Oilfield Accident Lawyer in El Paso, TX, and Hobbs, NM
The oilfield industry rakes in millions of dollars each year, relying on the hard work of oilfield workers to get oil from the ground. In a field that is already considered dangerous, the risks have multiplied in recent years due to the increasing amount of oil rigs placed along the waters of the Southern coast.
If you or a family member was injured in an oilfield accident, our workers’ compensation law firm is here to assist you in your time of need. We have the skills, resources, and tenacity needed to secure maximum financial compensation on your behalf. We have convenient offices in New Mexico and Texas, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to arrange a free consultation — El Paso, TX: (915) 751-0896 | Hobbs, NM: (575) 393-0021
Helping Injured Workers Secure Compensation
On-the-job accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence on oil rigs. Even workers who recognize this and take all the precautions they need to take can still be injured due to employer negligence, co-worker negligence, third-party negligence, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Types of Oilfield Accidents
Our workers’ compensation legal team has handled a variety of oilfield accidents involving:
- Dangerous equipment
- Pipeline blowouts
- Slip and falls
- Fires and blowouts
- Toppling freight
- Electrocution
- Caught in/in-between objects
- Falling tools or pipes
- Chemical exposure
- Fatal injuries
Safety Requirements at Oilfields
Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveal that, between 2013 and 2017, there were 489 gas and extraction workers killed on the job. Thousands more workers sustained catastrophic and life-altering injuries.
While oilfield work can be inherently dangerous, it’s not an excuse for employers failing to take the proper precautions to mitigate on-the-job risks. In fact, OSHA legally requires that employers maintain safe workplaces that are free of hazards and that they uphold certain responsibilities, such as to:
- Ensure employees have safe tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Use color codes, posters, and labels on how to use tools and equipment safely.
- Establish safe operating procedures and communicate those to employees.
Filing a Workers Comp Claim After a Texas or New Mexico Oilfield Injury
A skilled workers’ compensation attorney will help you navigate the workers’ compensation process following an oilfield accident. This is how a majority of injured oilfield workers will receive compensation for their losses. However, if these benefits fall short of covering the entirety of a worker’s lost wages and medical expenses, an attorney will help you pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation.
How an Oilfield Injury Lawyer Can Help
To maximize your chances of successfully recovering compensation, it is imperative that you hire an attorney to represent you and your family following an oilfield injury. While you may assume that you will automatically receive compensation for your injuries, the reality is that oil and gas companies often have a skilled team of defense attorneys ready to do everything in their power to limit liability and reduce big payouts to injured workers.
At the Law Office of Javier Martinez and The J. Martinez Law Firm, L.L.C., our mission is to help injured workers get the compensation and justice they are owed. We will put our skills, resources, and over 25 years of experience to work for you when you choose to work with us.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation — El Paso, TX: (915) 751-0896 | Hobbs, NM: (575) 393-0021
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After Being Injured in an Oilfield Accident?
Your safety and health are your top priorities. The first thing you should do after an oilfield accident is to seek medical attention immediately, as well as notify your supervisor or employer. Additionally, hiring an attorney at this stage can help you maximize the financial compensation available to you.
How Is a Civil Claim Different From Workers’ Compensation?
After you are injured in an oilfield accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim for damages. Essentially, if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance and employer negligence contributed to the accident, you would file a personal injury claim, which is a type of civil claim.
You may be able to file both types of claims in certain situations, for example, if a third party, such as a parts manufacturer, contributed to the accident, if your workers’ comp benefits don’t cover the entirety of your expenses, or if your employer acted with gross negligence.
What Is My Case Worth?
The amount of financial compensation you are entitled to will depend on several factors, including whether you are filing a civil claim or a workers’ compensation claim, as well as the nature of the incident, the injury you sustained, and potentially who was at fault. If you want to know more about how much your unique case may be worth, feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Contact an Oilfield Injury Lawyer in El Paso and Hobbs
You work hard every day to provide a good life for yourself and your family. Now, it’s time for you to focus on recovering and let us do the hard work for you. We fight for everyday people, and will advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
The Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr. and The J. Martinez Law Firm, L.L.C. have convenient office locations in Hobbs, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. Wherever you are located, we should be privileged to represent you. Contact us at your earliest convenience for a free, no-obligation consultation — El Paso, TX: (915) 751-0896 | Hobbs, NM: (575) 393-0021
