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(512) 910-2000The oil and gas extraction industry is a major part of the Texas economy. However, working in this sector is also perilous. If you are a victim of an oilfield accident, take into consideration the following points so you can understand the possible repercussions as an injured worker in Midland, Texas. Count on a Midland Oilfield Accident Lawyer to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Victims can suffer severe injuries as a result of an oilfield accident. These injuries include burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, all of which can be very expensive.
By having a lawyer by your side, you can receive compensation for present and future medical expenses, including lost wages and pain and suffering.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state regulatory agencies heavily regulate the oil and gas sector. An attorney with experience in oil field accident claims can delve deeper into your accident claim, thereby laying a foundation for your case.
Oilfields feature certain machiners, equipment, and processes. An oilfield accident attorney who deals with these complex cases can use their experience to help you get the proper compensation for a drilling catastrophe.
Texas is home to many oilfields. The statute of limitations in this state, like other personal injury claims, runs out after two years for an oilfield incident. An oilfield attorney will file your claim in time to ensure you receive compensation.
Oil companies, together with their insurance firms, have the main goal of reducing their liabilities. A skilled legal practitioner can negotiate your claim to ensure fair compensation or proceed with trial.
At TK Injury Lawyers, our dedicated legal professionals have a remarkable track record of procuring substantial verdicts and settlements for victims of oil industry accidents. Our profound insight into the oil and gas sector – from the operational equipment procedures to the employee rights – sets us apart in filing claims.
Count us as your formidable ally against oil conglomerates and the strong-arm tactics of insurance companies. We use an arsenal that includes:
With these resources, we can construct an unassailable case that is focused on securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. Allow our battle-tested, highly-rated oil field injury attorneys to help you in receiving justice.
Count on us, as we have secured around 80 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured workers. We truly understand the oil and gas industry – the equipment, processes, hazards, and your rights as an employee. When the oil companies and their insurers play hardball, we are prepared to take them on aggressively.
We know the tactics used by these massive oil companies to try to minimize payouts. That’s why we’re committed to building ironclad cases that maximize your compensation.
Oil field accidents may arise from various causes. Below are some of the common reasons for these on-the-job incidents.
To extract oil, a lot of heavy machinery is needed to break ground and dig deep into the Earth’s surface. Sometimes, rigs can collapse due to poor construction or design issues.
If something like this happens, it can cause severe injuries or death. Even if a smaller part of the machine is given out, it can still lead to death because of the heights at which employees work.
Safety problems around valuable substances like gas, oil, and other combustibles are bad for business—especially humans. However, sometimes accidents happen, and explosions do occur (typically at well sites).
Along with causing severe burn injuries on-site, these blasts can ignite nearby flammable materials and structures, potentially leading to more injuries or deaths.
It’s a busy place on an oil rig — especially when work is being done on leased roads that are typically untreated with concrete or asphalt. With all sorts of trucks and rigs constantly moving about in bad weather, accidents can easily happen. Know more about the common causes of Oilfield Truck Accidents here.
When you’re dealing with a 24/7 operational situation, people can get tired. A mistake, like leaving a latch open on a piece of equipment, may lead to another crew member’s accident or death.
More than any other occupation in America, “oil rigging” has injuries that lead to the loss of a finger, leg, or arm – due to caught-in or caught-between (machine/equipment) injuries.
With so many different platforms involved in drilling/gas extraction, falls are likely from deadly heights. In some instances, a walker may slip while climbing to the top of a platform. They may also hit something or get hit by something when they’re performing the activity.
Drilling operations require a huge amount of electricity, which puts workers at a high risk of electrical accidents or electrocution. Even low voltages can be fatal if moisture or water is present, which is common at well sites.
In addition to shocks and burns, electrical accidents can create further hazards like explosions, fires, or machinery malfunctions that compound the damage and injuries produced. Arc flashes and blasts are also a major concern.
Oil and gas operations are subject to hazardous chemical exposures, including hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, silica dust, or naturally occurring radioactive materials. Inadequate ventilation and improper monitoring can lead to hazardous concentrations, which harm lungs, organs, and neurological functioning.
Short-term exposure can cause chemical burns, respiratory distress, and even death. Long-term chronic exposure may lead to occupational diseases and cancers.
Proper PPE, engineering controls, and safety protocols are critical to mitigate these hazards.
