Oilfield workers supply Americans with the energy needed to run their vehicles, homes, and businesses. It’s a crucial yet hazardous job that could result in serious or fatal injuries.

If you or someone close to you are considering pursuing damages for injuries suffered or other injuries, a Houston oilfield accident attorney from our office can assist. We take care of all the complicated legal issues on your behalf and will only charge attorneys’ fees once you have received the money you deserve. So, nothing is going to stand in the way of obtaining justice.

What causes Oilfield Accidents in the Oilfield?

If you’re employed in an oil field, then you are aware of the reasons the reason why it’s such a dangerous job. Risks arise from both individuals you work with if they fail to perform their duties and risks associated with being in the vicinity of things like gas, oil and hot metals, and other such things.

In this way, accidents in the oilfield are caused by many factors, which include:

• Motor vehicles: Large vehicles, as well as construction equipment, frequently frequent oilfields. A collision between trucks and employees, a car, or an item of equipment can cause significant damage, especially when the vehicle carries dangerous materials.
• Flammable materials: Gas and oil gas are highly hazardous substances that must be handled with care and storage. In the event of a mishap, explosions or fires can occur.
• Chemicals: Just like oil, some substances could be highly flammable. They may also be harmful and can increase the likelihood of developing sure ailments.
• Large objects: Workers may get trapped beneath or between massive objects, such as oil barrels, machinery, or even oil tanks.
• Hot objects: Equipment such as arc welders and their work materials are prone to exploding temperatures. They could even cause sparks to fly into the faces or hands of those who work on them.

Heights Drilling for oil requires the construction and maintenance of high structures like drilling rigs for oil, workovers, or drilling deep holes into the soil. These could be dangerous for workers who get too near a ledge without safety equipment.

For other workers, It’s all it takes one moment of lack of attention or “clowning around” to make a rash decision to cause an accident. Even if the worker is doing well, they might be weakened through fatigue or stress.

A suitable safety protocol will reduce the risk. However, accidents do happen. Inattention to safety measures only increases the chance of a catastrophe.

Are Oilfield Accidents Deadly?

Yes, accidents in the oilfield often result in the victim’s death. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 44 workers from”the “oil as well as gas extraction industry” suffered fatal injuries from workplace accidents in the year 2020. This is a massive reduction from the fatalities of 2019, which resulted in the deaths of workers in 104 cases. Still, since the oil fields are busy once more after the end of the aftermath of Covid 19 pandemic, the statistics are likely to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

Fatal oilfield accidents can occur in the same ways as non-fatal accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, burns, amputations, explosions, and accidents.

The knowledge that your loved one was a part of an unwise profession is not relief from their loss, and we’d like to convey our sincere condolences to all you (and the deceased) are going through. Domingo Garcia can support you in this challenging time by arguing on your behalf for the maximum amount of damages you or your dear ones are entitled to in a wrongful-death case.

What injuries do Oilfield Accidents Inflict?

The work in the oilfield is highly hazardous and can cause serious injuries, such as:

If you’re struck on the forehead by falling objects or fall from a height such as a scaffold, and you lose, you could sustain a concussion, skull fracture, or even an injury to the brain called traumatic (TBI).

• Burns The chemicals and oils commonly found in oilfields are highly flammable. One spark could trigger massive fires that kill the victims.
• Chronic illness Chronic cancer or cancer: Long-term exposure to chemicals or oil, particularly without adequate protection, can lead to severe and sometimes fatal diseases such as cancer and respiratory
• Amputated limbs: Falls from heights, getting hit by a car, or being caught between machines or large objects (e.g., oil drums) could cause irreparable damage to your feet, hands, legs, arms, or even your legs.
• Permanent disability. All of the above may have a long-lasting impact on your mobility and health through paralysis, chronic discomfort, brain damage, or massive scar tissue.
• Mental trauma: Having a severe injury can trigger mental health problems. Suppose you were aware that your workplace was a risk and constantly worried about what could happen to you. The anxiety could get worse.

As prevalent as fatal accidents are, the percentage of workers who die is less than that of those who suffer from severe injuries but can recover. Being afflicted with injuries similar to those mentioned above could cause more pain, for example:

Anxiety and pain: The suffering of a severe injury is often accompanied by mental health issues that could exacerbate any trauma because of the incident.

Other injuries may occur. For example, when you’ve hurt your lower leg on your left, you could begin to depend more heavily on your right leg. This can put additional stress and wear and tear on the portion that is right and could cause it to cause discomfort to the point that you seek medical attention.

The side effects of treatment Certain medicines can cause adverse effects, and surgeries may alter how you feel or move. Even the most successful therapies can require permanent changes to your lifestyle. You may have to limit certain foods, situations, or other activities.

Capacity for Loss of Earnings The ability of you to perform work or participate in the workplace can be affected by an oil field accident. This could result in your ability to carry out the previous position being seriously compromised and your losing the capability to carry out the physical tasks required in the oil industry.

