Heath, TX Oil Rig Accident Lawyers

Responding to Oil Rig Accidents Caused by Negligence

Negligence means someone fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would use in the same situation. For example, suppose an employer, coworker, or supervisor ignores safety rules, skips inspections, or neglects to fix known problems. In the oil rig industry, negligence puts lives at risk.

In 2023 alone, there were 78 fatal occupational injuries in the private sector oil and gas extraction industries. The following sections explore some of the most common causes of oil rig accidents.

Unfavorable working conditions

Oil and gas extraction (OEG) workers must contend with various safety and health hazards as they perform various operations. 

Some unique job challenges are:

• Long shifts that could lead to exhaustion and mistakes
• Lack of training to handle risky tasks safely
• Inadequate safety gear 
• Exposure to air and water pollution, which could lead to health problems like respiratory diseases, liver damage, and cancer
• Contact with toxic materials or chemicals
• Wet and slippery surfaces due to spills, drilling fluids, rain, or ice
• Increased risk of fires or explosions due to the proximity of flammable materials and sparks or static electricity 
• Harsh weather conditions, including temperature extremes, high winds, and storms 
• The handling or lifting of heavy loads

Safety rules are in place to minimize risk, but some employers ignore them to save time or money. When they cut corners, it is the workers who suffer the most.

Dangerous machinery

The heavy machines that oil rigs rely on need to work correctly every time they are in use. Old, broken, or poorly maintained equipment (e.g., pipes, pressure systems) can fail, triggering catastrophic accidents.

In other cases, constant exposure to machinery issues like the following contributes to injuries:

• Heavy machinery like drills, cranes, and lifting equipment can crush, strike, or entangle workers in its moving parts
• Leaks of hazardous chemicals or toxic fumes – such as drilling fluids, solvents, and hydrogen sulfide gas – can cause respiratory damage, skin irritation, and even cancer
• Loud, repetitive exposure to noise could lead to hearing loss
• Handling vibrating tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HVAS), characterized by numbness, tingling sensations, and a loss of hand dexterity 

When this careless behavior leads to an accident, the injured person may have the right to seek compensation. Yet, proving negligence is the key to winning a legal case after an oil rig accident.

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Protecting Your Interests After an Oil Rig Accident

Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after an oil rig accident is wise. Experienced personal injury lawyers can investigate the role of negligence in the incident and gather evidence to support your case. Taking early action can make a big difference in building a strong case to protect your rights.

Every accident is different. Consider these steps that might impact your oil rig claim.

Through workers’ compensation claims 

In Texas, workers’ compensation insurance offers the following benefits:

• Income to replace a portion of the money you lost due to your work-related injury or medical condition
• Reasonable and necessary medical care
• Funeral expenses for a deceased employee
• Death benefits for family members to replace the income of deceased employees 

Offshore workers are not covered under this arrangement. To learn about the federal laws that might protect you, contact us to discuss seeking benefits for your injury. 

Through personal injury claims 

In some cases, injured workers can file a personal injury claim instead of or along with a workers’ comp claim. For example, suppose a contractor or equipment maker’s negligence caused your injury or made it worse. Your attorney could file suit against this third party.

One advantage of personal injury claims is that they allow for non-economic damages. 

This additional money could compensate for:

• Physical pain and suffering caused by burns, broken bones, or other accident injuries
• Psychological stress and mental issues resulting from the accident (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and memory or cognitive impairment) 
• The strain of a new disability on your relationships with family, friends, and society
• The diminished quality of your life, including your ability to enjoy hobbies and activities

In rare instances, punitive damages may also be imposed if the at-fault party acted with malice. 

By documenting your financial losses 

To get fair compensation, you will need to keep track of all your financial losses. You should keep paperwork related to medical bills, time you missed from work, and anticipated costs linked to your injury. Clear records make it easier for your lawyer to demand full payment for what you have lost.

How an accident attorney can handle other insurance companies:

Secure the Best Outcome With Legal Help

For a personal injury claim, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. For a workers’ compensation claim, you must show that your employer has coverage and that your injury happened while doing your job. Either way, the road to justice is not likely to be smooth.

The oil and gas industry is complex, and there are many state and federal laws that can affect your case. Insurance companies might look for ways to deny your claim or offer less than what you deserve. Why not speak to a skilled oil rig accident attorney before you make any regrettable legal decisions?

Fielding Law is ready to meet the legal challenges to help injured Texas oil rig workers. Our Heath, TX, team can review your case, explain your options, and take action to secure a better future. Contact us at (877) 880-4090 to schedule a free personalized case review. 

What Clients Say About Us:

“Mitch poured his heart and his soul into our family and offered a piece of himself to us! We are forever grateful for all of the help that Mitch offered our family! He is one of a kind! We would highly recommend him and would be happy to speak with anyone who would like to inquire about the quality of his services!” -Jane & John Lacasse