Tenacious Oil Field Accident Attorneys Protecting Workers’ Rights Across Texas
The energy industry is crucial to our economy in Texas, and the sight of drilling rigs, oil wells and other tools of the trade are a familiar sight in our day-to-day lives. But making a living in the oil fields can be extremely dangerous, exposing workers to the threat of serious injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an oil field accident, it is important to understand your rights. This may include the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits, personal injury compensation or both. The first step in asserting your rights is speaking with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.
How Dangerous Are Texas Oil Fields And Rigs?
Texas oil fields are among the most hazardous workplaces in the nation. Recent data shows that approximately 1 in every 50 oil and gas extraction workers in the state experiences a severe work-related injury.
The combination of extreme weather, remote locations and high-risk operations makes these sites particularly hazardous. Workers often endure long hours under harsh conditions, which not only strains their physical capabilities but also affects their mental alertness, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
In these isolated locations, emergency medical services are often hours away, making even minor injuries potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. The complex machinery and technology used in oil extraction add another layer of danger. Even a small mistake or equipment failure can trigger catastrophic events, such as blowouts, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Moreover, the physical demands of the job, combined with the stress of working in such a hazardous environment, can lead to significant fatigue, further increasing the risk of accidents.
The high pressure under which oil is extracted can also cause sudden, uncontrollable releases of oil or gas, creating immediate and severe threats to anyone nearby. This rate far outpaces other states’ energy sectors, highlighting the dire need for improved safety measures and robust legal protection.
Oil Rig Injuries At Sea
Oil rig injuries at sea are uniquely risky due to the harsh offshore environment, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. The oceanic currents, water and unpredictable weather play a significant role in escalating the dangers maritime workers face.
For instance, strong currents can destabilize rigs and boats, increasing the risk of falls or accidents involving heavy machinery. High waves and rough seas can make surfaces slippery, leading to slips, trips and falls that are more likely to result in serious injuries. Additionally, sudden storms or hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to the rig structure, leading to fires, explosions or capsizing.
These factors combine to create an environment where even routine tasks can become life-threatening. Offshore workers, recognized as seamen under the Jones Act, have specific legal protections due to these heightened risks. The act provides maritime workers with the ability to seek compensation for injuries resulting from their hazardous working conditions. However, a better understanding of how to handle these cases to protect legal rights is equally important.
The Biggest Hazards On Oil Fields
Some dangers of working in an oil field are obvious, such as explosions, fires and malfunctioning equipment. But less dramatic sources of injury can also be just as dangerous and life-threatening. These include:
- Struck-by/caught-in/caught-between accidents: According to OSHA, about 60% of on-site worker deaths in the oil and gas industries are caused by getting struck-by, caught-in or caught- between equipment or vehicles.
- Vehicle accidents: Because most oil fields are in remote areas, workers typically have long highway commutes. That increases the risk of getting caught in a terrible auto accident. OSHA estimates that about 40% of deaths in the oil and gas industry occur in traffic accidents.
- Exhaustion: An oil field is operational 24 hours a day, with workers typically either working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week or being on-call 24 hours a day. Fatigue can build up and lead to a serious accident.
- Shift mismanagement: Understaffing can lead to a lack of necessary supervision and unfortunate incidents as a result.
- Broken down equipment: An oil drilling company that does not regularly inspect, repair or replace its equipment puts its employees in grave danger.
- Chemical spills: Chemicals used in the oil extraction process are often highly caustic and toxic. Accidental exposure can damage your health.
- Sun exposure: Working outside without proper protection, hydration or rest breaks can lead to heatstroke.
A work injury can take away an oil field worker’s ability to do their job duties and earn an income for weeks or months, if not the rest of their lives.
What Happens When Workers’ Comp Isn’t Enough?
After you get injured on the job, your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance provider will likely approach you with a settlement offer. Often, what they offer is not enough to cover the medical bills, lost wages and other costs you are facing, but you might feel like you have no better options.
However, there is a good chance you do have options for more complete compensation – if you work with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. A good lawyer can do two things for you:
- Examine the settlement offer to see if your employer is treating your claim fairly, and, if not, negotiate a better deal.
- Explore other possible sources of compensation.
Every oil field work injury case is different. Depending on what happened, you could have a personal injury claim against a third party as well as a workers’ comp claim. For example, if you got hurt using a defective tool, the company that manufactured that tool could be partly responsible under Texas law. Our team of attorneys will investigate your case and show you your options for financial recovery for all the damages you have experienced, which often include:
- Lost past and future wages
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment costs
- Changes in childcare expenses
- Retraining for new work
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Reduced quality of life
Handling Oil Field And Oil Truck Injury Claims Throughout Texas
Oil fields can be found in San Antonio and various regions of Texas, and our attorneys at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., practice throughout the state. For more information on our oil field accident practice, see:
You Are Not Alone
When difficult working conditions, faulty equipment or the negligence of others leaves you hurt and facing a mountain of bills that you can’t pay, you should not have to bear the burden alone. Our team of experienced attorneys will stand by you and stand up for your rights every step of the way.
We represent a wide variety of oil field accident victims, including those who are injured in car accidents, workers who suffer broken bones, head or spinal injuries, workers who develop occupational illnesses, and workers who are seriously injured due to defective equipment.
Timing Is Crucial – Contact Us Today
Any delay in obtaining information or gathering evidence could hurt your claim. These claims are often complex due to the possibility of making third-party personal injury claims against trucking companies and others who work alongside the oil industry.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation with a lawyer. Our oil field accident lawyers have locations in San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock and Abilene.