When equipment fails in Houston’s oilfields, workers can suffer life-altering injuries. Defective machinery, poorly maintained equipment, and faulty safety systems contribute to serious incidents across Houston’s oilfields. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents oilfield workers harmed by equipment failures and works to help them pursue compensation available under the law.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Oilfield Equipment Failure Claim
When equipment fails and you suffer an injury, it is important to work with a lawyer familiar with oilfield operations and the process of holding responsible parties accountable. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP has recovered substantial compensation for injured oilfield workers through equipment failure claims.
Cesar Tavares secured a 25 million dollar recovery for an oil and gas incident injury and a 14 million dollar recovery for an oil and gas accident injury. These are examples of past case results and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Our attorneys at the firm have received recognitions such as Texas Super Lawyers and listings by the National Trial Lawyers organization.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our client reviews reflect feedback from individuals we have represented. When equipment failure contributes to an injury, Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP works to pursue fair compensation based on the facts of the case.
Common Equipment Failures That Cause Oilfield Injuries
Equipment failures happen in many ways across Houston’s oilfields. Understanding what goes wrong helps explain how negligence may have contributed to an injury.
Common equipment failures include:
- Hydraulic system failures and leaks
- Crane and lifting equipment malfunctions
- Blowout preventer failures
- Faulty or missing safety equipment
- Worn, corroded, or improperly maintained machinery
- Defective drilling equipment and tools
- Failed pressure relief systems
Each of these failures can cause severe injuries when workers are nearby. A single malfunction can result in crushing injuries, amputations, burns, or death. Equipment failures may occur when companies fail to maintain machinery properly, do not follow OSHA safety standards, or use equipment that is defective.
How Equipment Failures Lead to Serious Injuries
Equipment failures in oilfields create dangerous situations because workers operate in high-pressure, high-temperature environments with heavy machinery. When equipment malfunctions, the consequences can be severe.
A hydraulic system failure can release pressurized fluid at extreme temperatures, causing thermal burns across large areas of the body. A crane malfunction can drop heavy loads on workers below, causing crush injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage. A blowout preventer failure can lead to explosions and fires. Faulty safety equipment may leave workers unprotected when accidents occur.
These injuries can result in long-term disability, chronic pain, and reduced earning capacity. Workers may suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, limb loss, or organ damage requiring ongoing care. Some equipment failures result in fatalities, leaving families without financial support.
Establishing Liability in Equipment Failure Cases
Equipment failure cases involve identifying who failed to maintain, inspect, repair, or replace equipment properly. Multiple parties may share responsibility for an injury.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Equipment manufacturers who designed or built defective machinery
- Employers who failed to maintain or inspect equipment
- Maintenance contractors hired to service equipment
- Equipment rental or leasing companies
- Safety equipment suppliers
Liability depends on proving negligence. The responsible party must have had a duty to maintain equipment in safe working condition, failed to do so, and that failure caused the injury. OSHA standards establish minimum maintenance and inspection requirements. Failure to follow these standards may be evidence of negligence.
Equipment failure cases may also involve product liability claims against manufacturers. If equipment was defectively designed or manufactured, the maker may be responsible. If equipment was properly designed but not maintained, responsibility may fall on the employer or maintenance contractors. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP investigates each case to identify potentially responsible parties and pursue available compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover
When equipment failure contributes to an injury, you may be able to recover damages for losses related to the accident.
Recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Lost earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to return to work
- Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages if the equipment failure caused a fatality
The value of a claim depends on factors such as injury severity, age, earning capacity, and the available evidence. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP evaluates equipment failure cases and works to build a claim supported by the facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oilfield Equipment Failure Claims
What should I do immediately after an equipment failure injury?
Seek medical attention first. Report the injury to your employer and document the accident scene if possible. Take photos of the equipment, your injuries, and the work area. Get contact information from witnesses. Consider speaking with a Houston catastrophic injury lawyer before signing documents from your employer or their insurance company.
How long do I have to file an oilfield equipment failure claim in Texas?
Texas law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some claims may have different deadlines depending on the circumstances. Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP promptly to discuss your situation and timing.
Can I sue my employer for an equipment failure injury?
Texas workers’ compensation law often limits lawsuits against employers who carry workers’ compensation coverage. However, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue third-party claims against manufacturers, contractors, or other parties. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP handles both types of claims.
What evidence is needed to prove equipment failure caused my injury?
Evidence may include the equipment involved, maintenance records, inspection reports, testimony regarding the failure, medical records, witness statements, and OSHA investigation findings. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP works with qualified professionals to analyze failures and support claims.
How much is my oilfield equipment failure case worth?
The value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available evidence. Some equipment failure cases involve multiple potentially responsible parties, which can affect the value. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP can review your case and provide an assessment based on the facts.
Do I need to go to trial, or can we settle?
Many equipment failure cases are resolved through settlement. However, some proceed to trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP prepares cases for litigation when necessary.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Your Free Consultation
Equipment failures can cause serious injuries that affect many aspects of life. You may have the right to seek compensation from responsible parties. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents injured oilfield workers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Call (713) 230-2200 today to schedule your free consultation. Our team responds to inquiries about equipment failure injuries and works to pursue compensation based on your circumstances.