Unique Challenges of Proving Liability in Texas Oil Rig Accidents

At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorneys know Texas oil rigs are some of the most hazardous work environments, and accidents on oil rigs can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Proving liability in these cases is particularly complex due to the nature of the work, the involvement of multiple parties, and the potential for companies to push back on claims. Here’s a detailed look at the unique challenges of proving negligence in Texas oil rig accidents and how our Harris County personal injury lawyers can address these complexities.

The Complexity of the Oilfield Work Environment

Oil rigs often involve multiple layers of employers, contractors, and subcontractors working together under hazardous conditions. These environments create unique challenges when determining who is responsible for an accident.

That includes:

• Multiple Parties: Oilfield accidents may involve various parties, including the rig owner, equipment manufacturers, third-party contractors, and other employees. Each entity has a different level of responsibility, and identifying the negligent party requires careful analysis of the relationships between them.
• Inherent Risks: Oil drilling is inherently dangerous, involving exposure to heavy machinery, explosive materials, and harsh conditions. Proving that an accident was caused by negligence—rather than just the inherent risk of the job—requires gathering substantial evidence.

Collecting and preserving evidence is crucial to proving negligence in an oil rig accident. However, the nature of the accident scene and the involvement of multiple companies can make this challenging. This is why we are here. Our skilled Houston personal injury lawyers will review the circumstances of the accident and injuries to hold all potentially liable parties accountable for our clients’ complete compensation needs.

The Importance of Collecting Evidence at the Scene of the Accident

The oil company or other entities involved may attempt to clean up the accident site to resume operations quickly. This can result in the destruction or alteration of critical evidence.

It’s essential to secure the accident scene immediately after the injury occurs, including:

• Photographs and Video: Document the scene, including damaged equipment, hazardous conditions, and visible injuries.
• Incident Reports: Any internal reports filed immediately after the accident can provide insight into potential safety violations or failures in equipment maintenance.
• Witness statements: Gathering testimony from co-workers or supervisors who witnessed the accident or observed unsafe conditions leading up to it.

The Role of Third-Party Contractors

Oil rig operations typically involve multiple third-party contractors, such as drilling companies, equipment providers, or transportation services. Determining who is liable in these cases requires careful investigation.

Even if the primary oil company is not directly responsible for the accident, third-party contractors who were negligent may be liable.

For example:

• A drilling contractor may have failed to properly secure equipment, leading to a collapse.
• A transportation contractor may have delivered faulty materials to the rig.
• Proving third-party contractors’ negligence often requires showing that they failed to meet industry standards, neglected maintenance, or violated specific safety protocols.

Proving liability in Texas oil rig accidents starts with getting the legal help you need to stand up to corporate attorneys and insurance companies that will do all they can to avoid paying for your damages. This is why we are here.

Contact Our Dedicated Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyer Today

Contact our dedicated Houston oilfield accident and injury 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.