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. 

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 lawyers during your free consultation by calling (361) 882-1612, or fill out our online contact form.