Seven workers suffered burn injuries in fire on Louisiana oil rig
On October 15, an oil rig located on Lake Pontchartrain near Kenner, Louisiana exploded, leaving seven workers injured and one missing.
According to witnesses, the explosion was so loud that the sonic boom from the event rattled the windows of houses over a mile away. A large fireball was visible in the sky as the rig burned.
The Kenner Police Department and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries responded quickly to reports of the emergency and were able to evacuate 11 workers from the rig. Seven of these individuals suffered burn injuries. Five of the workers were so severely burned that they were rushed to a level 1 trauma center, where they were listed in critical condition. The other two injured workers suffered less severe burns and were transported to the nearest hospital and listed in stable condition.
One worker remained unaccounted for after the explosion. The Coast Guard searched for about 24 hours without success, and finally suspended the search.
The exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated. However, according to the owner of the rig, Clovelley Oil Co., routine maintenance was being done on the rig at the time of the explosion. The speculation is that cleaning chemicals ignited on the surface of the rig and caused the explosion. The rig was in production at the time, but the wells were shut in quickly and so far no evidence has been found of oil contamination in the lake.
Regardless of what the exact cause of the explosion turns out to be, the injured workers—and the family of the missing worker—should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Have You Been Involved in an Oil Field or Oil Refinery Accident?
The oil and gas industry can be dangerous, exposing workers to risk of burn injuries, chemical exposure, crushing injuries, amputation injuries, and more. Fortunately, oil and gas companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which will provide benefits to individuals who are injured on the job. These benefits may include medical care as well as compensation for lost income and temporary or permanent disability payments.
In order to maximize your workers’ compensation benefits, you need to have an experienced oil and gas accident attorney handling your claim. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can help. We know the oil and gas industry, we know the workers’ comp process, and we know how to make sure your claim is filled out completely and correctly to position you to receive all the benefits you need and deserve. To learn more or to get immediate assistance, please call us at 800-333-0000.
