Offshore wind farms are one of the fastest-growing alternative energy sources in the United States. Texas, specifically Galveston, is one of the best possible locations for these massive facilities. The proposed offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Mexico could provide power for up to three million homes.
However, as with any offshore industry, workers’ chances of serious injury are high. Massive equipment and unpredictable weather create conditions where an accident is likely to occur.
If you have been hurt in an offshore wind accident, you can demand compensation for your injuries and other losses. Be forewarned that these claims can quickly become complicated. A Houston offshore injury attorney from Havens & Associates can sort through tricky legal issues and help you secure compensation.
What is an offshore wind farm?
Offshore wind farms are collections of wind turbines placed in coastal bodies of water that generate electricity. The U.S. Atlantic Coast is usually considered the most suitable location for consistent wind harvesting. However, recent developments near the coasts of Galveston, Texas and Lake Charles, Louisiana could lead to more wind farms in the Gulf.
Wind turbines may be fixed to the ocean (or lake) floor or floating. It depends on the depth of the water and the conditions of the floor. Due to the strong, sustained winds from the sea, wind farms produce consistent energy. Wind farms in the Gulf can take advantage of the existing energy infrastructure and labor force, making this area a coveted new location for turbines.
The wind is “harvested” as the giant turbine blades turn, driving electricity generators. The electricity is transmitted to shore via underwater cables and then distributed to power grids.
Wind farms are an efficient form of sustainable energy but require significant expense in equipment, training, and maintenance.
Causes and types of offshore wind turbine accidents
Machinery failure, malfunction, and misuse is the main culprit behind wind farm accidents. Injuries can easily occur without proper safety protocols and thorough training in using equipment correctly. Wind harvesting equipment is powered by electricity, so the chances of an injury if a piece is damaged or malfunctions are high.
Many offshore wind accidents are avoidable. Poor training or lack of experience is another main reason people get hurt. It’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure that anyone working on a specific piece of equipment has proper training and understands safe workplace operations. This includes what steps to take to prevent injury if something goes wrong.
Design flaws or problems in manufacturing can render a piece of equipment or tool unsafe. Even with the best training and safety procedures, workers can get hurt if the tool they’re using doesn’t function as it should.
Comprehensive training goes beyond how to work the equipment. Lack of communication is often a factor in injury-causing accidents. Even though weather conditions are out of the control of a wind farm operator, the safety procedures necessary to prevent injury during a storm or exceptionally high winds are squarely within the responsibility of the farm owner or operator.
Everyone working on offshore turbine equipment should have adequate safety gear and understand the safety protocols in a weather emergency.
Liability in offshore wind accident injuries
Liability for injuries on an offshore wind farm often rests with the owner or operator of the farm. Energy companies have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their employees and contract workers.
If a wind farm owner cuts corners with equipment or safety gear maintenance or fails to provide proper training for its use, it could be liable for an accident.
Equipment manufacturers and designers may also be liable parties if there’s a design flaw or a manufacturing defect. As your attorney, we investigate the cause of the accident to determine the liable party or parties and then apply the proper laws for your case.
Have you suffered an offshore wind accident? Call us today.
If you have been hurt in an offshore turbine accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. These cases can get complex, so trust our experienced Houston maritime injury lawyers to provide insight and guidance.
Contact Havens & Associates at (713) 955-2215 for a free consultation.
