San Antonio Oilfield Accident Lawyer
Texas Oil and Gas Industry Statistics
Texas stands as an unrivaled leader in the oil and gas industry. If Texas were considered a sovereign nation, it would undeniably secure a place among the top 10 global producers with its staggering 187,401 active oil wells and 98,709 active gas wells.
In 2018, Texas contributed 1,275 million barrels of oil, accounting for roughly 35% of the entire U.S. production, according to data from the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.
The oil industry is undeniably vital, fueling our nation’s energy needs. In Bexar County alone, there are 13,600 drilled wells operated by 38 oil companies, requiring the dedicated efforts of thousands of Texans.
Commonly, oilfield workers endure serious and fatal injuries due to major oilfield accidents. When these oil and gas accidents occur, having a well-thought-out legal plan is essential to recover compensation and hold the negligent company accountable.
How Many Oil and Gas Workers Suffer Injuries Every Year in the U.S.?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 27 fatalities per 100,000 employees in the oil and gas industry each year. This statistic highlights the significant occupational hazards oilfield workers face, emphasizing the importance of stringent occupational safety measures and legal protections for those employed in the high-risk field.
Common Types of Oil Field Accidents in Texas
There are many different types of oilfield accidents that oil field workers can suffer from, including:
- Oil Well Blowouts: Sudden, uncontrolled releases of oil or gas from a well.
- Fires and Explosions: Combustible materials and machinery pose fire and explosion risks.
- Defective Equipment Malfunctions: Oilfield workers rely on heavy machinery and equipment. Defective equipment, improper use, and lack of training can lead to workplace accidents.
- Falls: Working at great heights is common in the oil industry. Lack of proper safety equipment, occupational safety training, and rushing on the job site can lead to on-the-job injuries for oilfield workers.
- Chemical Exposure: Oilfield workers deal with toxic chemicals regularly. Exposure to these toxic chemicals and substances can result in serious injuries.
- Struck by Objects: On-the-job injuries caused by being struck by defective equipment, tools, or materials.
- Electrocutions: Electrical hazards on oil rigs can lead to electrocution oil and gas accidents.
- Structural Failures: The collapse or failure of structures like drilling derricks can cause serious and fatal injuries for oilfield workers.
- Crush Injuries: Oil field injuries can occur when oilfield workers become caught in machinery.
If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries from an oil rig accident, it’s crucial to arm yourself with strong legal representation from the San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Janicek Law.
Why Do Oil Field Accidents Happen in Texas?
Oil field accidents commonly occur due to the following:
Insufficient training for oilfield workers;
Negligent errors made by oil field truck drivers or other drivers outside the oil field;
Fires at oil and gas fields, pipeline, and refineries;
Injuries related to oil field fracking operations;
Trench collapses;
Exposure to toxic chemicals and carbon monoxide poisoning;
Lack of adequate safeguards at drilling sites and refinery facilities;
Malfunctions caused by improperly maintained or defective equipment;
Fatigued oilfield workers making mistakes on the job;
And failure to follow emergency protocols and safety regulations.
Common Types of Oil Field Injuries in Texas
The aforementioned causes of oilfield accidents can result in serious and fatal injuries. The most common oilfield injuries include:
From fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces. San Antonio burn injury attorneys have what it takes to recover damages for severe burns in an oilfield accident case.
Often due to falls or heavy falling objects. If you have suffered a head injury while on the job, contact a San Antonio traumatic brain injury lawyer at our law firm.
Resulting from heavy lifting, falls, or equipment incidents. Be sure to consult with a San Antonio spinal cord injury lawyer about whether you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit for back or spinal cord injuries.
Occur when oilfield workers are caught between machinery or materials.
From contact with rotating machinery or sharp equipment. This type of oil rig injury often results in permanent disability. Our San Antonio amputation lawyers have what it takes to recover the damages you need for immediate medical attention and ongoing medical treatment.
Caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes.
Due to exposure to chemicals, debris, or welding flash.
Develop over time from repetitive motions or tasks.
These oil field injuries highlight the daily hazardous conditions that oil field workers face. Contact our San Antonio oilfield injury lawyers for legal support for your on-the-job injuries.
What To Do After an Oilfield Accident in Texas
In the unfortunate event of an oilfield accident, here’s what oilfield workers should do in order to maintain safety and preserve legal rights:
The first step after an oil field accident is seeking immediate medical treatment. Prompt medical care can significantly affect the outcome of your oilfield injuries.
Oil and gas companies have policies in place for oilfield accidents. Informing your employer ensures these policies are followed and provides a record for workers’ comp.
Gathering evidence is a crucial step for injured oil field workers seeking compensation through a workers’ comp claim or personal injury lawsuit. Furthermore, it’s critical to keep records of all financial documents related to the oil field accident, such as medical bills and records of lost wages, as these will help during the claims process.
Contacting San Antonio oilfield injury lawyers promptly after a Texas oilfield accident is paramount. Every oil field injury lawyer at Janicek Law has the experience needed to ensure that your rights are protected. Your experienced attorney can guide you through gathering evidence, filing claims, and negotiating with the appropriate insurance company or any other party involved.
