What If Someone Falls Off An Oil Rig?

Posted January 28, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

Oil rigs are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world. With some 83 fatalities in the oil industry in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers aboard these offshore platforms are exposed to harsh conditions, including unpredictable weather, heavy machinery, and the risk of falls. 

A fall from an oil rig can result in severe injuries or even death. But what happens if someone falls off an oil rig? The steps taken immediately after a fall can make a huge difference down the line when it comes to potential legal actions and the person’s long-term recovery. 

If you or a loved one works in the oil industry and is frequently on a rig, you may worry about safety. At Fielding Law, we understand the complexities of the oil industry and the unique challenges of working on rigs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your oil rig fall case.

The Immediate Response: What Happens After a Fall?

When a worker falls from an oil rig, the immediate response is critical for survival and minimizing injury. Rigs are typically equipped with safety measures designed for quick response to accidents. However, the remoteness of oil rigs, combined with the often harsh environmental conditions, makes the situation more challenging. 

In the event of a fall, oil rigs are required to have specific emergency response protocols in place. These protocols are typically designed to provide immediate first aid, stabilize the injured person, and transport him or her to safety as quickly as possible. 

Once the individual is brought back to the platform, the medical team will assess his or her injuries. Most oil rigs have trained medical personnel on board, and some even have small medical clinics or telemedicine capabilities for more specialized care. In the case of severe injuries, the injured worker may be evacuated to a hospital for further treatment.

Common Injuries From Oil Rig Falls

Falls from oil rigs can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, depending on the height of the fall and the conditions at the time. Common fall injuries include fractures, such as broken legs, arms, or ribs, which can occur if the worker lands on a hard surface or machinery. 

Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are also prevalent, especially if the worker is not wearing appropriate head protection. In addition to fractures and head injuries, falls from oil rigs can result in spinal cord injuries, which may cause partial or complete paralysis, and internal injuries, such as damage to vital organs. 

Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and ligament tears, are also common, as a worker may twist or contort his or her body during the fall. The severity of these injuries often leads to long recovery times, with some workers never fully returning to their previous physical abilities, making it crucial to seek appropriate medical attention and legal advice following an accident.

In extreme cases where the fall results in severe trauma or death, an investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the accident. This is critical not only for addressing any legal claims but also for identifying potential hazards that may need to be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Legal Implications: Who Is Responsible?

When an accident occurs on an oil rig, the question of liability is a central concern. A fall from a rig can lead to both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Workers’ compensation

In most cases, workers who are injured on an oil rig will be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which provide financial assistance for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation is typically a no-fault system, meaning that injured employees do not need to prove that their employer was negligent to receive benefits.

However, in some situations, workers’ compensation may not be the only avenue for recovery. If the fall was caused by negligence on the part of the employer or another party, the injured worker may be able to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation. This is where a more complex legal analysis comes into play.

Third-party liability

In some cases, a third party — such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or service provider — could be held responsible for a fall from an oil rig. If defective equipment or a failure to maintain safety standards contributed to the fall, the injured party may have a viable claim for negligence against the third party.

For example, if the fall was caused by defective safety harnesses or improperly maintained guardrails, the manufacturer or contractor responsible for maintaining those safety devices could be held liable. In this situation, the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the third party in addition to filing for workers’ compensation.

Maritime laws

Since many oil rigs are located offshore, maritime laws may apply to falls that occur on these platforms. The Jones Act, which governs the rights of maritime workers, could allow injured workers to file lawsuits against employers for negligence if they can show that their employer’s actions led to the fall.

In addition, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) may provide workers with compensation benefits for injuries that occur while working on offshore rigs, but the legal framework differs slightly from that of traditional workers’ compensation.

Oil Rig Injury Attorneys Who Care

If you or someone you know has been injured in a fall on an oil rig, it’s important to consult an experienced maritime or personal injury attorney to understand your rights and explore your legal options. The right legal guidance can help ensure that the injured party receives the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

At Fielding Law, our oil rig accident lawyers are proud to represent the people of Texas, Idaho, and Utah, key oil-producing states. We understand the unique challenges the oil industry presents, the devastation oil rig accidents can cause, and the urgent need to fight for the rights of victims. We will listen to your story with compassion and our strong desire to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered an oil rig fall, schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options. Call us today at (877) 880-4090 or contact us online to talk to an oil rig accident attorney.

Photo by Steve McCaul

Text edited by Mitchell Fielding, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Fielding Law. Mitchell is known for his hard work ethic, friendly personality and dedication to the law. You can find out personal injury law offices in Taylorsville, UT and Mesquite, TX.