Oil Rig Accident Claims

Working on an oil rig is a dangerous occupation. Designed to extract oil and natural gas from reserves located deep under the ground or the sea, oil rigs are crucial for producing fuel, plastics, and many other products. However, they pose significant risks to workers due to the use of heavy machinery, the hazardous nature of the materials, harsh weather conditions and isolation.

Employers have a legal duty of care to keep oil rig workers as safe as possible from accidents. A breach of their duties under health and safety legislation can result in various injuries, including burns, respiratory illnesses, head injuries, broken bones, and even drowning.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries while working on an oil rig, you may be entitled to make an oil rig accident compensation claim. To find out more about your legal options, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details here for a free case assessment.

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Table of Contents

• What are oil rigs?
• Duty of care of employers towards oil rig and offshore workers
• Am I entitled to make an oil rig accident claim?
• What is the process of making a claim for an oil rig accident?
• Common types of oil rig and offshore accidents
• Negligence that can lead to oil rig accidents
• What injuries could you suffer in an accident on an oil rig?
• Can I lose my job by making a claim against my employer?
• Claims for fatal accidents on oil rigs
•  What is the time limit to start a personal injury compensation claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for oil rig injuries?
• How much will it cost to make an oil rig accident claim?

What are oil rigs?

Oil rigs are large platforms with equipment used to extract oil and natural gas from under the ground, especially under the sea. Besides machinery and tools designed to drill wells, they typically also have facilities to accommodate workers.

There are two types of oil rigs:

• Onshore rigs operate on land and are used for drilling wells and extracting oil and gas from terrestrial reserves;
• Offshore rigs operate in bodies of water, such as seas and oceans and extract oil from under the seabed.

Oil rigs play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands and providing the resources used in fuel, plastics and many other products. However, they present many challenges for workers due to heavy machinery, the combustible nature of the materials extracted and the extreme environments, such as deserts and deep waters. Thus, it is essential that employers follow strict safety guidelines to protect the health and well-being of everyone working on an oil rig.

Duty of care of employers towards oil rig and offshore workers

As mentioned above, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of oil rig workers. Their duties are mandated by various legislations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Employers within the oil and gas industry have the following obligations:

• Carry out regular risk assessments to identify risks and hazards that could lead to accidents and injuries;
• Adhere to industry standards such as those set by the HSE Offshore Safety Directive;
• Provide a safe working environment by ensuring the oil rig and all its structures are secure and properly maintained;
• Offer comprehensive safety training to all workers, including emergency response drills;
• Provide specialised training for the safe use of machinery and equipment;
• Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, ear protection and harnesses and ensure workers are trained to use it correctly;
• Regularly inspect and maintain machinery, tools and safety gear;
• Install and maintain non-slip surfaces, handrails, and guardrails;
• Ensure walkways are clear of obstructions and adequately lit;
• Implement work schedules that prevent overexertion and fatigue;
• Offer regular health checks and monitor for signs of occupational illnesses;
• Equip the rig with fire extinguishers, lifeboats, and emergency medical kits.

If your employer causes an oil rig accident by failing to comply with relevant legislation and regulations, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim for any harm caused to you. Your claim can also cover financial losses, such as lost wages if you had to take time off work.

Am I entitled to make an oil rig accident claim?

The easiest way to determine if your case has merit is through a consultation with a solicitor experienced in oil rig and offshore compensation claims. They will offer you a free assessment over the phone to verify whether:

• Your employer has failed to uphold their duty of care towards you;
• Their negligence has led to an accident;
• You suffered an injury or illness because your employer breached their legal duties.

A duty of care and negligence will be based on the abovementioned legislation. Before taking on your case, your solicitor will also verify that you are within the time limit to start legal proceedings, which is typically three years following an accident. You can read more about the claims process below.

What is the process of making a claim for an oil rig accident?

