Oil Field Injuries

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY INJURIES IN THE OIL FIELDS?

The Oil and Gas industry is big in Texas. There is oil field work in practically every corner of the state as well as on the Gulf Coast. Drilling platforms can be busy places, with many workers crowded into one place while different teams perform different tasks. Coupled with the fact that oil field work can be dangerous, it is not surprising that there are many serious injuries and deaths that occur in the oil field.

THE MANY CAUSES OF OIL FIELD INJURIES:

On a drilling platform, there are often workers employed by different companies working side by side, which can often lead to one company’s employee injuring worker from a different company. Sometimes, oil field injuries are caused by falling objects, which in turn are caused by faulty construction, faulty maintenance, or sloppy inspections. Sometimes, injuries occur because of explosions or fires that can occur in the blink of an eye. Some injuries, such as slip and falls or trip and falls, are due to a poorly maintained workspace. Still other injuries are caused by faulty equipment. No matter the injury or the manner of injury, an act of negligence, or in some cases, a series of negligent acts, is almost always to blame. And, of course, negligence is what gives rise to personal injury claims.

TYPES OF INJURIES THAT OCCUR IN THE OIL FIELDS:

Oil field work can result in many different types of injuries, including head injuries, crush injuries, loss of limbs, burns, broken bones, as well as back and neck injuries. A well blowout resulting in an explosion can be catastrophic, resulting in deaths, serious injuries, and billions of dollars in damage to property and the environment.

CAN I SUE IF I AM INJURED WHILE WORKING IN AN OIL FIELD?

Many oil field injuries can result in claims of workers compensation as well as claims of personal injury (see my blog on When a Work Accident Becomes a Personal Injury Case). Suits can be brought against other companies sharing the workspace, manufacturers of defective equipment, or anyone whose negligence caused your injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured while working on or near a drilling rig, you can call my office for a free consultation to find out what your rights are.