What kind of compensation can Oilfield Workers Receive?

Workers injured on the oilfield can claim various compensation following an accident.

A way to recover compensation is to seek a settlement or jury award. Find convincing evidence of negligence by your employer or a third party (e.g., an employee, a colleague, or a manufacturer of building components). You may bring a lawsuit against them for:

• The pain and suffering
• Loss of independence or quality of life
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Medical costs
• Other costs
• Loss of wages
• The loss of earnings capacity
• Job opportunities are lost

If you have a loved one who worked in the oil industry and died during the incident, the compensation you may get is a bit different. A lawsuit for wrongful death allows you to pursue the following:

• The pain and suffering
• The medical costs of your loved one’s
• The grief you feel
• The loss of friendship
• Costs associated with dying, such as funeral costs
• Financial support loss due to an abrupt loss of the income of your loved ones

The Houston attorney for oilfield accidents at our law firm will assist you in determining the type of compensation you are eligible for or should pursue based on your situation.

What kind of protection Do Oilfield Workers Have?

The state and federal governments have made laws to protect employees in hazardous industries, such as oilfield workers. This prevents accidents and provides workers with a means to get justice when accidents occur.

OSHA Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a lengthy list of requirements and standards that workplaces with hazards, such as oilfields, must adhere to to ensure that workers are as safe as possible. They apply to nearly everything that happens in the work surroundings, which include:

Work surfaces and walkways Work surfaces and walkways and work should be free of obvious hazards, e.g., compressed gas canisters should be in good order and kept in a secure location.

Safety equipment and personal protective gear: Appropriately eye and face protection should be provided to all workers dealing with flying or molten metal particles. For example, arc welding workers require filters of specific shades. Protection against falls must be offered for all employees who must be more than 6 feet above the ground.

Machines: The oilfield employees can utilize various types of machinery according to their job. Every device must be maintained in good condition throughout the day. Machine guards, for example, are essential. Wellheads and other equipment used in oil fields must be regularly examined and maintained due to the possibility of corrosion.

Electricity: Each electrical device should be wired correctly and have the correct quantity of voltage to limit the chance of fires, explosions, burns, or any other accidents. This is particularly important when working with flammable substances.

Blow Out Protection: Should be provided throughout any workover operation to avoid an abrupt release of pressure and an explosion.

Workover Rig Set-Up must be performed in a manner that is safe to avoid tip-overs or collapses during operations.

Every OSHA infraction is a severe problem that must be addressed promptly. You have the right to make a report without fear of repercussions. OSHA’s website contains detailed guidelines for those who feel the employer is responsible for creating a hazardous working environment.

State Protections

The Chapter 3 section of the Texas Administrative Code provides specific instructions on managing oilfields which include:

What permits are needed to dig a well?

What depth could a well be under certain conditions

Companies must pay penalties when they are at risk of causing harm to the human body or the environment

How do you conserve oil and other substances?

Any infraction of these state laws could lead to action. Our company is well-versed in the federal (and federal) rules that govern drilling for oil. We can assist you in determining the direction that was breached and how it can result in compensation for you and your entire family.

What should I do following an Oilfield Accident in Houston?

If you’ve been involved in an accident at the oilfield, it is crucial to protect your life and rights. This includes all of the following actions.

Consult a doctor

Before all else, pay attention to your health. In the case of serious injuries, you can’t be too cautious—contact 911 for immediate medical attention. You can also visit your doctor of choice or a physician appointed by your employer in the future.

After seeing an ophthalmologist, follow the doctor’s instructions precisely in full. It is crucial not just to protect your health but to let others know that you’re hurt and you’re trying to heal. If you are ever dissatisfied with your doctor’s diagnosis, Let us know so we can examine the issue and take whatever action is necessary.

Take a photo of the scene.

If you can, take evidence from the scene of the accident before leaving. It could be as simple as using your mobile phone to capture photos of anything you think is essential, like the exact location of the oilfield where the incident occurred or obtaining contact details from any person who witnessed it.

Although recording the incident may help you receive compensation, don’t put yourself at risk by doing this. Avoid materials that can explode or explode, and don’t delay seeking medical attention until you can discuss the incident with other people. Safety always comes first.

Inform Your Employer

Inform your manager or boss of what happened as quickly as possible. This could be an essential piece of evidence should you decide to pursue an action: the earlier you inform your employer of the incident, the more likely to link your injuries to the accident and the more difficult it is for the insurance company to prove that your injury was due to an unrelated reason.

The Houston attorney for oilfield accidents, Domingo Garcia, can ensure you complete your report promptly and don’t miss any vital details.

Consult an attorney

The process of submitting a claim for benefits or beginning the process of bringing a lawsuit is a highly time-consuming and challenging job. Doing this when you’ve suffered a devastating injury is not something you can be expected of anyone.