Few things are scarier for North Dakota oilfield workers than an oil well blowout. While terrifying to see or live through, oil well blowout accidents often stem from careless or dangerous actions by employers or workers, making it especially frustrating when workers sustain injuries in these accidents.
We believe it’s essential to hold those responsible for oil well blowouts accountable for their negligence. That’s why we compiled a list of common causes of blowouts to help you understand who may be liable for your injuries.
Poor Well Design
Inadequate planning or poor engineering during well construction can lead to blowouts if the well lacks proper barriers or pressure control mechanisms. Without these safety features, an uncontrolled release of oil or gas becomes more likely. In these cases, the engineering company or designers responsible for planning may be liable for failing to create a safe design.
Faulty Blowout Preventers (BOPs)
Blowout preventers (BOPs) are critical safety devices that help control sudden pressure changes in a well. If these devices malfunction due to defects or improper maintenance, they may fail to prevent a blowout. Liability in these cases often falls on the manufacturer for defective equipment or the operator responsible for maintaining the BOP.
Improper Drilling Practices
Inadequate training or negligent drilling practices can lead to pressure imbalances and cause a sudden, uncontrolled gas or oil release. Drillers or site operators who overlook safety protocols, skip important safety checks, or fail to properly monitor well conditions may be responsible if these actions contribute to a blowout.
Unexpected Pressure Buildup
Certain rock formations or geological conditions can lead to unanticipated high-pressure zones that make a blowout more likely. If drilling crews or site managers fail to account for these conditions or ignore signs of increased pressure, they may inadvertently trigger a blowout. In such cases, liability could rest on the site operator or geologists who didn’t properly assess the area.
Equipment Failure Due to Wear and Tear
Over time, drilling equipment experiences significant wear, which can weaken components and lead to catastrophic failures under high pressure. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn parts are essential to prevent blowouts. If site operators or equipment providers fail to maintain safe equipment, they may be liable for any accidents resulting from poor maintenance.
Human Error
Mistakes like misinterpreting pressure readings or neglecting safety protocols can quickly escalate into a blowout. In these situations, fault for the blowout may lie with individual workers, supervisors, or the company overseeing operations, depending on training standards and safety practices in place.
Compensation for Oil Well Blowout Accident Injuries
Oilfield workers injured in a blowout accident have two primary methods to recover compensation for their injuries. The first is a workers’ compensation claim. North Dakota law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, and workers don’t have to prove fault to claim these benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits available to injured oilfield workers include:
- Full coverage of all reasonable, medically necessary treatments for their injuries.
- Partial wage-replacement benefits while the employee cannot work, up to certain limits under North Dakota law.
- Disability benefits for a scheduled period of time if a worker’s injuries result in permanent physical impairment.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits for injured workers who can’t return to their old jobs.
While injured oilfield workers typically can’t sue their employers, they could sue another party liable for a blowout, such as an equipment manufacturer or engineering company separate from their employer. Personal injury claims let injured workers seek compensation for more losses than workers’ comp covers, such as:
- The full amount of their lost wages
- Reduced future earnings due to an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Contact a North Dakota Oil Well Blowout Accident Attorney Now
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., understands the challenges injured oilfield workers face and can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries after a blowout. We can handle all the legal work in a workers’ comp claim or personal injury lawsuit while you focus on your medical treatment. You have a limited time to act after a blowout accident, so call us today or reach out online for a free consultation.
