Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers

Texas Oil Field Accident Statistics

The oilfield industry is recognized as one of the most high-risk industries for occupational accidents and fatalities.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):  According to the BLS, Texas accounted for nearly half (42.7%) of all the oil and gas fatalities recorded in the country from 2007 to 2011.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  A study conducted by the CDC reported that the occupational fatality rate in the oil and gas extraction industry was 27.1 per 100,000 workers (nearly 7 times the rate for all US workers).
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):  NIOSH found that during 2003–2013, 1,189 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job, resulting in an annual occupational fatality rate of 25.0 per 100,000 workers. The study identified transportation incidents (40%) as the leading cause of fatalities, followed by contact with objects and equipment (26%), and explosions and fires (15%).
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):  In 2014 alone, OSHA identified 142 fatalities from incidents related to the oil and gas industry nationwide, 65 of which occurred in Texas. In terms of non-fatal accidents, there were 8,500 incidents reported in Texas in the same year. The most common types of accidents included contact with objects or equipment, falls, slips, trips, and transportation incidents.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for stronger safety measures in Texas oilfields. At Thompson Law, our team of dedicated oilfield accident lawyers understands the risks and is committed to fighting for the rights of injured oilfield workers. We work tirelessly to ensure workers receive fair compensation for their injuries and hardships.

If you or a loved one fell victim to an oilfield accident, call our Texas oilfield injury attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What to Do After an Oilfield Accident or Explosion

In the unfortunate event of an oilfield accident or explosion, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and rights are protected.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention:  The first and foremost priority should always be your health. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest immediately and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
• Report the Accident:  As soon as possible, report the accident to your supervisor or employer. Make sure all details of the incident are accurately documented. This is essential for any future claims to be validated. Also, be sure not to post about your accident on social media.
• Collect Evidence:  If feasible, gather any evidence from the scene that can help substantiate your claim. This can include photographs of the accident scene, damaged equipment, or your injuries. Also, note down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Document Your Injuries and Medical Treatment:  Keep a detailed record of your injuries, medical treatments, consultations, and any expenses incurred. This documentation will be significant when determining the compensation for your claim.
• Contact Our Oilfield Accident Attorneys:  Dealing with the aftermath of an oilfield accident can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters. Our experienced Texas oilfield accident lawyers are adept at navigating these complex scenarios, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Your safety, health, and rights are paramount. Following these steps can be instrumental in building a robust claim. Remember, we are here to help and guide you through this challenging time. If you were hurt in an oilfield accident call our Texas oilfield accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Our Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers Are Your Best Choice

Our vast experience in handling oilfield accident cases has given us a strategic edge, equipping us to anticipate and counter the tactics used by opposing counsel. This expertise translates into larger settlements for our clients, as we’re skilled in accurately valuing claims and negotiating aggressively on behalf of those we represent.

Here is why our oilfield lawyers are your best choice, and why you should trust us to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to:

• 24/7 Availability: We understand that accidents can happen at any time. That’s why we offer 24/7 availability, so you can reach out to us whenever you need assistance.
• Free Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and understand your needs. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how we can assist you, without any obligation.
• No Win, No Fee: We operate on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. This means you can have access to top-tier legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.
• Vast Experience: Our lawyers have decades of combined experience in handling oilfield accident cases. We understand the complexities of the oil and gas industry and can navigate the intricacies of your case with skill and precision.
• Proven Track Record: Over the years, we have secured substantial settlements for our clients. Our success rate in oilfield accident cases testifies to our dedication and expertise in this field.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the big oil and gas companies. Our lawyers are tenacious in their pursuit of justice, fighting relentlessly for the rights of our clients.
• Personalized Attention: At Thompson Law, every client is important. We believe in giving each case the personalized attention it deserves, ensuring we understand the unique circumstances and nuances of your situation.