If you want to claim oil rig accident compensation, the first thing you should do is contact a solicitor for a free case assessment. If you have a fair chance of success, they will help you proceed with your claim on a no win no fee basis. Gathering supporting evidence is an essential step of the claims process, and your solicitor will help you collate everything you need to secure compensation. This could include:

• Photographs of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions and your injuries;
• CCTV footage of the accident, if available;
• A copy of an accident report filed with the oil rig operator or your employer, which should include details about the incident;
• Statements from witnesses who saw the accident or were aware of the conditions that led to it;
• Your medical records, such as test results and doctor’s notes, detailing the type and severity of your injuries and the treatments received;
• Safety records and inspection and maintenance reports for the machinery and equipment on the oil rig;
• Your employment records will help verify your job tasks and employment status;
• You also need financial documents to prove any losses incurred due to your accident.

Once you have the required evidence, your solicitor will calculate how much compensation you are entitled to. They will also inform your employer or their insurer of your claim and start negotiating a settlement. If they deny liability or you cannot reach a settlement agreement, your solicitor will be prepared to argue your case in court. But don’t worry about this, as over 95% of all personal injury claims are settled without court involvement.

Common types of oil rig and offshore accidents

Some of the most common accidents and situations that can lead to an oil rig injury and accident claim include:

• Slips, trips and falls caused by slippery surfaces, poorly maintained walkways or uneven surfaces;
• Falls from heights such as platforms and ladders due to lack of safety equipment or poor maintenance;
• Accidents during transport to and from the rig involving boats or helicopters;
• Fires and explosions caused by equipment malfunctions or fuel leaks;
• Heavy machinery accidents involving moving parts of cranes, drills or machinery failure;
• Falling objects such as tools, equipment, debris or improperly secured cargo or materials;
• Electrocutions due to poorly maintained electrical systems;
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents due to lack of barriers or poor safety practices;
• Exposure to hazardous substances and materials such as toxic fumes;
• Overexertion due to long shifts, repetitive movements and high-pressure environments;
• Accidents caused by platform collapses due to poor maintenance or structural issues.

Negligence that can lead to oil rig accidents

As mentioned above, your employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment and keep you safe from harm while doing your job. Common types of negligence that lead to claims for oil rig accidents and offshore injuries include:

• Inadequate risk assessments and safety measures;
• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, helmets, or harnesses;
• Failing to properly train workers on how to do their job safely;
• Using poorly maintained or defective equipment and machinery;
• Violating industry standards or legal requirements for safe operations;
• Failing to oversee operations to ensure safety protocols are followed;
• Allowing unsafe working conditions, such as slippery surfaces or missing handrails;
• Mishandling or incorrect storage of flammable, toxic or explosive materials.

What injuries could you suffer in an accident on an oil rig?

Without adequate safety measures, the hazardous working conditions and heavy machinery on oil rigs can lead to various injuries and illnesses, such as:

• Broken bones caused by falls or being struck by heavy objects or machinery;
• Head injuries from falling tools or equipment;
• Back injuries such as herniated discs or spinal cord trauma from falls or heavy lifting;
• Crush injuries from being trapped between machinery or equipment;
• Burns caused by fires, explosions or contact with hot surfaces;
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents, including hypothermia, when working near water;
• Respiratory illnesses due to inhalation of toxic chemicals or gases which can damage the lungs and airways;
• Musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains and repetitive strain injuries from overuse of muscles and joints;
• Hearing loss caused by constant exposure to loud machinery without adequate hearing protection;
• Amputations resulting from severe crush injuries or burns;
• Fatal injuries can result from explosions, falls from heights and other catastrophic accidents.

If your employer’s negligence caused the injury or illness you suffered, a personal injury solicitor can help you make a claim for compensation.

Can I lose my job by making a claim against my employer?

No. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, it is illegal for your employer to sack you for making an accident at work claim. Furthermore, they cannot subject you to retaliation, such as reduced hours, demotion or harassment, because of your claim.

