At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury lawyers know the oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of Texas’s economy, contributing significantly to the state’s wealth, employment, and energy production. Texas is the leading oil and natural gas producer in the United States, with its vast oilfields providing jobs to hundreds of thousands of workers and supporting numerous communities.
However, the industry’s economic benefits come with significant risks, particularly for those working in the oilfields. Oilfield work is inherently dangerous, involving heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and physically demanding tasks often performed in harsh environments.
These conditions lead to a high incidence of accidents, including explosions, equipment failures, and transportation mishaps, making oilfield work one of the most dangerous occupations in the state.
Here, our Harris County oilfield injury lawyers discuss the common causes of these potentially catastrophic accidents and the legal remedies available to the victims and their families.
What are the Most Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents in Texas?
The most common causes of oilfield accidents in Texas include:
- Equipment Failures: Oilfields rely heavily on complex machinery and equipment, such as drilling rigs and heavy-duty vehicles. Poorly maintained, defective, or improperly operated machines can malfunction, leading to severe accidents like explosions, fires, and crush injuries.
- Human Error: In the high-pressure environment of an oilfield, human error is a frequent cause of accidents. Inadequate training, fatigue from long hours, miscommunication, and failure to follow safety protocols can result in catastrophic incidents, including slips, falls, and operational mistakes.
- Explosions and Fires: Oilfields are highly susceptible to explosions and fires due to flammable gases and liquids. Equipment malfunctions, improper handling of hazardous materials, or sparks from welding and other tools can trigger these.
- Transportation Accidents: Oilfield work often involves transporting heavy equipment and materials, sometimes over long distances or rough terrain. Accidents can occur due to vehicle collisions, rollovers, or the improper securing of loads, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Falls and Collapses: Oilfield workers frequently operate at significant heights or confined spaces, increasing the risk of falls from platforms, scaffolding, or equipment. Structural failures, inadequate fall protection, or unstable surfaces can result in severe or fatal injuries.
- Chemical Exposure: Workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals and gases, which can cause burns, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems if not properly managed. Lack of proper protective gear or ventilation can exacerbate these risks.
These causes highlight the need for strict safety regulations, proper training, and diligent equipment maintenance to minimize the risks associated with oilfield work in Texas. When negligence is a factor, our skilled Houston oilfield accident attorneys are here to help injured victims, and those who have lost loved ones pursue the legal remedy that fits their unique needs.
What are the Legal Remedies Available to Texas Oilfield Accident and Injury Victims?
Texas oilfield accident and injury victims have several legal remedies available to them, depending on the circumstances of the accident. These remedies can help victims recover compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
The most common legal remedies include:
- Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is typically the first avenue for oilfield workers injured. It provides benefits regardless of fault, covering medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits. However, most employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is not enrolled in workers’ compensation coverage, we can pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead.
- Third-Party Claims
If a third party (someone other than the employer or a coworker) is responsible for the accident, the injured worker can file a personal injury lawsuit against that party. For example, if a piece of equipment was defective and caused the injury, the manufacturer could be liable for a product liability claim.
If the injury was caused by defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment, the victim might pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective product.
- Negligence Lawsuits
In cases where the employer’s negligence directly contributed to the accident, such as failing to provide proper safety training or equipment, injured workers may have grounds to sue their employer outside the workers’ compensation system. This is particularly relevant if the employer is a nonsubscriber to the Texas workers’ compensation system or if gross negligence can be proven.
If an oilfield accident results in a worker’s death, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This legal remedy seeks compensation for the financial and emotional losses suffered by the family, including loss of income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.
Navigating these legal remedies can be complex. Oilfield accident victims often benefit from seeking the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney in Texas to help them understand their rights, build a strong case, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
We can help.
Contact Our Lawyer at Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
Contact our dedicated Houston auto accident attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Call 713-637-4560 or contact us online.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