Our Oil Field Accident Case Results

Our Texas oilfield accident lawyers have a proven track record of successful case results. Our tenacious advocacy and deep understanding of the oil and gas industry have consistently resulted in significant settlements for our clients. Below are a few examples of our successful case outcomes:

• $11,991,670 – Truck accident, death
• $9,187,114 – Industrial accident, burn injury
• $7,694,750 – Industrial accident, death
• $7,387,617 – Industrial accident, death
• $4,965,432 – Plant explosion, burn injuries
• $3,963,371 – Plant explosion, death
• $3,139,410 – Plant explosion, death
• $2,897,960 – Industrial accident, death
• $2,090,070 – Oilfield accident, death
• $2,027,422 – Oilfield accident, death

These case results are testament to our commitment to seeking justice and compensation for victims of oilfield accidents. Our Texas oilfield accident lawyers are prepared to leverage their expertise and dedication to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. If you were injured in an oilfield accident, call our oilfield injury lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Common Oilfield Accident Injuries

Oilfield accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of which have long-lasting impacts on the lives of the victims. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in oilfield accidents:

• Burns:  High-risk environments such as oilfields often lead to severe burns due to explosions and fires. These burn injuries can result in permanent scars, disfigurement, or even life-threatening conditions.
• Electrocution:  Oilfields are fraught with electrical hazards due to the heavy machinery and electrical equipment in use. Mismanaged wiring, equipment failure, or lack of proper safety measures can result in serious electrocution incidents, leading potentially to heart failure, severe burns, nerve damage, or even death.
• Chemical Exposures:  In an oilfield, workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals, including hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, and drilling fluids. Prolonged exposure can lead to a variety of health issues, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and in severe cases, it can result in cancers.
• Fractures and Broken Bones:  The nature of oilfield work often involves heavy lifting and the use of heavy machinery. Accidents can easily result in fractures or broken bones, which can vary in severity, from minor hairline fractures to compound breaks.
• Crush Injuries:  The operation of heavy machinery and equipment in oilfields presents a risk of crush injuries. These occur when a body part, typically a limb, is caught between two objects or pieces of equipment. The injury can range from bruising and broken bones to more severe cases involving nerve or joint damage, or the necessity for amputation.
• Amputations:  In the unfortunate event of a severe crush injury or an uncontrollable infection, amputations may be necessary. The after-effects can include the necessity for prosthetics, long-term physical therapy, and significant modifications to an individual’s lifestyle and livelihood.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):  TBIs are serious injuries that can occur in the oilfield industry due to accidents such as falls, equipment malfunctions, or blowouts. These injuries can have both short-term and long-term impacts on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities, including memory loss, impaired motor function, emotional instability, and even permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries:  In oilfield work, the potential for severe accidents like falls, equipment failures, or vehicle mishaps can lead to spinal cord injuries. The life-altering consequences of such an injury can include loss of motor function, sensation, control over bodily systems, or paralysis, requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.

Understanding these injuries and their potential impacts is crucial in developing a strong case. Our Texas oilfield accident lawyers are committed to thorough investigation and representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Types of Compensation Can I Get for My Oilfield Accident Injuries?

When you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, you may be eligible for various types of damages to compensate for the harm you’ve suffered. These include:

• Medical Expenses: You can recover the cost of all medical care related to your injuries. This can include hospital bills, doctor visits, medication costs, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries forced you to miss work, you could be compensated for those lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries impact your ability to earn similar wages in the future, you may also claim for lost earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying day-to-day activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy, you could be eligible for these damages. Other related damages may include scarring, disfigurement, or disability.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the party at fault acted with extreme negligence or malice, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, call our Texas oilfield accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE ASSESSMENT. Our attorneys can help you understand what types of damages we might be able to claims for your accident injuries.

What is the Difference Between Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Claims?

While both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims arise from injuries sustained, the circumstances that lead to these claims and how they are processed vary significantly.

