Corpus Christi Oil Field Injury Attorneys

Fighting for Oil Field Accident Victims in Corpus Christi, TX

If you or a loved one has been involved in an oil field accident, it is critical that your attorney understand the industry. Hilliard Law attorneys do — we’ve tried many onshore and offshore oil field cases. Our previous experience representing the corporate sides of these cases gives us valuable insight that we can now leverage to the advantage of injured workers and survivors of those who have been killed. 

Because our Corpus Christi oil field injury lawyers know the industry so well, we can quickly determine what failures caused an accident. We understand surface cement, why the Railroad Commission of Texas requires it, and how it differs from other cement jobs. We understand the roles that fracking, wireline, and snubbing play in drilling, completion, and workover operations. We know the difference between fishing with a wireline and fishing with a rod. We understand the dangers of coil tubing operations and well control. Put simply, we know the oil and gas industry from both sides.

Our trial record demonstrate that we have what it takes to settle cases on the best terms possible – and as quickly as possible. Our goal is to have your case settled or tried within a year. Defense lawyers will attempt to delay the proceedings, but our experience and reputation allow us to push for rapid trial settings. We either obtain a fair settlement for you or take your case to trial.

If we take your oil field injury case, you owe our team nothing unless we win, so call (361) 882-1612 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Oil Field Accidents

We have seen an increase in serious oil field accidents and deaths since the oil and gas boom began. This should come as no surprise, as these work environments are fraught with hazards and potential dangers. The use of heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, and combustible materials creates an inherently high-risk environment.

Our Corpus Christi oil field injury attorneys are prepared to represent you if were harmed in an accident caused by:

• High-pressure line ruptures. High-pressure lines are a common feature in oil fields, utilized to transport oil from the source to the processing facilities. However, these lines pose a significant risk due to the extremely high pressure at which the oil is moved. If a rupture occurs, the resulting spray of oil can be forceful enough to cause immediate physical harm, from lacerations to bludgeoning injuries. Furthermore, the oil contained within these lines is often heated to facilitate flow, meaning it can cause severe burns upon contact. A high-pressure line rupture can also create a volatile situation if the oil comes into contact with a heat source, leading to a potential explosion. Such incidents not only pose a direct threat to the workers in the immediate vicinity but can also lead to a chain reaction of failures throughout the oil field, amplifying the potential for widespread damage and injury.
• Collapsing rigs. Rigs, which are large structures that house essential drilling equipment, can collapse due to various factors. These may include structural failure, poor maintenance, improper installation, or the effects of harsh weather conditions. When a rig collapses, it can lead to falling debris, causing blunt force trauma, lacerations, and even crush injuries to workers in the immediate area. Moreover, a collapsing rig can also damage nearby equipment or high-pressure lines, leading to oil spills or explosive situations. Additionally, a sudden collapse can trap workers under the debris, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach and help them in time.
• Defective machinery. Equipment used in oil fields, from drilling tools to heavy-duty vehicles, needs to be meticulously maintained to ensure safe operations. Failure in any part of this machinery due to manufacturing defects or inadequate maintenance can lead to a range of accidents. Mechanical malfunctions can result in uncontrolled operations, creating scenarios that are unsafe for workers. For example, a drill bit breaking off or a malfunctioning power tool can swiftly turn a routine task into a potentially deadly situation. 
• Oilfield blowouts. An oil field blowout represents one of the most dramatic and potentially catastrophic incidents that can occur on an oil field. This catastrophic event happens when pressure control systems fail, leading to an uncontrolled release of crude oil and/or natural gas from an oil well. Typically, blowouts occur during drilling operations when the pressure in the wellbore exceeds the pressure the drilling fluid (or “mud”) can exert to keep it in check. If not properly controlled, this can result in a rapid and violent expulsion of pressurized gas and oil, referred to as a “blowout.”
• Toxic fumes. In the oil and gas industry, a variety of hazardous gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, may be released during drilling, production, and refining processes. These gases, if inhaled, can cause immediate health effects, ranging from minor irritations, like coughing and shortness of breath, to serious conditions, such as chemical pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and in extreme cases, asphyxiation. Chronic exposure to certain toxic fumes can also lead to long-term health problems, including respiratory diseases, neurological damage, and certain types of cancer.
• Explosions. The primary cause of oil field explosions is the ignition of the highly flammable gases and petroleum products present throughout these sites. This ignition can be triggered by a spark from malfunctioning equipment, a short circuit, or even static electricity. Furthermore, the high-pressure systems prevalent in oil fields can exacerbate the severity of an explosion, leading to wider impact areas and greater force.
• Inexperienced workers. Oil field workers have always been trained on the job, with greenhorns becoming experienced workers over time. Before the dramatic increase in oil and gas production, a full crew typically included only one or two inexperienced workers on the tower at a time. It’s different now – some crews are made up entirely of inexperienced workers who do not fully understand the dangers of their work environment. Even worse, oil company executives are demanding faster (sometimes fatal) turnaround times to get a rig up and running.
• Failure to comply with safety standards. Failure to adhere to safety standards in oil fields can significantly exacerbate the risk of severe injuries. For instance, neglecting regular maintenance and inspection of equipment can lead to mechanical malfunctions, defective machinery, and unreliable safety gear – all of which can make an already hazardous work environment even more dangerous.

Discuss your legal options with our team today by calling (361) 882-1612 or contacting us online.