San Antonio Oilfield Accident Lawyer

San Antonio Oilfield Accident Attorney

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 have suffered serious harm or injury due to an accident that has taken place on an oilfield, the legal guidance of a San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer can prove essential.

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.

Oil Field Accidents

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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 855-620-8321 today or contact us online now.

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.

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.

Common Injuries Seen in Oilfield Accidents in San Antonio, TX

Because oilfield accidents can happen so swiftly, many workers may find that they cannot react as needed to avoid certain injuries. Most often, these injuries and even fatalities can occur due to falling equipment, exposure to certain chemicals or toxic fumes, collisions with heavy machinery, or falling from extreme heights. The most common injuries workers on an oil field in Texas sustain include the following:

• Injuries to the body’s respiratory system
• Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
• Broken or fractured bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Damages to internal organs
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to the nerves
• Accidental amputations or amputations necessary once you have arrived at the hospital
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Herniated discs
• Vertebrae fractures
• Lacerations, cuts, bruises, or puncture wounds
• Injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, or back
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions
• Paralysis
• Thermal, chemical, or electrical burns
• Physical disfigurement, scarring, or impairment

If you have suffered any of these kinds of injuries in an oilfield accident in San Antonio, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. are here to assist you and offer legal support and guidance to maximize your claim settlement amount.

The Biggest Hazards in the Oil Field

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 equipment: 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?

The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, PC are experienced in handling Texas Workers Compensation claims. We can help any injured worker with the process of filing and pursuing a claim, as well as determining if there is something more that you can pursue.

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, TX 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:

• Eagle Ford Shale
• West Texas Oil Fields
• Any oil field related injury anywhere in Texas.

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 an attorney 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.

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.

FAQs

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, and we represent injured workers in every corner of Texas.