As the investigation of the Patterson oil rig explosion continues, bad news upon bad news appears to the be the order of the day. The Patterson oil rig explosion occurred about 100 miles south of Tulsa a few weeks ago. The explosion occurred several miles outside the town of Quinton. Five workers were killed in the explosion.
Company Operating Rig and Drilling Operations
Patterson-UTI is the company responsible for drilling at rig operations at the Quinton, Oklahoma site. Patterson-UTI is no stranger to oil rig explosions and accidents. 10 workers at Patterson-UTI rig sites have been killed in the past decade in accidents and explosions.
The United States Congress has already taken a look at the safety practices of Patterson-UTI. Indeed, a Congressional report noted that Patterson-UTI ranks at the bottom when it comes to matters of worker safety.
OSHA Standards and the Patterson Oil Rig Explosion
One of the more alarming reports to come out of the Patterson oil rig explosion is that OSHA standards were not applicable when it came to worker safety leading up to the horrific explosion. Patterson-UTI and its Oklahoma rig were not covered by OSHA safety rules because of a specific exemption exempting the oil and gas industry.
In light of the OSHA exemption, the American Petroleum Institute was called upon to create its own set of safety standards to oil and gas companies in the United States, including rig operators like Patterson-UTI.
Despite the safety standards created by the American Petroleum Institute, compliance with them is strictly voluntary. In the aftermath of the tragic explosion in Oklahoma, there is no documentation that Patterson-UTI implemented the standards on a voluntary basis. Thus far, Patterson-UTI has refused to comment on this issue. The position of the company has resulted in most people following the situation to conclude that Patterson-UTI did nothing in the way of implementing the voluntary safety standards.
Protecting Legal Interests Following an Oil Rig Explosion
If you, or a loved one, have been injured in an negative occurrence like the Patterson oil rig explosion, there are vital steps that you must take in order to best protect your legal rights and interests. The first step in the process of protecting your vital legal interests is to schedule what is known as an initial consultation with a skilled, experienced Patterson oil rig explosion lawyer. The legal team at The Doan Law Firm has attorneys on board with experience in representing individuals like you who may have suffered injuries, damages, and losses as the result of events like the Patterson oil rig explosion.
The Doan Law Firm oil rig explosion hotline, at (800) 349-0000, is staffed around the clock, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. As a result, you can schedule an initial consultation at any time that is convenient for you. An experienced attorney from the firm can meet with you in any one of our offices, at your home, or even in court. Depending on your circumstances, an appointment can be scheduled at a hospital. A virtual appointment online is also a possibility, depending on your unique circumstances.
During an initial consultation, a member of the Patterson oil rig explosion legal team will provide an evaluation of your case. You will have the chance to get answers to your important questions. There is no charge for an initial consultation with The Doan Law Firm about your case.
The Doan Law Firm Attorney Fee Promise
The Doan Law Firm makes a very simple commitment to each client: no fee, unless we win your case. The Doan Law Firm charges no fee in an oil rig explosion case unless we obtain a favorable settlement or judgment for you.