Sadly enough, some oil field accidents result in fatalities. If you’ve lost someone due to this type of incident, you know about its emotional and financial impact. Most fatal accidents stem from blunt force trauma, crushing injuries, burns, and exposure to toxic substances.
While there are plenty of reasons for an accident occurring in an oil field, some common causes include the following.
Under-training can lead to inadequate knowledge of safety protocols, including the handling of hazardous materials. Weak supervision translates to a lack of enforcement of safety measures, increasing the risk of an incident.
Even when comprehensive safety precautions are established, they need to be diligently followed. Workers must wear PPE (personal protective equipment), such as gloves and masks, and can’t ignore warning signs or barriers. Compliance at the job site needs constant reinforcement.
There’s a lot that goes into an oil rig operation. Therefore, everything must work properly to be safe. Even a tiny defect can trigger a catastrophic failure that results in multiple worker injuries.
Workers should always be outfitted with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working on the job.
Working long hours is common in the oil industry. However, fatigue is often overlooked as a major risk factor for accidents and injuries. When you’re this tired, your brain doesn’t have time to think through things properly, which also leads to slower reaction times.
Oil field sites present countless hazards, such as slippery surfaces, unstable structures, and confined spaces. If these risks aren’t addressed correctly, the environment is ripe for mishaps.
Accidents happen easily when the right systems aren’t in place ‒ emergency shut-offs, machine guarding, and fall protection all must be part of a site’s precautions.
One person’s mistake can put an entire crew at risk. Employers and operators are legally required to provide a safe workplace for their employees.
TK Injury Lawyers has experience handling a wide range of injury cases, including but not limited to the following types of oil field injuries:
A traumatic brain injury is an acquired injury that happens when a sudden trauma injures and damages the brain. This may occur if the head suddenly and violently hits something or an object pierces the skull, entering the brain tissue. These serious injuries can lead to problems with cognitive functioning or to a physical or mental disability.
Spinal cord injuries may lead to neck and back pain or, in more serious cases, to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
Burns are categorized as first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness). Severe or even milder burns may lead to disfigurement, loss of mobility, and life-threatening complications.
First-degree burns affect the epidermis of the skin or the outer layer and cause pain, swelling, and redness. Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying skin layer and lead to swelling, redness, and blisters. Burns of the third degree reach the deep layers of the skin.
Crush injuries happen when a part of the body is injured after being squeezed between two heavy objects. Victims may experience bleeding and nerve, blood vessel, and tissue damage (known as compartment syndrome).
Open wounds, broken bones, and infections are commonly experienced. Sometimes, an amputation is necessary to save the victim’s life.
Oil field accidents may lead to fractured bones, resulting in immobilization, making working or movement difficult for several months.
Explosions or machine noise can cause hearing loss, while chemicals may cause vision difficulties. Burns can also cause loss of vision or hearing.
Injuries in the oil field may also involve the muscles of the neck and back. Workers may experience herniated discs, compression fractures, or spinal cord damage, all of which may require surgery.
Toxic substances in oil extraction processes can make it difficult for workers to breathe. Exposure can lead to lung damage, respiratory illnesses, and coronary conditions.
If you’re involved in an accident where you’re hit with heavy machinery or fall from a height, you may experience internal bleeding or organ damage.
Some accidents are so catastrophic that people don’t survive them. Wrongful death claims allow families to pursue compensation for lost income, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship.
Hiring an experienced lawyer for these cases is important, as the medical bills for the above injuries can lead to a large financial burden. That’s why you’ll realize a better outcome by contacting an oil field attorney in Midland.
You’re entitled to receive damages in OSHA accident cases if you were working at a site that ignored OSHA laws. You can receive compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering if the following rules aren’t practiced.
OSHA laws broken in many oilfield injury cases include the following:
There are certain key factors that may establish employer negligence resulting from OSHA violations.:
Employers in the oil and gas industry are expected to train workers on safety protocols, equipment operations, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. In addition, their supervisors should be trained in safety management.
Oil field worksites can present many hazards, such as unstable structures, slippery surfaces, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, confined spaces, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Employers must take proactive measures to identify and mitigate these risks through engineering controls, protective systems, and monitoring programs.
