How Does Offshore Drilling Work?

Offshore drilling is a complex and hazardous process of extracting oil and gas from beneath the ocean floor. If you’ve suffered an injury in an offshore drilling accident contact a Houston offshore injury attorney with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. We’ll use our extensive skill and experience to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve

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The Offshore Drilling Process

Offshore drilling involves several key steps, each carrying the risk of negligence-related accidents. According to the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), accidents resulted in one fatality and 199 severe injuries in 2022. Some of the most dangerous processes include the following:

Exploration

The first step in offshore drilling is exploration. Geologists use seismic surveys and other techniques to locate potential oil and gas reserves beneath the ocean floor. Seismic surveys involve sending shock waves into the seabed and analyzing the returning signals to map underground structures containing hydrocarbons. Negligence during this phase, such as using outdated equipment or ignoring environmental regulations, can lead to inaccurate data and potentially hazardous drilling sites.

Drilling

Once the drilling company identifies a suitable site, it sets up a drilling rig. Workers lower a drill bit through the water and into the seabed to reach the oil or gas reservoir, penetrating several layers of rock and sediment. Improper rig maintenance or inadequate safety protocols can result in equipment failure or accidents, posing significant risks to the crew and environment.

Casing and Cementing

To stabilize the drilled hole, workers insert steel pipes called casing. These pipes reinforce the wellbore and prevent it from collapsing. They then pump cement around the casing to secure it in place and prevent any leakage of oil, gas, or other fluids into the surrounding environment. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the well and protecting the ocean ecosystem. Using substandard materials or failing to cement the casing properly, can lead to wellbore instability or environmental contamination.

Production

Once the well is drilled and secured, the production phase begins. Operators extract and transport the oil or gas to the surface using pumps and other extraction equipment. They then process and transport the extracted hydrocarbons to refineries or storage facilities. Failing to monitor extraction equipment or ignoring safety protocols can lead to leaks, spills, or catastrophic blowouts.

How a Skilled Houston Offshore Injury Attorney Can Help

An Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP Houston offshore injury attorney is ready to help accident victims get the money they deserve. These are a few ways we’ll work to achieve a successful outcome. 

Investigating the Accident

We’ll determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties. This may involve examining safety records, equipment maintenance logs, and witness statements.

Filing Claims

Your Houston offshore injury attorney will file all claims correctly and on time. Maritime law has strict regulations and deadlines. If your claim is to be successful, your lawyer must adhere to all of them. 

Negotiating Settlements

A skilled offshore injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to fight for every dollar you have coming under the law. We’ll work to help you obtain compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more. While most cases settle out of court, we’ll be ready to win your case at trial if necessary.

Contact a Skilled Houston Offshore Injury Attorney Today!

To schedule a free consultation about your offshore injury, please call 832-402-6637 or reach out to us online.

Joshua Lee

Joshua Lee believes in aggressive, tough advocacy and a client-centered approach to every case. Joshua draws from a wide body of experiences and a robust understanding of the law. Joshua graduated from the New York University School of Law in New York City, which is considered among the best law schools in the world. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

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