to take if you have been injured.

Maritime accidents can be hazardous and can result in injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, contact a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.