Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Field Accidents And Injuries

Having decades of experience helping clients in the oil and energy industry, we at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., know how dangerous this work is. We know the impact that an injury can have on your life, your family and your ability to work. Our lawyers are here to help ensure that your rights are protected after an oil field accident.

To learn more about oil field accidents and what to do after you have been injured, read through the commonly asked questions and answers below. Then get in touch with our firm to schedule a free consultation. Call our San Antonio office at 866-609-3852 today or contact us online now.

What types of oil field accidents cause injuries?

Slip-and-falls, falls from heights (such as off of a derrick), pipeline blowouts, vehicle collisions, falling objects, equipment malfunctions and more are common accidents that occur while working in an oil field. Injuries range from minor to severe, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, amputations, electrocutions, burns and others.

What actions should I take after an injury?

Immediately after an injury, you should report your situation to your supervisor and seek medical attention. This can start the workers’ compensation process, as the medical documentation as well as employer report are essential. It is also a good idea to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can to ensure that your rights are protected.

Can I file a claim even if I’ve received workers’ compensation?

Sometimes. If your employer or another employee was at fault for the accident, you will receive only Texas workers’ compensation. This is also true if the accident was no one’s fault. However, if there was other negligence or actions that contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a third-party claim against someone else.

Who can be held responsible for an accident?

Since workers’ compensation applies when the fault belongs to your employer or another employee, they will already have been held responsible. If a lease owner, equipment manufacturer, vehicle driver or other party is found to be at fault, they can also be held responsible.

What if a family member died in an oil field accident?

If your loved one was killed as the result of an accident on a rig or in an oil field, it is possible to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This will hold the negligent parties responsible for what happened and also help ease the financial burden that you may be feeling after the loss.

Why is an attorney helpful for an oil field injury claim?

Having a lawyer from our firm on your side after an accident is extremely beneficial for many reasons. We can ensure that your rights are protected as an employee and that you obtain the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits possible. Also, our lawyers can investigate the situation to determine if a third party’s negligence or actions contributed to your injuries. This would allow us to file a personal injury claim on your behalf, seeking compensation that is in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.

Without a lawyer, you may not understand how to go about handling the case and what to do next, as accident cases can be very complex. Going it alone leaves you and your future at risk. We are here to ensure that you are protected. We have offices located in San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock and Abilene.