Transocean Oil Rig Explosion Investigation Called For By Board Certified Maritime Lawyer Brian Beckom

HOUSTON, TX (AttorneyNewswire.com) — May 4, 2010 — Maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom is calling for an independent panel to investigate the April 20, 2010 Transocean rig explosion, as well as offshore rig safety in general.

“I have represented a number of injured workers employed by Transocean, including one who was injured in a similar rig fire and explosion in Galveston several years ago. It seems clear to me that Transocean’s safety record needs to be carefully examined by an independent panel of experts. A company-led investigation is probably not enough.”

The explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, a rig owned by Transocean Ltd in Houston, Texas, and leased to BP. The rig was drilling off the coast of Louisana in relatively deep water.

“Offshore workers are exposed to all sorts of risks every day. Their voices are not being heard. It is high time that an independent panel investigate the safety of the industry generally and Transocean in particular.”

In major catastrophes like the Transocean rig explosion, federal regulators are normally involved from the very beginning. It is often the case that the voices of the rank-and-file workers are not heard. To make matters worse, these front line workers are often scared to report safety violations, according to Mr. Beckcom.

“The offshore oil industry is relatively small. As a result, one of the most frequent concerns my clients have is whether they will be blackballed in the industry if they report safety violations or refuse to do work they consider a safety risk.”

Mr. Beckcom’s law firm is monitoring the explosion and intends to closely monitor the investigation of the latest rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.

“My concerns are with the families of the missing and injured workers. Beyond that, I hope and pray that future workers won’t be exposed to these sorts of risks.”

Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. represents injured offshore workers around the globe. Mr. Beckcom has written three books for injured offshore workers and his law firm publishes two websites dedicated solely to advocating safety improvements in the offshore industry and providing information to offshore workers.

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