Galveston oil rig worker killed Tuesday by falling equipment
HIGH ISLAND, Texas - A Galveston oil rig worker was killed Tuesday when heavy equipment fell on him on the job site, authorities said. The man was standing by a forklift that had a load of pipe when the equipment shifted and fell, according to a spokesman for the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. As a Galveston oil rig and personal injury attorney, Galvin Kennedy stands by ready to investigate this tragic accident.
"The people responsible for this forklift accident in Galveston should be held accountable," said Galvin Kennedy, a partner with Kennedy Hodges, LLP. "This is the type of case that calls for immediate action including getting a temporary restraining order so that all evidence is preserved. Some wrongdoers will tamper with evidence to cover their tracks."
Ralph Hudspeth, 56, was working near Oilfield Road in High Island, Galveston, when the injury occurred Monday night.
Offshore drilling accidents and injuries - Oil rig workers are at high risk of injury
An oil rig is a dangerous place to work. Serious accidents can occur on any platform, regardless of the many safety requirements. Injuries resulting from offshore or oil rig accidents can include, but are not limited to:
- Amputation of limbs
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Death
What are your rights when you are injured on the job?
Under the Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 , federal law provides protection from offshore accidents. If you have been injured while on an oil rig or while being transported to the rig, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have suffered a job injury your time must be devoted to physical recovery. Many people make the mistake of not contacting an attorney to discuss their job injury case.
The sad fact is that employers and their insurance companies will attempt every tactic to avoid compensating employees injured on the job. Without an experienced attorney to guide you through the legal system, you risk reducing your total financial compensation. Contact our office for a free case review and speak with personal injury attorneys to help answer your questions.
What to do if you are injured on the job.
Our board certified personal injury attorneys won't allow the insurance companies to manipulate the system. Fill out our confidential contact form or call our office to schedule a free consultation. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. Our firm is in Texas, but we maintain a nationwide practice.
The Jones Act and Maritime Law