Texas Oilfield Accidents: Understanding the Risks & Your Rights

Working on a Texas oilfield isn’t just a job—it’s one of the most demanding and dangerous professions in the world. Every day, oilfield workers put their physical and mental strength to the test as they work in harsh conditions, often while operating heavy machinery. Each worker is aware that there is a constant risk of a serious oilfield accident, which is why it is so important for oilfield workers to understand the dangers they face and the rights they have, whether they’re on the job or recovering from a work-related injury.

“Landman” Reflects the Oil Industry

The oil industry in Texas has always been a world of triumphs and turbulence—a theme vividly brought to life in the new drama series Landman, which is currently building its fanbase on Paramount+*. Set in West Texas, this show presents viewers with a gripping exploration of the industry’s highs, lows, and controversies.

While Landman encapsulates the financial stakes and dramatic personal conflicts that define the oil industry, it also subtly highlights the physical dangers oilfield workers face daily. The show’s portrayal of grueling labor and high-pressure environments mirrors the very real risks workers encounter, adding a Hollywood lens to their reality.

Risks of Working on a Texas Oilfield

Oilfield work is grueling, fast-paced, and filled with hazards. Even on a highly organized oilfield, many different things can go wrong, causing a variety of accidents and oilfield accident injuries.

Common risks that contribute to oilfield accidents in Texas include:

• Equipment failures: Heavy machinery and drilling equipment can be found on virtually every oilfield in Texas. When such machinery fails due to lack of maintenance, operator error, or defects, workers can be directly in harm’s way. Injuries can range from crushed limbs to life-threatening trauma.
• Explosions and fires: Working with highly flammable materials like oil and gas greatly increases the risk of fires and explosions. A single spark or oversight can result in catastrophic injuries.
• Falls and falling objects: From working on elevated rigs to walking around cluttered floorspaces and grating, slips and falls on oilfields are frequent, often leading to broken bones, concussions, or worse. Falling objects, such as loose tools, also pose a serious threat to any worker on the lower level of an oilrig or scaffolding.
• Toxic exposure: Texas oilfield workers are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals, gases, and other toxic substances, which can cause long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, chemical burns, or even cancer.

Compounding these dangers is the remote nature of many Texas oilfields. Medical help isn’t always immediately available, and response times can delay critical care.

Understanding Your Rights as a Texas Oilfield Worker

Every oilfield worker, regardless of their role or status, deserves a workplace free of avoidable hazards, including workers classified as:

• Employees: If you’re an employee of an oil company, you may be covered by workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an injury. Texas, however, doesn’t require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance as other states do. If your employer falls into this category, you might have the right to pursue a personal injury claim instead.
• Independent contractors: While independent contractors typically aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation, they may file personal injury lawsuits. If an injury is caused by a third party’s negligence, such as a faulty equipment manufacturer, you have a right to seek compensation. The biggest complication is that you will need to prove negligence and liability on behalf of the defendant.
• Undocumented workers: Your immigration status does not remove your rights as a worker. Employers must still provide a reasonably safe working environment, and you can use Texas’s court system to pursue compensation if you are injured on the job.

Employers must comply with OSHA safety standards, maintain equipment, and provide training to prevent accidents. If they fail to do so, they can and should be held accountable.

Seeking Compensation for Oilfield Injuries

If you are hurt while working on a Texas oilfield, you should:

1. Report the injury: Notify your employer or supervisor immediately. Failing to do so could undermine any future claim you try to file.
2. Seek medical attention: Your health should always come first. Get treatment right away, and keep detailed medical records of your injuries and recovery process.
3. Gather evidence: Document the accident scene with photos, videos, or written notes. Collect contact information from coworkers who witnessed the incident.
4. Contact an oilfield injury attorney: Speaking with an experienced lawyer should be the first thing that you do after receiving medical care. An oilfield accident attorney can assess your case, help you understand your options, and explain what compensation you might be owed based on possible liability and insurance situations.

Make Hilliard Law Your Legal Ally in Oilfield Injury Cases

At Hilliard Law, we understand the immense risks oilfield workers face every time they step onto a site. When accidents happen, we’re always ready to do what’s right for workers. Our team has extensive experience handling oilfield injury cases, including accidents involving faulty equipment, toxic exposure, and even wrongful death claims.

What sets us apart, other than our experience, resources, and reputation, is our commitment to treating every client like family. When you work with us, you can expect personalized support, transparent legal guidance, and fierce representation to fight for your rights. The bottom line is that we respect all Texas oilfield workers, and we’re willing to go toe-to-toe with major corporations in the oil industry if that is what’s needed to get you the compensation you deserve after an oilfield accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side. Dial (361) 882-1612 today and ask for a free consultation.

(* Hilliard Law is not affiliated with or sponsored by Paramount, Paramount+, or any company associated with the production of Landman.)