Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer
The Houston oil rig accident lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm offer nationally recognized legal representation for injured offshore workers and their families. With extensive experience in maritime law, a strong courtroom reputation, and a history of holding powerful oil and gas companies accountable, our team can make a meaningful difference in your case.
- Content Reviewed by:
- Judson A. Waltman
- Page Last Updated:
- November 25, 2025
Navigate This Page
- Why Choose Our Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Houston?
- Which Types of Oil Rig Injuries Can You Secure Compensation For?
- How Long Do You Have To File an Offshore Oil Rig Accident Claim?
- How Can the Lanier Law Firm’s Oil Rig Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?
- Contact Our Offshore Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
Working on an oil rig—whether engaging in offshore drilling or operating a mainland drilling rig—is dangerous work. You’re working long hours in extreme weather conditions where physical and mental fatigue can easily set in. On top of that, oil is a highly combustible material.
In 2020, Texas had 206 active oil rigs and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest number of derrick oil and gas workers in the country, with 4,580 workers. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston is a key center for the oil and gas industry. Houston is a key center for the oil and gas industry. Houston oil companies employ about a third of the oil and gas extraction workers in the United States.
Oil rig workers perform jobs that support oil and gas drilling and extraction operations. Oil rig derrickmen and drillers work directly with the equipment used to drill and extract the oil. Tragically, oilfield injuries and offshore oil rig injuries can escalate quickly when emergency care is not near typically isolated rigs. It’s not uncommon for oil rig workers to suffer serious injuries, including traumatic head, neck, and back injuries, burns, and loss of limbs.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that Texas oil rigs experienced 44 worker fatalities in 2019. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the injury and illness rate for drilling and other well operations on the outer continental shelf climbed in 2019.
Why Choose Our Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Houston?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil rig accident, the path forward can feel overwhelming. You need more than just legal representation. You need a team you can trust. The Lanier Law Firm is home to a team of award-winning Houston oil rig accident lawyers who are nationally recognized for delivering powerful results in the courtroom.
We have 30 years of experience providing legal care—serious, sound legal representation backed by a sincere commitment to our clients’ well-being. You’ll benefit from more than just our legal knowledge; you’ll get an advocate who will stand up to the most powerful oil and gas companies on your behalf.
Call 800-723-3216 now to see if our personal injury law firm can pursue compensation for you and your family. Consultations are free.
Which Types of Oil Rig Injuries Can You Secure Compensation For?
Oil rig workers face some of the most dangerous conditions in the workforce, and when maritime safety is neglected and accidents occur, the consequences can be catastrophic. A serious injury doesn’t just affect your ability to work; it can impact every part of your life.
Injured workers may be entitled to both economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of egregious behavior, a court may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.
These are some of the most common injuries that workers can suffer in oil rig accidents:
Serious Limb and Organ Injuries
Workers can suffer devastating injuries, such as amputated limbs, fingers, or toes, when using rig machinery or when an instrument falls or malfunctions. Untethered machinery can crush or break hands, arms, and legs. Falls can produce serious internal organ injuries.
Catastrophic Injuries
With unstable weather conditions and poor deck or equipment conditions, oil rig workers have fallen overboard and drowned at sea. Traumatic head and spine injuries in the dangerous oil rig environment can result in death or life-changing brain injury or paralysis.
Burns and Chemical Harm
Oil rig workers have been severely burned and disfigured in oil rig explosions and fires. Exposure to industrial chemicals on the job has resulted in respiratory problems, burns, and skin irritations. Scarring can impact the range of motion of the hands, neck, and other body parts.
Repetitive Movement-Induced Injuries
Working on an oil rig involves repeated bending and twisting, as well as pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy equipment. Repetitive movements can lead to herniated or ruptured discs and chronic hand and neck injuries that affect a rig worker’s ability to do manual work.
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How Long Do You Have To File an Offshore Oil Rig Accident Claim?
After a serious oil rig accident, time is not on your side. Whether you were injured on an offshore platform or lost a loved one in a fatal incident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the deadlines for taking action.
The Jones Act classifies offshore oil rig workers as “seamen” and allows them to file personal injury lawsuits against their employers for unsafe working conditions, unseaworthy vessels, or poorly maintained equipment. Under this law, you have three years from the date of injury to file your claim.
The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, provides a remedy for families who have lost loved ones in fatal offshore incidents that occurred at least three nautical miles from shore. DOHSA claims must also be filed within three years of the date of death.
How Can the Lanier Law Firm’s Oil Rig Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?
After an oil rig accident, you need more than just advice—you need a trusted legal team with the skill, experience, and resources to fight for the justice you deserve. The Lanier Law Firm’s case results demonstrate our proven track record of pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients. With our deep experience in oil and gas industry accident cases and maritime law litigation, our award-winning attorneys are prepared to take on even the largest corporations and their insurance providers.
From day one, our attorneys prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That means thoroughly investigating, gathering critical evidence, analyzing the law, and building a powerful case to maximize your compensation. Whether your accident happened offshore or on a land-based rig, our Houston oil rig accident attorneys are ready to stand by your side with fierce commitment and unwavering support.
When you choose The Lanier Law Firm, you can count on us to do the following:
- Travel to you and provide convenient and free consultations, no matter where you are
- Handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing and caring for your family
- File your claim on time to meet legal deadlines and protect your rights to compensation
- Negotiate aggressively to secure the highest possible settlement for your injuries
- Take your case to court if necessary, with trial-ready strategies and compelling presentation
We also offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action. Our Houston lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Judson A. Waltman specializes in personal injury, product liability, and maritime law. He secured one of the largest verdicts in Ward County, Texas, for an injured oilfield worker and a $2 million verdict for a Central Texas worker. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).
Contact Our Offshore Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on an offshore oil rig, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. With a strong commitment to providing personalized legal care, our compassionate legal team will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost income, and suffering.
Contact The Lanier Law Firm today at 800-723-3216 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
