Working in the oil fields presents many unique dangers and risks. From heavy equipment to dangerous chemicals, oil workers put their safety on the line each day. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job as a result of carelessness or unsafe conditions, you may want to consult with an oil field accident lawyer.
What Types of Accidents are Common in Oil Fields?
Oil fields present many hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. Some of the most common include:
Equipment-Related Accidents
Heavy machinery like trucks, bulldozers, cranes, and drill rigs are a daily part of oil field work. Accidents can occur if this equipment is malfunctioning, overloaded, or operated unsafely. Tipping, falling loads, and collisions are all risks.
Chemical Exposure
Various chemicals are used in oil extraction and processing, including toxins like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds. Improper handling or lack of protective equipment can expose workers.
Falls
Working at heights on rigs, tanks, and other infrastructure means falls are an ongoing risk. Lack of safety harnesses, railings, or fall protection increases dangers.
Fires and Explosions
Flammable gases, fuels, and other substances make fires and even small explosions a threat. Proper procedures and caution are needed.
Transportation Incidents
Driving long distances to and from worksites carries collision and rollover risks, especially in remote areas. Fatigue can compound dangers for long-haul truckers.
This overview covers some of the main types of incidents that oil field lawyers see. Their experience represents injured workers in all such cases.
Signs it’s Time to Contact an Accident Attorney
Not all incidents require legal action. However, certain situations indicate it may be in your best interest to consult an oil field accident attorney:
Severe or Lingering Injuries
Serious health problems like broken bones, burns, loss of limbs or functions, or chronic conditions from chemical exposure deserve appropriate compensation.
Lost Income or mounting Medical Bills
Missing significant work time due to an injury means lost wages and benefits, as well as rising treatment costs. An attorney can help recover these damages.
Company Not Paying Worker’s Compensation
If an employer refuses to pay valid workers’ comp claims or provides an inadequate settlement, a lawyer may intervene on your behalf.
Unsafe Working Conditions
If negligence, such as improperly maintained equipment or failure to provide PPE, contributed to the accident, legal options exist to hold responsible parties accountable.
Lingering Questions
Not clear on medical diagnoses, rights and coverage, or whether you received fair treatment? An attorney can investigate fully and answer concerns.
Qualities to Look for in an Oil Field Accident Lawyer
When searching for legal representation, consider specialists meeting the following criteria:
Extensive Experience
Preferred lawyers have a proven track record of handling numerous similar oil field injury cases. Experience improves the odds of a favorable outcome.
Familiarity with the Industry
Attorneys knowledgeable about oil field hazards, safety standards, procedures, and common compensation matters give clients an advantage.
Location
Choose a lawyer practicing in your state, as different state laws apply. Having a local presence streamlines the process.
Positive Reviews
Read online testimonials to gauge client satisfaction levels with a lawyer’s services, communication, and results.
Consultation Available
Meet with prospective attorneys for an initial free consultation to assess comfort level before committing. Good lawyers take time to listen.
Aggressive Approach
You need a lawyer ready to fully investigate liability, gather evidence, request fair settlement offers, and prepare to litigate if necessary.
Continued Support
Check that the lawyer provides ongoing case updates and easy access when updates or questions arise after retaining them.
Focusing your search on lawyers meeting these criteria helps maximize chances of a successful representation and compensation for your injuries.
Compensation You May be Entitled to Receive
When an accident occurs due to no fault of your own, certain elements of damages may be recoverable:
Medical Expenses – Past and Future
This covers all medical bills for treatment received to date along with estimates of future costs like ongoing therapy or surgeries.
Lost Wages
If unable to fully work due to injuries, lost pay is calculated from time missed and projected long-term effects on wages.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate for physical and mental anguish experienced, including its impact on quality of life.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity
Long-term disabilities may limit lifetime income potential, warranting these damages. Forensic accountants assess totals.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Significant permanent marks, scars, or disfigurement carry additional compensation.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving willful misconduct, these punitive damages penalize the responsible party.
An experienced oil field accident attorney can thoroughly document all applicable damages and fight to recover maximum financial recovery through negotiation or litigation as needed. The compensation received helps offset ongoing costs from the injuries sustained on the job.
How the Legal Process Unfolds
In general, here are the typical steps involved after hiring an oil field accident lawyer:
Initial Case Review
The attorney will thoroughly review all available details of the incident and injuries while assessing liability factors and potential damages.
Evidence Gathering
Medical records, bills, wage loss documentation, photos, expert reports, and witness statements strengthen the case narrative. Site inspections occur to review conditions.
Investigation of Responsible Parties
Liability research identifies additional potentially responsible entities to approach for compensation, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors.
Demand Letter Sent
Once the full scope of the case is formulated, a formal demand letter outlines the claim and requests a settlement offer.
Settlement Negotiation
Ongoing discussion happens to negotiate a fair settlement. Mediation may be suggested to reach an agreement out of court.
Initiate Lawsuit
If negotiating fails, the attorney will file the suit and begin formal discovery, requesting documentation and deposing witnesses.
Pre-Trial Motions
Common pre-trial legal procedures include requests for summary judgment or dismissal of certain parties or claims.
Trial
Only about 5% of cases reach this stage. The attorney presents evidence over several days to argue their client’s case to a judge or jury.
Resolution
The process concludes with either a negotiated settlement after the trial begins or the verdict being issued rewarding plaintiff’s damages.
Proper legal guidance streamlines this process to deliver satisfactory results efficiently without major delays or unexpected hurdles. Communication remains critical every step of the way.
FAQs About Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
Below are some commonly asked questions about pursuing legal action after an oil field injury:
1. How long do I have to file a claim?
Statutes of limitations require initiating action within a set timeframe, usually two years from the date of injury. Missing deadlines can bar lawsuits.
2. What if I was partially responsible for the incident?
Contributory or comparative negligence laws allow recoveries even if you share some fault as long as the injured person did not deliberately cause their own injuries. Damages may be reduced in proportion to responsibilities.
3. How is pursuing legal action different than a workers’ compensation claim?
Workers’ comp handles medical bills and lost wages but caps monetary awards. A lawsuit allows potentially recovering much higher damages for long-term impacts and holds fully negligent parties accountable.
4. Does an accident lawyer only get paid if we win money?
Oil field accident attorneys usually work on contingency fees, only getting paid a percentage, typically 33-40%, of the total settlement or award. There are no upfront or hourly costs to clients.
5. How long does a typical oil field injury case take to resolve?
With negotiation efforts, many cases conclude within 6-12 months. Complex litigation demanding a trial can take 2-3 years, including the appeal process. Faster resolutions occur if liability is clear.
Hiring the right lawyer provides specialized knowledge and legal expertise to maximize compensation after an oil field injury. Thoroughly researching options ensures choosing legal counsel who effectively advocates for clients throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
Working in oil fields entails inherent dangers that unfortunately sometimes lead to accidents and injuries. But oil field workers don’t have to face consequences alone – experienced accident attorneys can fight to ensure responsible parties are held accountable and their clients receive full and fair financial recoveries.
By understanding options and pursuing the best legal representation promptly after an incident, injured individuals gain powerful advantages. An oil field accident lawyer dedicates themselves to investigating all aspects of the case, establishing clear liability, and obtaining maximum recoveries through proven negotiation tactics or litigation if needed.
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job through no fault of your own, consult with several highly qualified oil field accident attorneys serving your local area. A free consultation costs nothing but provides invaluable guidance as you weigh legal representation options.