Oilfield injury lawyers are dealing with more and more accidents as the years go by. According to the most recent data from the CDC, there were 69 oilfield fatalities in 2017. Of those 69, 44 of them happened in the state of Texas.
While oilfield accidents do not always result in fatalities, most people who survive experience severe and traumatic injuries. If you have recently been in an oilfield accident, the best thing you can do is consult with an oilfield injury lawyer right away to learn about how you can get through your case, together.
Injuries
Slip and Fall
Slip and falls can happen anywhere, but especially in settings where employees have to work oil and chemicals. Slip and falls on an oilfield can lead to the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Neck or back injuries
- Concussions
On oilfields, slip and falls are typically caused by slippery high platforms or moving around high-risk machinery.
Equipment Malfunction
Oilfields have very heavy and intricate equipment that can cause injury should they malfunction. Whether it is due to defects with the equipment or human error, malfunctioning equipment can lead to:
- Crushed or severed limbs
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Brain injuries
Most workers injured by equipment malfunction lose the ability to work for the rest of their lives.
Electrocution
The electrocution used to power equipment on oilfields can be extremely dangerous to oilfield workers. All too often, these workers are exposed to electricity, resulting in burns, shocks, and unconsciousness. Many electrical accidents result in death because several oil fields are in remote locations. Thus, these remote locations cannot receive immediate help.
Rig Collapse
Most modern-day rigs can weigh up to 30,000 tons. Although, quick and rushed construction can lead to unstable rigs. Without proper balance and stability, these rigs can fall and injure workers. In rig collapse accidents, workers have experienced:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Severed or crushed limbs
- Neck and back injuries
There have been accidents where workers are trapped beneath the rig and do not survive.
Explosions or Fires
Because of the chemicals and electrical systems, oil fields are susceptible to explosions or fires. These accidents have cost the lives of workers. Most oil field workers who survive these accidents suffer from:
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Nerve damage
Oil fires and explosions typically receive a good amount of media coverage. Although, the oil industry is criticized for improving safety standards to prevent these accidents.
Poisonous Gas Leak or Exposure
Working in these oil fields can be extremely dangerous for several reasons, one of them being the oil extraction process. During this process, workers are at risk of inhaling poisonous gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which is a lethal hazard. The gas is colorless, making it hard to detect what workers are exposed to. Workers who suffer from poisonous gas exposure experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Fainting or unconsciousness
Why You Need to Hire an Oilfield Lawyer
Highlight the Full Details of the Accident
The personal injury lawyer at our firm can help you receive the best settlement possible. An oilfield injury lawyer will get in touch with various sources including witnesses and sort through medical records to ensure the details are in the case. Additionally, an oilfield injury lawyer will use this information to prove that the defendant was not responsible for their injuries.
Finding What Damages to Include
When consulting with an oilfield injury lawyer, they will ask you how much you lost as a result of your oilfield accident. If you are recovering in hospital, it is likely that you will accumulate hospital bills, and various other medical records, while not receiving your wages. These are considered economic damages.
When it comes to pain and suffering, you can also use these damages in your case. The more damages you discuss and make light of, the more likely you will receive a high settlement.
Negotiate Your Claim
Most importantly, an experienced and reliable personal injury lawyer will not rest or settle. You can trust that our Hobbs personal injury lawyer will negotiate with employers and insurance companies to maximize your compensation. Even better, Javier Martinez knows your every right when it comes to how much was lost as a result of your oilfield accident.
Hire a Hobbs Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You Get Through Your Case
No matter how minor or severe your oilfield personal injury resulted, the Law Office of J. Martinez puts the clients at the heart of our work. You deserve to be compensated for every loss or damage you experienced. Contact us today at (575) 393-0021 to get started on your case.
