Texas leads the United States in oil and gas production, and many residents work in the oilfields. Unfortunately, that comes with risks. Workers in the industry are at high risk of suffering severe injuries and fatalities while on duty.
You have the right to pursue compensation if the negligence of someone at work caused you harm. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your options. A seasoned South Houston oilfield accident lawyer from our firm can meet with you to discuss your personal injury claim.
Most Common Causes of Injuries in Oilfields
The most typical causes of accidents leading to severe injuries on the oilfield include the following:
- Crane and other vehicle crashes
- Falls from heights, such as tanks and equipment
- Well control incidents, such as blowouts and kicks
- Electrocution from energized power lines or faulty equipment
- Struck-by or caught-between accidents, such as pipes and rig components
- Explosions and fires caused by blowouts, vapor cloud explosions, and hydrogen sulfide releases
Most oilfield workers are independent contractors or employed by subcontractors and do not have workers’ compensation benefits. When those benefits are unavailable, you can file lawsuits against anyone who contributed to the accident and the injuries you sustained. Our South Houston attorneys can help you throughout the process and advocate for a just outcome in your oilfield injury case.
Determining Who Is at Fault
State statutes allow injured oilfield workers to hold negligent parties financially responsible for unsafe conditions that lead to preventable accidents. Oil rigs are complex systems with heavy machinery that can malfunction, leaving those nearby with severe injuries. They often contain hazardous conditions, such as dangerous substances. Legal action may also be necessary for accidents caused by slipping and falling, falling from heights, or entirely preventable explosions.
Working in oilfields is dangerous, and accidents can be life-threatening. Our attorneys have experience with oilfield accident cases in South Houston and can help you determine who is at fault in your case.
What Does Filing a Lawsuit for an Oilfield Injury Involve?
Understanding and complying with state statutes is crucial to obtaining a settlement after a job-related accident caused by negligence. The first is the deadline provided under the personal injury statute of limitations. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you must initiate legal action in civil court within two years of the oilfield accident that led to your injuries and losses.
Missing the strict deadline would mean losing the ability to collect a payout from the responsible party while holding them legally accountable.
Oilfield work in the state is the most dangerous and litigious jurisdiction in the country. The combination of high-hazard work, often without access to workers’ compensation, makes it a busy area of law. While there is no standard settlement, accidents often leave workers with severe injuries and lasting disabilities. Therefore, the payouts can be significant.
Recoverable Damages
Recoverable damages include the economic and non-economic losses you sustain because of the accident. Economic losses cover medical care related to the accident and ongoing services, lost pay for time you miss from work, and potential earnings if you cannot return to your position.
Non-economic losses cover the non-monetary results of injuries, such as emotional distress, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and chronic pain and suffering. Our skilled oilfield injury attorneys in South Houston will fight for your rights.
Call a South Houston Attorney About Your Oilfield Injury Case Today
After preventable oilfield accidents, injured workers can file third-party lawsuits against negligent parties, including equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and other companies that share liability.
If you suffered an injury at work due to negligence, knowing your legal rights to protect your interests is crucial. Contact a hardworking and qualified South Houston oilfield accident lawyer from our firm today to review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your options.