Oilfield Accidents
Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Working in the oilfield is far from an easy job. If you work in the field, we do not need to tell you that it is physically demanding, requires you to be alert at all times, and involves some safety risks. Between transporting workers and oil to and from sites and the large number of heavy equipment on the rigs, accidents are bound to happen. However, sometimes injuries occur because of negligence on the part of workers or the oil company. In legal terms, negligence is when someone acts in a way that is reckless or careless, and their actions lead to another person getting hurt in some way.
At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney, we know our clients agree that there is no room for negligence in an oilfield. One mistake can lead to serious consequences, and workers who act irresponsibly should be held accountable for their lack of caution. The same is true for employers. Companies have an obligation to keep their employees as safe as is reasonably possible. If an employer fails to protect their workers or is negligent when maintaining equipment and giving training, they could be at fault if an accident occurs. When you sustain injuries in an oilfield accident, it affects every area of your life. Contact a Corpus Christi oilfield accident attorney to start fighting for compensation today.
Our Oilfield Accident Practice Areas
There are a number of ways a hardworking employee can be injured on an oilfield. The job is active and involves many moving parts, including heavy pieces of machinery. Combine those risks with the long hours and the constant possibility of poor weather conditions, and the potential for injuries and fatalities starts to grow. Our attorney handle all types of oilfield accidents, including the following:
- Explosions
- Malfunctioning machinery or equipment
- Gas leaks
- Falls from oil derricks
- Pipeline blowouts
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
While these are all different types of injuries resulting from different issues, they are all preventable when workers and employers take necessary caution. When companies and employees fail in their duty and do not make safety a top priority, dangerous situations can and do occur. At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney, we are committed to fighting for oilfield workers, and we want to get injured workers the compensation they need.
Oilfield Accident Statistics
Between 2007 and 2012, Texas led the nation in oilfield-related fatalities. In fact, the oilfield death rates in Texas accounted for about 40% of total oilfield-related deaths in the country. Many of these deaths occurred because oil and gas companies were not taking necessary steps to protect vulnerable workers. A lack of government oversight and inadequate safety programs are unacceptable when they lead to the deaths of innocent oilfield workers. These are some of the most alarming statistics from 2002 to 2013, from an extensive study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- 71% increase in the number of drilling rigs
- 1,189 work-related fatalities
- 40.3% of work-related deaths caused by transportation accidents
- 25.9% of work-related deaths caused by contact with objects or equipment
- Average of 108 deaths per year
Everyone deserves to have access to a safe work environment. When employers ignore their responsibility to provide the safest conditions possible in the oilfield, they are doing an injustice to their employees. As oil and gas production increases, the precautions we take to protect workers should also increase. If your employer failed in their responsibility to maintain equipment, create safe working conditions, and provide safety inspections, they need to be held accountable for injuries. Contact our offices to see what our team of qualified oilfield accident lawyers can do for you.
Common Oilfield Safety Hazards
Safety should be the number one concern of oil and gas companies, but all too often, profits take the most important role instead. At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney, we see the effects of oilfield accident injuries on regular workers far too often. Listed below are some of the most common hazards and how employers can prevent them from causing accidents. If your employer failed to take any of the steps listed below, you could be able to hold them responsible. Contact an experienced Corpus Christi oilfield accident attorney to learn more about employer accountability and your rights as an injured worker.
Vehicle accidents are bound to happen when people drive, especially if they use vehicles to travel for work-related purposes. Transportation accidents are the most common reason for fatal injuries among oilfield workers. Employees often must travel far distances to sites, hauling oil and other workers with them. What’s more, many oil fields are in remote locations, making the risk of an accident even higher. If your employer requires you to use a cell phone while you drive or forces you to drive at odd hours long past your regular shift, they could be liable if an accident occurs. Many oilfields are in remote locations, making the risk of an accident even higher.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) describes these incidents as those where the worker is struck-by, caught-in, or caught-between pieces of equipment. When any of these issues occur, the likelihood of serious injury is high. The equipment on an oil rig and in the field is heavy, and one mistake when using the machinery can seriously harm workers. To improve safety, oil and gas companies can provide regular inspections, diligently maintain the equipment, and hold training sessions about how to use the equipment. Failure to take these important steps means your employer is not doing their job and you can hold them accountable for your injuries.
In the oil and gas industry, workers often work with and around flammable materials, including gases, vapors, and liquids. It is impossible to avoid these hazards completely, but there are ways to safely handle them. Wearing proper personal protection equipment, establishing safe work practices, and knowing how to dispose of flammable material are all important safety measures you should take. When your employer does not encourage or teach these methods, they could be to blame for any accidents caused by a fire or explosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of our clients who come to us after an oilfield accident have no idea where to begin. They are rightfully surprised, confused, overwhelmed, and angry. Many of us hear about workplace accidents, especially those in the oil and gas industry, but we never expect to be the victim of such pain. We have provided the answers to some of the most common questions we receive to help you get started with your case.
How much is my case worth?
We cannot tell you here just how much money you are entitled to receive following an oilfield accident. Numerous factors affect the size of your claim, including the type of injury, how much insurance you have, your role in the accident, and whether your employer acted negligently. Without knowing how these factors influenced your personal situation, it is impossible to say how much money deserve in compensation. In other words, we want to hear about the details of your case so we can better assess it. Do not hesitate to contact our offices at 361-888-8808 to discuss your situation and legal options.
Why should I pursue compensation?
Oilfield accidents are unique because they typically involve serious injuries and they happen on the job. At the very least, you will likely be entitled to workers’ compensation if your injuries are severe enough that you cannot return to work. If the negligence of your employer or another worker caused your injury, it is possible to hold them accountable for their carelessness as well. A workplace injury touches every aspect of your life, including your financial situation, the stability of your family, and your personal livelihood. We want to help you move forward by obtaining the compensation you need to heal.
Why choose Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney?
Our attorney is an aggressive trial lawyer who will work to make sure you receive all the help you need following an injury. We represent workers nationwide who have been injured because of their employer or a third party. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, and we won’t charge you legal fees unless we win. At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney, we understand how important it is for you to keep your finances, family, and health in a stable position, and we want to help you do so.
Contact Us
Workers injured in oilfield accidents are often in tough positions. You cannot go back to work right away because you need to recover and you may not be able to return to your former position at all. If this is the case for you, the attorney at Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney can help. We have the resources and legal knowledge necessary to hold your employer or a third party who caused your injuries responsible in court. If you were injured in an oilfield accident, do not take the first settlement that comes your way. Let our Corpus Christi personal injury lawyers fight for you. To explore your legal options, contact us at 361-888-8808 today.