Anderson Injury Lawyers | May 8, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you work in the oil industry, you know the difference between an oil rig and an oil platform. However, others may use the terms interchangeably. The fact is that while there are many similarities between oil rigs and oil platforms, they are different structures.
Differences Between Oil Rigs and Oil Platforms in Texas
Oil rigs and platforms are offshore oil drilling facilities. Mobility is the primary difference between an oil rig and an oil platform.
An oil platform is stationary. They have legs that are secured to the ocean floor. The deck is the large surface attached to the top of the legs above the ocean. Crew quarters, drilling machinery, and other modules are attached to the deck.
Anchors attach to the ocean floor to prevent the oil platform from moving. Oil platforms provide stable facilities where workers can stay and pump oil from areas with long-term oil deposits. There are several types of oil platforms for different uses and locations.
Oil rigs are mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs), such as a jack-up rig. The platforms are designed to be moved and secured in different places. It provides a stable but temporary drilling facility for shallow water and small oil deposits.
Who Works on Oil Rigs and Oil Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico?
Many workers are required to operate oil platforms and oil rigs. Drillers, engineers, safety officers, welders, maintenance crews, and other workers usually rotate on and off the platforms in shifts. Other workers may remain on the rigs for longer periods. Each type of oil worker is essential to operate an oil platform or oil rig safely.
Accidents on Oil Platforms and Oil Rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and Texas
Oil extraction requires complicated systems and machinery. Offshore drilling is performed in the middle of the ocean. The rigs are often subjected to intense environmental conditions.
Many things can happen that can cause oil rig and oil platform accidents. Examples of accidents on offshore drilling rigs and platforms include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Damaged equipment
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Drilling accidents
- Lack of repairs and maintenance
- Fires and explosions
- Defective equipment
- Corroded pipes and equipment
- Inadequate supervision and/or training
- Lack of safety equipment
- Failing to follow safety protocol
- Worker mistakes and negligence
Accidents on oil platforms and oil rigs can cause catastrophic injuries. Workers may sustain permanent impairments and life-threatening conditions. Workers must take steps to protect their rights to benefits and compensation for oil platform accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained by Offshore Oil Workers in Texas
An oil rig or oil platform worker may sustain several injuries in an accident. Common injuries include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Organ damage
Offshore workers may be entitled to compensation under one or more federal and state laws. The Jones Act and the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) are two common forms of compensation for maritime workers. A maritime injury lawyer can help you determine the claims you can file after an accident to seek economic and non-economic damages.
What Should Oil Workers Do if They Are Injured in an Offshore Accident?
Oil workers injured on offshore rigs and platforms need to take steps to protect their health and their legal rights. Steps to take after an offshore accident include:
- Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical treatment for injuries
- Report the accident to your supervisor, employer, or other party in charge
- Write down everyone who was at the accident scene or who could have witnessed the accident
- Ask for a copy of the video of the accident
- Write down everything you can remember about the accident before you forget the details
- Do not give your written notes to your employer or other parties – keep your notes secure and private until you reach an attorney
- Never discuss the details of your accident or injuries with co-workers or other people
- Talk with a lawyer before you sign any forms or accept payments other than workers’ compensation
- Avoid posting on social media while your case is pending
- Do not agree to discuss the accident on a recorded line or provide a recorded statement
Getting in touch with a qualified attorney early on in the process can strengthen your claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas for a Free Initial Consultation
Accident claims involving offshore drilling platforms can be challenging to pursue. Working with an experienced offshore accident attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
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