Acting swiftly allows your oilfield accident attorney to initiate investigations while evidence is still fresh, increasing the likelihood of a successful oilfield accident case outcome. Time is often of the essence in personal injury cases, so reaching out to an oil field injury lawyer quickly is a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve.
Legal Options For Injured Oil Field Workers
Two primary avenues are available for employees injured in an oil field accident: a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party liability claim.
Workers’ Compensation Claim for Oilfield Accidents Through Oil and Gas Companies
A workers’ compensation claim can be a lifeline for injured oilfield workers. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive compensation for your medical attention, lost income, and disability benefits related to your oil field accident.
Oilfield workers generally forfeit the right to sue an employer for the oil field accident by filing for workers’ comp benefits. However, when employers lack workers’ compensation insurance or oilfield workers believe their oil field injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, they may have grounds to pursue third-party oilfield injury claims.
Consulting with a San Antonio oil field injury lawyer at our law firm is crucial in making informed decisions about the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
Personal Injury Lawsuit for Oilfield Accidents
When oil field injuries occur due to the actions of someone other than your employer or a coworker, you can pursue a third-party liability claim, under Texas personal injury law. Personal injury lawsuits allow you to seek fair compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company, potentially providing you with a broader range of benefits than what workers’ compensation alone offers.
The benefits of third-party oilfield injury claims may encompass costs of ongoing medical attention, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Pursuing a personal injury claim can be a critical step in ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve in the aftermath of a devastating oil field accident.
Legal Options for Injured Offshore Oil and Gas Employees
The oil and gas industry extends beyond land-based operations, with offshore drilling platforms and vessels playing a significant role. Offshore oil and gas workers for offshore oil companies have distinct legal options.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act offers compensation for oilfield accident cases caused by vessel unseaworthiness or negligence by coworkers or employers. It covers medical bills, lost income, future earnings, and pain and suffering. This legislation protects maritime employee rights, providing them with the financial support they deserve.
Jones Act: Maintenance and Cure
Maintenance and Cure, a federal maritime law, provides essential benefits for seamen regardless of fault in accidents. It covers daily living costs (maintenance) and medical expenses (cure) until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement.
Long Shore Act
The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation services for employees injured in maritime work or related activities. It also offers survivor benefits to dependents in case of a work-related fatality.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides compensation to families of individuals who die in offshore oil rig accidents due to negligence. It covers financial losses if the incident occurs over three nautical miles from shore, offering vital support to grieving families in their time of need.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Oil Field Accident in Texas?
In many cases, a family member can pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal oilfield accident.
These claims typically arise when fatal oilfield accidents result from the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, rather than just being a workplace accident. By filing a wrongful death claim, surviving family members seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses they have endured due to the untimely death of their loved one.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced San Antonio wrongful death attorney who has successfully represented other wrongful death cases related to your case specifically and has a proven track record of success for oil field injury claims resulting in death.
Determining Fault After a Texas Oilfield Accident
Determining fault after an oil field accident requires a detailed investigation to identify responsible parties. Factors like equipment malfunctions, safety violations, or negligence of coworkers may contribute to oil field injury liability. Consulting a skilled San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and navigating legal proceedings effectively.
Oil Field Accident Damages
Oilfield accidents often lead to physical, emotional, and financial damages for injured employees and their families. There are two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills related to injuries sustained.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Recognition of diminished future earning potential resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damaged in the accident.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: In cases of wrongful death, coverage for funeral and burial expenses.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Compensation for miscellaneous costs incurred due to the accident.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Recognition of the psychological impact. For more information about damages related to mental anguish, be sure to consult with a San Antonio emotional distress lawyer.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the strain on personal relationships due to the accident. If you’re wondering: what is loss of consortium worth in a personal injury lawsuit? Schedule a free consultation at our law firm to learn more.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recognition of the diminished quality of life caused by injuries.
- Disfigurement: Compensation for any lasting physical scars or disfigurements.
- Inconvenience: Acknowledgment of the inconvenience and disruptions to daily life caused by the accident.
Economic and non-economic damages aim to provide fair compensation for the physical and emotional that an oilfield accident can have on victims and their families.
How Much is the Average Oil Field Accident Settlement in Texas?
The average oil field accident settlement can vary significantly. The settlement amount for an oil field accident case depends on the accident’s severity, the extent of the oil field injury or injuries, and the specific circumstances surrounding the case.
In cases of wrongful death resulting from an oil field accident, the settlement amount can be even higher due to the emotional and financial losses endured by the victim’s family.
To determine the exact settlement amount for your particular oil field injury case, it is advisable to consult with a skilled San Antonio oil field injury lawyer at Janicek Law. Our San Antonio oil field injury lawyers possess the expertise to carefully assess the details of your claim, calculate all relevant damages, and ensure that you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.
San Antonio Oil Field Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered oilfield injuries in a Texas oilfield accident, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The experienced San Antonio oil field accident lawyers at Janicek Law are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Our oilfield accident attorney team will work tirelessly to navigate the complexities of your case, gather evidence, and recover maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call a San Antonio oilfield accident attorney today at 210-366-4949 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
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