Crews Return to Offshore Drilling Rigs after Evacuations

Crews have started returning to the hundreds of vacant jack-up rigs, oil rigs and oil platforms that had to be evacuated for Hurricane Isaac. The bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement reported that while there are still a number of rigs that are not yet in operation, the vast majority are seeing a return to operation. Over 500 rigs were evacuated off of the Louisiana coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico as the hurricane gathered to category 2 force. Besides avoiding any worker injuries as the hurricane gathered strength, there were also concerns about leaks and other oil contamination as Isaac made its way through the Gulf. As crews left the many platforms and rigs there were a number of operations implemented to help mitigate any damages. Evacuation and shutdown procedures included shutting down all machinery and closing safety valves such as those located under the ocean bottom in pipes tapping into undersea oil reserves. It is vital that precautions are taken to protect maritime workers. Working on a ship, tanker, oil rig, barge, boat or in any of the numerous harbors can be dangerous. Talk to an offshore injury attorney if you were injured while on the job in an accident that was not your fault.

Get the Help of a Louisiana Offshore Injury Lawyer

As a longshoreman, harbor worker or employee on any kind of maritime vessel, you are protected by the Jones Act when it comes to injuries while on the job. This type of workplace environment means dealing with heavy equipment and machinery and having to trust that your employers and co-workers are alertly tending to their responsibilities. If anything goes wrong it can mean serious injury or even death. Maritime accidents such as fires, collisions, deck accidents, falls, drowning, explosions, electric shock, malfunctioning equipment and other incidents can not only cause a painful injury but can impact you for the rest of your life. The law offices of Arnold & Itkin are dedicated to helping clients throughout Louisiana including the Port of South Louisiana, Port of Houma, Port of New Orleans, Port of Shreveport, Port Fourchon, Port of Lake Charles, Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Plaquemines Parish Port and others. You may be entitled to substantial compensation if your injury was caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment or the recklessness of a negligent co-worker or employer. Contact us as soon as you can to find out how an injury attorney with us may be able to help with your case.