Oilfield explosions can happen without warning. One moment, workers are performing their jobs. Then next, a blast may tear through the site, leaving behind catastrophic injuries and devastated families. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an oilfield explosion in Houston, you may want to speak with a Houston oilfield explosion lawyer who understands the complexity of these cases and fights for the compensation you deserve.
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents workers and families harmed in oilfield explosions throughout Houston and Texas. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in oil and gas accidents. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Oilfield Explosion Case
When you hire Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP, you get a team with deep experience in oilfield injury litigation. Our attorneys have handled complex oil and gas cases in Texas. We’ve recovered $25 million for a client injured in an oil and gas incident and $14 million for another client harmed in an oil and gas accident.
Our team includes attorneys recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and listed in Best Lawyers in America. We bring in engineers, safety professionals, and medical providers to help build strong cases where appropriate. We understand how oilfield operations work, the safety standards that apply, and how companies sometimes fail to protect their workers.
We handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. We investigate the explosion, identify potentially liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary. You can rely on us to advocate for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Oilfield Explosions in Houston
Equipment Failures and Defects
Oilfield equipment operates under extreme pressure and temperature. When manufacturers design or build equipment poorly, explosions can result. Defective pressure vessels, faulty safety valves, and malfunctioning blowout preventers can create dangerous conditions. Companies that fail to maintain equipment properly increase the risk of catastrophic failure. We investigate potential equipment defects and pursue claims against manufacturers when their negligence contributes to an explosion. Under product liability law, manufacturers can be held responsible for defective equipment.
Improper Safety Procedures
Oilfield work requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Workers must follow proper procedures for pressurizing lines, venting gases, and handling flammable materials. When supervisors fail to enforce safety procedures or workers receive inadequate training, accidents can happen. We examine whether companies provided proper safety training and whether workers followed established protocols. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes specific standards for oilfield operations.
Inadequate Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent equipment failures. Companies that skip inspections or delay repairs create hazardous conditions. Rust, corrosion, and wear weaken equipment over time. When companies ignore warning signs or fail to replace aging equipment, workers may pay the price. We review maintenance records to assess whether companies neglected their duty to maintain reasonably safe equipment.
Types of Injuries from Oilfield Explosions
Burn Injuries
Explosions produce intense heat that can burn skin, tissue, and organs. Burn injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Severe burns may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term wound care. Burn victims often face permanent scarring and disfigurement. Recovery can take months or years and involve significant pain and medical expenses. If you sustained severe burn injuries in an oilfield explosion, our team can help you pursue compensation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Head Trauma
The force of an explosion can cause workers to strike objects or be thrown violently. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from impact to the head. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and loss of consciousness. Some TBI victims never fully recover and face lifelong cognitive challenges. Head trauma from explosions requires immediate medical attention and legal representation. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons provides resources on traumatic brain injury recovery.
Spinal Cord and Paralysis Injuries
Explosions can crush the spine or damage the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims may lose the ability to walk, work, or care for themselves. These injuries may require lifetime medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. Paralysis from oilfield accidents can entitle you to substantial compensation. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association offers support and resources for spinal cord injury survivors.
Amputation and Limb Loss
The force and heat from explosions can sever limbs or cause injuries so severe that amputation becomes necessary. Amputation victims can experience phantom pain, difficulty with prosthetics, and permanent disability. They often cannot return to their previous jobs and require extensive rehabilitation. Our firm has experience handling catastrophic amputation cases resulting from workplace explosions.
Establishing Liability in Oilfield Explosion Cases
Oilfield explosions rarely result from a single cause. Multiple parties often share responsibility. Employers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe working conditions and provide proper training. Equipment manufacturers must design and build reasonably safe products. Contractors and site operators must follow applicable industry safety standards. When any of these parties fail in their duty and cause harm, they may be held liable for injuries.
Texas law generally requires that injured workers prove negligence in personal injury claims. This means showing that a defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injury as a result. In oilfield cases, we may examine OSHA violations, industry standards, and company policies to try to demonstrate negligence. Understanding workplace safety standards is critical to establishing liability. The American Petroleum Institute publishes industry standards for safe oilfield operations.
We conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. Sometimes the employer bears responsibility. Other times, a manufacturer’s defective equipment contributed to the explosion. Often, multiple defendants may share liability. We pursue claims against each party that may be responsible for your injuries. Our investigation process includes reviewing maintenance records and safety documentation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Medical Expenses
Oilfield explosion injuries often require extensive medical treatment. Compensation in a personal injury case can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. For serious injuries, future medical care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We work with appropriate professionals to calculate both past medical expenses and the estimated cost of future treatment. Our case results demonstrate our ability to recover substantial compensation for medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
Injuries can prevent workers from returning to their jobs. Compensation may cover wages lost during recovery. For permanent injuries, we may seek damages for lost earning capacity—the income you would have been expected to earn over your working lifetime. This can represent a substantial portion of a settlement or verdict. Workers injured in catastrophic accidents often qualify for significant lost wage damages.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional trauma of a serious injury may warrant compensation. Pain and suffering damages account for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries. Courts recognize that catastrophic injuries cause profound suffering beyond medical expenses.
Wrongful Death Damages
When an oilfield explosion kills a worker, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship and guidance. Our firm has extensive experience with wrongful death cases resulting from workplace accidents. Under Texas wrongful death law, family members have specific rights to pursue compensation.
Punitive Damages
In cases where a company’s conduct was grossly negligent or reckless, courts may award punitive damages. These damages punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Availability of punitive damages depends on the specific facts and applicable law. Establishing gross negligence requires thorough investigation and expert testimony.
How Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP Handles Oilfield Explosion Cases
Investigation
We begin by investigating the explosion thoroughly. We may visit the site, examine equipment, and collect available evidence. We interview witnesses when possible and request relevant company records. We work with engineers to analyze what likely went wrong and why. Our investigation process follows industry best practices for evidence preservation and analysis.
Coordination with Outside Professionals
We work with medical professionals to document your injuries and project future medical needs. We consult safety professionals familiar with oilfield operations and industry standards. These outside professionals can provide testimony or reports that strengthen your case. Our network includes experts in workplace safety and industrial equipment.
Negotiation and Settlement
Many cases resolve before trial. We negotiate with insurance companies and defendants based on the evidence of liability and damages. We advise you regarding settlement offers and do not recommend accepting an offer that fails to fairly compensate you for your injuries. Our attorneys understand the settlement process and fight for fair compensation.
Trial Experience
If settlement negotiations are not successful, we may take your case to trial. Our attorneys have tried complex personal injury cases and know how to present evidence to juries. We prepare thoroughly and seek the maximum recovery allowed under the law. Our trial experience includes catastrophic injury litigation at the highest levels.
Timeline Expectations
Oilfield explosion cases take time. Investigation, expert analysis, and negotiation typically require 12 to 24 months, though some matters may resolve sooner or take longer depending on complexity. Cases with multiple defendants or extensive damages issues may require additional time. We keep you informed throughout the process and explain what to expect at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an oilfield explosion claim in Texas?
Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the explosion to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to sue. Contact us as soon as possible if you’ve been injured in an oilfield explosion so we can evaluate applicable deadlines. Understanding statute of limitations is critical to protecting your rights. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years.
Can I sue my employer for an oilfield explosion injury?
In many situations, workers cannot sue their employers directly and instead must pursue workers’ compensation claims if coverage exists. However, you may be able to sue third parties allegedly responsible for the explosion, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors. We evaluate your case to identify all parties you may be able to hold liable. Third-party claims often provide greater compensation than workers’ compensation alone.
What evidence is needed to prove negligence in an explosion case?
We generally must show that a defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury. Evidence can include company safety records, maintenance logs, OSHA violations, expert testimony, and witness statements. We gather and review this evidence during our investigation. Establishing negligence requires comprehensive evidence collection and expert analysis.
How much is my oilfield explosion case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, your lost wages, and the strength of liability evidence. We evaluate all these factors and can provide a range estimate of your case’s potential value. Every case is unique, and we discuss your specific situation during a free consultation.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Many personal injury cases settle before trial. We pursue settlement because it can provide faster compensation when appropriate, but we also prepare cases for trial and are ready to go to court if necessary. We will not pressure you to accept a settlement you are uncomfortable with. Our attorneys are experienced in both settlement negotiations and trial litigation.
What should I do immediately after an oilfield explosion?
Seek medical attention first. Report the incident to your employer and OSHA if applicable. Document your injuries with photographs when you can. Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. Avoid discussing the incident with anyone except your attorney. Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP as soon as possible so we can work to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Taking immediate action after an injury is critical to your case.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. We work to minimize any finding of fault attributed to you.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield explosion in Houston, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP today at (713) 230-2200 for a free consultation. We are available to take your call and discuss your situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement.
Our team is ready to fight for you. Contact us now to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.