Comprehensive safety protocols and procedures are only effective if they are consistently enforced. Employers who ignore workers who bypass lockout/tagout rules or who do not use required PPE are negligent.
Employers must conduct hazard assessments to determine the appropriate PPE for the tasks at hand and provide training on the use of protective gear.
The heavy machinery used in oil/gas operations must undergo regular inspections and preventative maintenance to ensure safe operating conditions.
OSHA has specific regulations governing the oil and gas industry related to fall protection hazard communications, respiratory protection, machine guarding, etc. Employers who do not comply with these standards demonstrate a disregard for worker safety, which is clear evidence of negligence of an employer
Liability can be extremely complicated to determine in oil field accident cases due to the involvement of multiple parties.
Parties may include operators, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Our experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties to build a strong case against negligence.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury or accident. Failing to meet the deadline might result in your claim being barred, causing you to lose out on seeking damages.
Here’s what you need to do if you or someone you love has been injured as the result of an oilfield accident.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an accident at a Midland oilfield, don’t delay in getting legal representation. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there is a strict time limit of two years to file a claim. We will evaluate your case, explain all of your legal options, and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for your losses.
We are available 24/7. Contact TK Injury Lawyers today.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
4 months ago
I tell you, I wasn’t expecting much because of a previous accident years ago and my car was totaled (used a different law firm). I just wanted to make sure my doctor bills were at least covered, BUT!!! I was referred by my aunt and he was amazing! Kept me in the loop with everything. Anything I didn’t understand, he explained to ensure I comprehended everything! He also checked in to see how I was doing, feeling, and how doctors visits went. So I say all that to say this…he was a blessing in disguise and was amazing to work with! Thank you so much Tom!!
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“I would definitely recommend Terry & Kelly’s firm for your litigation needs” “Want to send out a sincere “Thank You” for an outstanding job in handling my case. It took a little over a year to resolve but Jim T. was extremely thorough in putting all of the phases together to close it out. I found out quickly how punctual Jim is as well as his dedication t...
“Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case” Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case. He has been very realistic from day one. He never changed his position. He really cares for you and fights for your case to the best of his ability. Honestly, he got my case resolved for more than I expected. I once had a...
“I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly” After I was hit by a car on my scooter, I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly, with Trent handling the bulk of my case. I was pleased with their professionalism and that they were always good about staying in touch and keeping me up-to-date on my case. I trusted them completely, and they resolved my case faster than I expect...
“My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry” My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry of TK Injury Lawyers in assisting us with her motor vehicle injury accident. He was extremely professional and kept us up-to-date with the progress. Jim took the time to help us understand the circumstances and legal conside...
“When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn” When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn. I called Jim Terry and explained my not so easy situation. I had no hope in having my vehicle repaired when I called Mr. Terry. He took on my case and was always in contact with me about where we stood in regards to a resolut...
“The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark” I want to express my thanks to Attorney Mr. James Terry and staff for their representation, guidance and assistance settling my case. The insurance company was difficult, however Mr. Terry was able to get full policy limits available. The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark. ...
“They contacted me frequently to give me updates” Mr. Kelly and Mr. Terry handled my personal injury case in Texas. They contacted me frequently to give me updates on my case and made sure I felt it was being handled to my expectations. I was so pleased with their professionalism. My settlement was extremely fair and timely. I would recommend them to my own family and...
“Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney” Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney. James (Jim) is easy to talk to, he explains the process very clearly, and he keeps you informed of events normally before they will occur. Most importantly, he settled the case to everyone’s satisfaction. I used him for a personal injury case and I would highly recommend him.
“Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with” Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with and I was actually married to one! He is professional and got the job done. He is one of the first attorneys I have worked with that did not make me feel like he just took my money and then did nothing. He was referred to me by my daughter who wanted...
“I have worked with Trent and his firm several times” I would highly recommend Trent Kelly and have to several friends. I have worked with Trent and his firm several times over the past four years and have always been impressed with the level of service and very confident in his abilities. After working with Trent, he set the bar in characteristics to search for in an...
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We’ve helped numerous Austinites win their Austin Personal Injury case and we would love to help you if you’ve experienced a serious accident. Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, Call us today, to speak with either Jim or Trent.We’ll review the details of your case, give you an honest assessment of it, and then, if appropriate, we’ll help you create a legal plan of action to pursue justice on your behalf.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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