• Personal Injury Claims are based on the concept of negligence. In these cases, the injured party must prove that their injury was due to someone else’s negligence or failure to provide a safe environment. Damages in personal injury cases can include medical expenses, loss of income, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. It’s important to note that in personal injury cases, you have the right to sue for damages.
• Workers’ Compensation Claims are a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who get injured or become ill as a result of their job. Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation does not require the employee to prove negligence on the part of the employer. However, the scope of compensation is usually limited to medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. Additionally, in most situations, employees cannot sue their employers if they accept workers’ compensation benefits.

Understanding the nuances between these two types of claims can be complex. Our experienced Texas oilfield accident lawyers can guide you through these complexities, advise on the best course of action, and help you seek the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve. Call our Texas oilfield accident injury attorneys today for a FREE EVALUATION.

What Parties May Be Liable for My Oilfield Accident Injuries?

In the aftermath of an oilfield accident, several parties could be held liable for your injuries. Identifying the responsible parties is a complex task due to the multifaceted nature of the oil and gas industry. Here are potential responsible parties:

• The Oil or Gas Company: If the company fails to ensure a safe working environment, ignores safety regulations, inadequately trains its employees, or fails to maintain equipment, it can be held liable for accidents that occur as a result.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Often, oil and gas companies hire contractors and subcontractors to perform specific tasks. If these entities perform their work negligently, leading to an accident, they can be held responsible.
• Equipment Manufacturers: If an accident is caused by defective or poorly-manufactured equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment can be held accountable.
• Property Owners: If the accident occurred due to hazardous conditions on the property, the owner of the property may be held liable.

Each of these entities has a responsibility to ensure the safety of oilfield workers. When they fail to meet these obligations, they can and should be held accountable for the injuries that result.

Our dedicated Texas oilfield accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating oilfield accidents and identifying all parties responsible for our clients’ injuries. Call our law firm for a FREE CONSULTATION today to see if we may be able to help.

How Long Do I Have to File an Oilfield Accident Injury Claim?

The window to file an oilfield accident claim is known as the statute of limitations, and can vary by state. In some states, you might have as little as one year from the date of the accident to commence legal proceedings, while in others, you might have up to two or three years. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years in most cases.

It’s crucial to understand that missing the deadline can bar you from compensation entirely, regardless of the merits of your case. However, certain exceptions may apply, like if the injury was not immediately apparent. Our knowledgeable Texas oilfield accident lawyers can provide precise guidance on these timelines and exceptions, ensuring your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

How to Stay Safe in Oilfield Work

Safety should be the top priority in any industry, and oilfield work is no exception. Here are some practical steps to ensure safety while working in oilfields:

• Understand the Hazards:  Familiarize yourself with the potential hazards of oilfield work. This includes understanding the risks of chemical exposure, machinery operation, explosions, and falls.
• Proper Training:  Before starting any job, ensure you receive adequate training. This includes safety training, emergency response, and training on how to operate machinery and equipment safely.
• Use Safety Equipment:  Always wear protective gear, such as helmets, safety glasses, boots, and gloves. Depending on the job, you may also need specialized equipment like respirators or fire-resistant clothing.
• Follow Safety Protocols:  Adhere to safety rules and regulations at all times. This includes following procedures for chemical handling, equipment operation, and emergency response.
• Regular Maintenance and Inspection:  Regularly inspect and maintain all machinery and equipment. Report any faults or damages immediately.
• Stay Alert:  Fatigue can lead to accidents. Ensure you take regular breaks and get enough rest.
• Emergency Response Plan:  Always know your emergency response plan, the location of emergency exits and first aid kits, and your role in case of an emergency.

Our Texas oilfield accident lawyers in Dallas and Fort Worth believe in the importance of safety and stand ready to assist if you have been injured in an oilfield accident. Call our Texas oilfield accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Our Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers Charge NO FEES Upfront

Call Our Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers Today

Our seasoned Texas oilfield injury attorneys are here to help. We understand the complexities of oilfield accidents and are committed to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

We offer a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started. Your path to recovery begins with a single call.