Is Offshore Drilling Safe? Many Are Asking This Question

As the energy industry still reels from the effects of the explosion onboard the Deepwater Horizon in April, it will now likely face additional pressure resulting from yet another oil rig explosion in the Gulf. An oil platform owned by Houston-based Mariner Energy Inc. exploded on September 2, 2010, sending 13 maritime workers into the water.

Fortunately, all 13 oil workers were rescued as they bobbed in the water for approximately two hours waiting for rescue crews. One of the victims may have been injured.

This is bad news for the energy industry as it continues to make attempts to portray BP’s disastrous accident as a fluke.

Since the Deepwater Horizon explosion, there has been a massive outcry by environmental groups and politicians who are skeptical of offshore drilling. Energy giants are now left to consider new tactics to reassure the public that offshore drilling is safe.

The recent explosion is also in light of the fact that the oil industry has made vast efforts to persuade President Obama to lift the government’s recent drilling moratorium. Though, Mariner Energy’s oil platform was not impacted by the moratorium, since it wasn’t operating in deep water, it may raise concerns that shallow drilling could be impacted by a similar moratorium.

If you or a family member has been injured in an offshore accident, you need to understand your legal rights.  You also need to get straightforward answers to your questions.  Our law firm has handled many maritime injury cases and we know the concerns that workers have.  For a free case evaluation, give us a call at 877.724.7800.

Be sure to order a free copy of my book, Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.