Florida’s oil and gas industry infrastructure creates serious occupational hazards for workers. From petroleum terminals to maintenance yards and chemical refining stations, the risks of explosions, fires, and falls are ever-present. When oil and gas companies cut corners on safety protocols, catastrophic injuries and fatalities can result.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our experienced Miami personal injury attorney provides high-powered legal representation for injured oil & gas industry workers. We’re positioned to handle these cases involving federal regulations, maritime law, and third-party liability and fight for maximum compensation for injured victims.
Safety Regulations for the Oil & Gas Industry in Florida
The oil and gas industry is governed by a complex network of safety regulations. In Florida, oversight includes not only local agencies like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), but also major federal regulators:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA enforces standards through its Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing guidelines, including required hazard communication, fall protection, and emergency response training.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Since much of Florida’s oil and gas activity involves transportation, the DOT regulates fuel truck safety, pipeline operation, and hazardous material handling under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE): For offshore platforms and coastal operations, BSEE enforces safety and environmental compliance for oil rig operations.
- Maritime Law and the Jones Act: If the injury occurs on navigable waters (e.g., offshore oil rigs or ships transporting fuel), maritime law and the Jones Act may apply, giving seamen the right to sue for negligence.
Many oil companies and subcontractors in Florida may delay inspections, bypass safety equipment maintenance, or fail to provide required safety training, creating dangerous conditions for workers. When such negligence or violation of safety protocols leads to injury, our oil field injury lawyer in Florida holds those parties accountable.
Common Causes of Oil & Gas Accidents in Florida
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Florida oil rig accident attorney has handled numerous catastrophic injury cases stemming from oil and gas operations.
- Explosions and Fires: Leaking gas lines, improperly stored chemicals, and faulty electrical systems can ignite flammable vapors, causing massive explosions or burn injuries.
- Falls from Heights: Oil rigs, towers, and elevated platforms require extensive climbing. Lack of guardrails or personal fall arrest systems can lead to fatal falls.
- Equipment Failures and Crush Injuries: Malfunctioning derricks, hoists, pumps, or forklifts can result in workers being crushed, impaled, or amputated.
- Toxic Exposure: Prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas, drilling muds, benzene, and other petroleum-based chemicals can cause respiratory damage, neurological harm, and even cancer.
- Pipeline Accidents: Pipeline maintenance and repair workers often face confined space hazards, line ruptures, or toxic exposure.
- Transportation Incidents: Given the amount of oil and gas transported across Florida’s highways and coastal ports, traffic collisions involving fuel trucks or barges are also a cause of injury and death.
- Inadequate Training or Supervision: Many injuries occur due to unqualified personnel operating machinery or failing to recognize imminent hazards due to a lack of proper oversight.
Steps You Should Take After an Oil Field Injury in Florida
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil and gas accident in Florida, be prepared to take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to your supervisor
- Don’t sign anything or give statements to the company
- Take photographs of the accident site and your injuries
- Collect names of co-workers or witnesses
- Call our experienced oil & gas injury attorney
How Our Florida Oil and Gas Accident Attorneys Maximize Compensation
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, the oil and gas injury cases and other cases we handle begin with an aggressive and detail-oriented strategy. Apart from pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, we explore every legal pathway to recover maximum financial recovery for our clients.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
We send letters of preservation immediately to ensure critical evidence, such as rig logs, maintenance records, surveillance footage, or black box data, isn’t destroyed. Our team may work with:
- Industrial safety experts
- Petroleum engineers
- Accident reconstructionists
Identifying All Liable Parties
In many cases, multiple entities may be responsible, including:
- The rig or refinery owner
- Equipment manufacturers
- Subcontractors
- Transportation companies
- Third-party maintenance vendors
We pursue third-party claims wherever possible to obtain damages not available under workers’ compensation.
Maritime and Jones Act Claims
If your accident occurred offshore or on navigable waters, we may pursue a Jones Act claim, which allows injured maritime workers to sue employers for negligence—a powerful alternative to traditional workers’ comp.
Trial-Ready Representation
From day one, we prepare every case for trial. Our reputation for tough, evidence-driven litigation gives us leverage during negotiations, which may result in high-value settlements without ever stepping into court. But if a trial becomes necessary, we’re ready to forcefully present your case before a jury.To schedule your free consultation, call Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
