Texas Oil Field Injury Attorneys

What Causes Texas Oil Field Accidents?

Working in an oil field can expose workers to daily threats to their health and safety. In fact, working in a West Texas oil field is among the most high-risk professions due to the abundance of heavy machinery, toxic substances, and the prevalent risk of explosions and fire.

 With so many dangerous factors that come from this line of work, there are countless ways for workers to suffer from severe injuries in the event of an accident. Our Texas oil field injury attorneys are familiar with the many factors that can lead to accidents and are prepared to help you enforce your rights if you suffer harm. 

Some of the most common causes of oil field accidents include:

• Falls. One of the most common causes of oil field accidents is falling from a substantial height. Often, oil rigs and other elevated equipment can become slick, putting workers more at risk of falls. Fall injuries can be especially insidious, as many accident victims do not realize they are severely injured for days or weeks. If you fell in an oil field accident, it is in your best interest to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
• Faulty equipment. If oil field equipment is not properly maintained, it could malfunction and result in severe injuries for anyone using or in the vicinity of the defective equipment. Manufacturer defects may also contribute to faulty equipment accidents. Since oil field equipment is typically extremely heavy, victims of equipment-related accidents often suffer life-altering and even fatal injuries.
• Explosions and fires. Trucks, wells, and tanks can all release different types of highly flammable gasses while they are being operated on oil fields. If these gasses are ignited, a deadly fire or explosion may follow, leaving workers in the oil field severely injured.
• Motor vehicle accidents. Many oil field workers operate a car or truck as part of their daily responsibilities. Vehicles may collide with one another or a worker on foot. While these accidents can have various causes, one common factor may be driver or employer negligence.
• Well blowouts. A well blowout is an uncontrolled release of oil during the drilling process. This can be highly dangerous, as they can become easily ignited and result in an oil fire that may leave any oil workers with severe burns or other serious injuries.
• Poorly maintained worksites. As with any line of work, a poorly maintained worksite can lead to damaging injuries. This type of accident is often due to the negligence of other workers or employees.
• Undertrained employees. While employers are supposed to only hire workers with comprehensive training on how to safely use dangerous equipment, some cut corners. When employers hire inexperienced and untrained workers, they create an environment that may pose a threat to everyone else in the oil field.

Common Injuries Sustained in Texas Oil Field Accidents

Unfortunately, oil field accidents are responsible for dozens of fatalities every year. While the severity of a victim’s injuries depends heavily on the nature of their accident, many accidents impact victims for years to come.

Some common injuries sustained in Texas oil field accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Bone fractures
• Burn injuries
• Amputation or other loss of limb
• Severe cuts and lacerations
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Chest injuries
• Joint injuries
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lung damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Death

While some injuries may seem minor immediately following an accident, they may worsen significantly over time without proper treatment. It is always wise to see a doctor as soon as possible following an oil field accident. 

Who is Liable for an Oil Field Accident?

Liability can be attributed to various parties depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Here are the key parties that could potentially be held liable for an oil field accident:

• Employers: The oil field operator or employer has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for employees. If negligence in safety protocols, inadequate training, or failure to maintain equipment leads to an accident, the employer may be held liable.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Many oil field operations involve subcontractors or third-party contractors responsible for specific tasks (like drilling, maintenance, or transportation). If an accident occurs due to negligence or unsafe practices by these contractors, they may be held liable.
• Manufacturers: If defective equipment or machinery (such as drilling rigs, pumps, or safety gear) is involved in the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty equipment could be held liable under product liability laws.
• Property Owners: In cases where the accident occurs on leased or rented property within the oil field, the property owner or landowner may share liability if unsafe conditions or hazards on the property contributed to the accident.
• Employees and Co-workers: In some instances, the actions or negligence of fellow employees or co-workers may contribute to an accident. However, under workers' compensation laws, direct lawsuits against co-workers are generally limited, and compensation claims are typically handled through insurance.
• Government Entities: Regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing oil field operations (such as OSHA in the United States) may hold regulatory authority over safety standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to liability if non-compliance contributes to an accident.
• Drivers and Transportation Companies: If the accident involves transportation of oil or equipment to or from the oil field, drivers and their employers could be liable for accidents caused by negligent driving or improper handling of hazardous materials.

Recovering Compensation from Oil Field Injuries

Recovering compensation for injuries or damages resulting from an oil field accident can involve several avenues, depending on the circumstances and parties involved. 

Here are various ways individuals affected by an oil field accident might pursue compensation:

• Workers' Compensation: In many jurisdictions, oil field workers are covered by workers' compensation insurance. This insurance provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs regardless of fault. Employees injured in the course of their work can typically file a claim with their employer's workers' compensation insurer.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: If someone other than the employer or a co-worker is responsible for the accident (e.g., a third-party contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner), injured workers or their families may file a personal injury lawsuit. This lawsuit seeks compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
• Product Liability Claims: If the accident resulted from a defective product or equipment (e.g., faulty machinery, safety gear), injured parties may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product. This claim seeks compensation for injuries caused by the defective product.
• Wrongful Death Claims: In cases where an oil field accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for the accident. Compensation sought in wrongful death claims may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other related damages.
• Third-Party Claims: Besides workers' compensation claims, injured workers may also pursue claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if an accident involves a vehicle collision or hazardous material spill caused by a third-party driver or transportation company, injured workers may seek compensation through a third-party liability claim.
• Insurance Claims: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, individuals or businesses involved may file claims with their insurance companies. This could include property damage claims, liability claims, or claims for injuries covered under relevant insurance policies.
• Negotiated Settlements: In some cases, parties involved in an oil field accident may opt to negotiate a settlement rather than pursue litigation. Settlement negotiations can result in a structured agreement where compensation is provided in exchange for releasing liability and avoiding a lengthy court process.

Navigating the process of recovering compensation from an oil field accident can be complex and requires an understanding of relevant laws, insurance coverage, contractual agreements, and potential liability issues. Consulting with our experienced team can help you determine the best course of action to seek fair compensation for your losses.

How Can an Oil Field Accident Attorney Help You?

If you were injured in an oil field accident, you do not have to fight to obtain compensation alone. Your main focus should be healing and recovering from your injuries. Our skilled Texas oil field injury lawyers at Hilliard Law have decades of experience and a proven track record of achieving justice for our clients.

Some of the ways our attorneys can help you include:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into your case
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Gathering essential evidence
• Reviewing your medical records
• Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
• Advocating for your interests before and during trial
• Negotiating with all parties involved
• Answering all of your legal questions
• Being your guide and confidant during this challenging time

Your attorney will work with you to understand every detail surrounding your accident so they can build a strong oil field injury lawsuit and advise you on your best path forward. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to collect damages for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Speak to one of our seasoned Texas oil field accident lawyers during your free consultation by calling (361) 882-1612, or fill out our online contact form.