If you are dismissed or disciplined, a specialist lawyer can help you file for unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal, which may order your employer to reinstate you or compensate you financially. It is essential to keep in mind that you must make the claim to a tribunal within three months of being dismissed.

You should also remember that all employers must hold Employer’s Liability (EL) insurance against personal injuries to employees. If you make a successful claim against your employer, their insurance will cover your damages, so they will not be left out of pocket.

Claims for fatal accidents on oil rigs

If a loved one has suffered serious injuries and passed away following an oil rig accident, you might be entitled to claim compensation if:

• Their accident was due to another party’s negligence.
• You qualify as their dependent under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. This typically includes spouses and civil partners, cohabiting partners for at least two years, children, parents, siblings, and anyone treated as a child or parent.

If you fulfil these requirements, an experienced personal injury solicitor can help you claim the following types of compensation for the loss of your loved one:

• The financial benefits expected from them, such as lost salaries, bonuses and alternative sources of income;
• The loss of services and contributions, such as home maintenance, childcare and housekeeping;
• Reasonable costs related to arranging and conducting their funeral, such as the headstone and transporting the body to the grave;
• The pain, suffering and financial losses incurred by your loved one between their accident and passing away;
• A limited number of dependents can also claim bereavement damages of £15,120 for the emotional distress caused by the loss of their loved one.

 What is the time limit to start a personal injury compensation claim?

As with any other personal injury claim, you have three years to initiate legal proceedings from the date of the accident. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and cannot be surpassed, or your case will be statute-barred. This basically means you will lose your legal right to make a personal injury claim.

Your solicitor will need time to gather evidence and prepare your case, so we encourage you to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure they can build a compelling case before the deadline.

The Limitation Act does provide a few exceptions to this rule, such as:

• If you develop an illness or injury over time, the three years will begin to run from the date of knowledge. This refers to when your condition was diagnosed and linked to your work on an oil rig.
• If a loved one lacks the mental capacity to start a claim due to a brain injury, PTSD or another condition, there is no time limit for you to claim on their behalf as a litigation friend.
• If you lost a loved one in an accident on an oil rig, you could make a claim for compensation within three years after they passed away.
• If you had an accident while working abroad, the time limit could differ from country to country and be shorter than three years.

How much compensation can I claim for oil rig injuries?

The amount of compensation you may be able to claim if you suffered an injury on an oil rig will depend on your specific circumstances. To calculate a suitable compensation award, your solicitor will include two types of damages in your claim:

• General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenities caused by the accident. These damages do not have a fixed monetary value attached to them and are based on historical cases and the guidelines published by the Judicial College.

• Special damages cover all the financial losses and expenses you incurred from the accident. Examples include private hospital treatments, rehabilitation and care costs, loss of earnings and home adaptations if your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability.

Try our compensation calculator to find out how much compensation your oil rig accident claim could be worth. Here are some examples of how much you could receive for various injuries:

• £9,560 to £27,740 for burns that cause severe non-facial scarring
• £33,430 to £49,270 for severe hip or pelvis fractures that need surgery
• Around £100,000 for a crush injury causing damage to internal organs
• £9,080 to £16,380 for occupational asthma with mild symptoms
• £219,070 to £282,010 for severe brain injuries causing physical or mental disability

How much will it cost to make an oil rig accident claim?

If you have a valid accident compensation claim, the personal injury lawyers we work with will offer you a 100% no win no fee agreement. That means it will not cost you anything to have access to legal representation, and your solicitor will take on the risk of litigation. When your claim concludes, one of these scenarios will happen:

• You will pay your solicitor a success fee capped at 25% of your general damages and past financial losses if you receive compensation;
• You will not pay them a single penny if your claim fails.

The no win no fee agreement means you do not need to pay any money upfront to start your claim, and there are no financial risks. Furthermore, you can also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance, which will cover all the litigation costs if you lose, such as court fees, medical reports and the defendant’s solicitors.

To find out if you can make an oil rig or offshore accident claim, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free consultation or enter your details here to request a call back.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.