Representing Victims of Oilfield Injuries
Working in the oil & gas industry can be a dangerous job, with oilfield workers exposed to a variety of hazards that can result in serious injury. If you or a loved one has been injured while working in the oilfield, you need an experienced oilfield injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in oilfield accidents. We understand the unique challenges that these cases present and we have the knowledge and resources to help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Request A Free Case Consultation Today!
When the insurance company calls, do not speak to them! They are after their own interests, and it can hurt your case. Act now to protect your legal rights.
Complete the form below and we will reach out momentarily. We are available 24/7.
Common Questions
Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents
There are many causes of oilfield accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Falling objects – everything from tools to equipment and even parts of buildings can fall on someone as they work
- Struck by objects – a heavy pipe or piece of scaffolding, for example, may fall onto someone working below it
- Electrocution – when electrical systems or equipment fail and cause an electric current to pass through a human body
Other accidents may occur as a result of negligent actions taken by others, such as the following:
- Failure to provide proper safety training
- Improper maintenance and inspection of equipment
- Lack of adequate safety procedures and protocols
- Inadequate supervision of employees
- Misrepresenting the hazards associated with working in an oilfield environment
The Texas legislature defines “negligence” as failure to use reasonable care. An employer cannot rely on others to ensure safety in the oilfield industry. Instead, they are responsible for taking precautions against hazards and accidents.
No Fee Unless We Win
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we understand the hardships of trying to heal and make sense of an accident. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means no fee unless we win the case. Our fee is a percentage of the verdict or settlement we obtain for you.
Common Types of Oilfield Injuries
There are many oilfield injuries, but most fall into two categories: bodily injury and loss of life. These categories can be broken down further, but the basic idea is that there are many ways for an oilfield worker to get injured or killed on the job.
Bodily Injuries
The most common type of oilfield injury involves bodily harm. This can range from simple cuts and bruises to more severe damage, such as broken bones or partial amputations. There are many ways for a worker to get hurt on the job, but the most common include:
- Falls from heights
- Getting hit by heavy equipment or vehicles
- Being struck by lightning
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
- Electrocution
- Drowning in open water wells
In some cases, an injured worker may be able to file workers’ compensation claims against their employer. These claims will help cover medical expenses and lost wages after the accident.
Loss of Life
The second most common type of oilfield injury is fatality. The oilfield’s most common cause of death is a fall from heights. This can happen when someone is working on a rig or derrick, but it also happens when workers work on the ground below one. Other common causes of fatality include exposure to toxic chemicals and gases, electrocution, and drowning. If you are injured in an oilfield accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. You will also want to report the accident to your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim against them. Family members may have recourse through wrongful death lawsuits if someone dies due to injuries.
The Process of Filing a Claim
The process of filing a claim can be complex, and victims and their families may benefit from having a qualified and experienced oilfield injury lawyer by their side to guide them through the process. The following are the key steps involved in filing a claim:
- Gathering evidence: The first step in filing a claim is to gather evidence to support the victim’s case. This may include photographs of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, medical records, and other relevant documents.
- Filing a report: The victim or their family should report the accident to their employer as soon as possible. This will trigger the insurance claim process and start the process of filing a claim.
- Notifying insurance companies: The next step is to notify the insurance company that the victim intends to file a claim for compensation. The insurance company will then initiate an investigation into the accident.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: The oilfield injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their losses. This may involve negotiations over the amount of compensation, the type of compensation, and the timeline for payment.
- Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, the victim may need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses. The oilfield injury lawyer will represent the victim in court, making arguments and presenting evidence on their behalf.
It’s important to keep in mind that the process of filing a claim can be time-consuming and complex, and that victims and their families may benefit from having an experienced oilfield injury lawyer to guide them through the process. The lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that the client receives the compensation they deserve and that those responsible for the accident are held accountable for their actions.
How an Oilfield Injury Lawyer Can Help in Case of an Accident
Before the injured worker gets medical attention, they must report what happened to their supervisor. If there are any witnesses to the incident, they should also be interviewed by an oilfield accident investigation team. A complete investigation will help determine liability for injuries sustained in an oilfield accident.
An oilfield injury attorney can investigate the circumstances of an accident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This includes:
- Talking to witnesses and reviewing any records that may be relevant to the incident
- Performing a physical inspection of the area where the accident took place
- Reviewing any incident reports and photographs of the scene. They may also review its maintenance records if the incident involved a vehicle.
- Reviewing any medical reports and statements the injured party provides
- Reviewing any safety policies and procedures related to the incident. They may also review training records for those involved in the incident, including supervisors and workers on duty that day.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather evidence and build a strong case. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced oilfield injury lawyers, contact us today. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Request A Free Case Consultation Today!
Complete the form below and we will reach out momentarily.