Four years ago, the world watched 200 million gallons of oil leak out of a BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. For a time, no one wanted to drill. Being linked to the potential to do that much harm to the environment would be catastrophic. Local BP filling stations put up signs reminding shoppers that the stores were owned by local businessmen and women, asking them not to boycott the corporation.
Now, though, the industry is booming. There are more active oil rigs in the Gulf than there were before that terrible accident occurred. With so many new rigs, business is up, and new employment opportunities are presenting themselves to maritime workers in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida. For Maritime workers in Texas, it might be a good idea to talk with a Baytown oil rig injury attorney.
Whether you’ve worked on a drilling rig before or not, you’re probably familiar with some of the accidents and injuries that can occur while on the job. This is a potentially hazardous field of employment. Common injuries include burns from exposure to flaming oil or gas, amputations from malfunctioning equipment, and injuries from exposure to toxic fumes, among others.
If you’ve been in an accident on the job, or you just want to know more about your rights as a maritime worker, a Baytown oil rig injury attorney – like the ones at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP – may be able to answer some questions for you. If an accident is caused by negligence on the part of your employer, then you’ll be due a fair amount of worker’s compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you work on a drilling rig and have been in an accident, a Baytown oil rig injury attorney can help you.