Oil Field Accidents & Explosions

Understanding Oil Field Accidents

Oil field work sits at the center of Houston's economy, but it's also one of the most dangerous jobs in Texas. Rig collapses, blowouts, and equipment failures can happen with little warning, and the companies involved often have layers of insurance and legal teams ready to protect their bottom line. Our attorneys know how to investigate these sites and hold every responsible party accountable.

Representing Injured Oil Field Workers and Their Families

One in three Americans working in the oil and gas extraction industry call Houston home. If you have been injured or lost a family member in an accident on an oil field on the Eagle Ford Shale or elsewhere, you can find help in pursuing fair compensation at our firm.

People who choose to work on the oil field do so for many reasons, chief among them being the opportunity to earn an excellent wage in an economic climate that sees many overqualified people accepting far less pay than what they truly need.

The good pay comes at a price, however, with long hours and grueling labor, and in many cases, oil field workers will not see their families for days, weeks or months at a stretch.

In addition to these privations, working on the oil field also carries the very real threat of catastrophic injury and death on a daily basis. When oil field accidents happen, they very often seriously injure and maim the victims, and will frequently prove to be fatal.

Compensation for an Oil Field Accident

Oil field accidents can occur in a variety of ways, from rig collapse to blowout, motor vehicle accidents and explosions.

Workers may be struck or crushed by vehicles, equipment or tools, or they may suffer severe burn injuries in a fire. Roughnecks and others are also at risk of developing occupational illness from chemical exposure at a jobsite.

The accident might be caused by careless crewmembers, by negligent supervisors, by failure to implement and enforce safety regulations, or even by defective equipment.

Whether you need to sue for personal injury or wrongful death, file a workers' compensation claim or pursue a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of faulty equipment, our experienced lawyers are ready to help.

Contact us now for a free consultation to learn about your legal options and find out how much your case may be worth.

FAQS Regarding Oil Field Accidents and Explosions

Can I sue after an oil field accident in Texas?

Yes, in most cases. Texas does not require employers to carry workers' compensation, and oil field work is layered with operators, drilling contractors, and service companies, which means you usually have someone to sue. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you can bring a negligence claim directly against them with no cap on damages.

If your employer does carry workers' comp, you generally cannot sue that employer, but you can still file a third-party claim against another company on site whose negligence hurt you, or a product liability claim against the maker of failed equipment. Because those parties are identified early, call The Daspit Law Firm at (888) 273-1045 before you sign anything.

Who can be held responsible for an oil field explosion?

Responsibility usually falls on whoever controlled the hazard. That can be the well operator, the drilling contractor, a service or wireline company, the site safety supervisor, or a third-party contractor whose crew created the danger. It can also be the manufacturer of defective valves, blowout preventers, pressure equipment, or protective gear.

Common causes include failure to follow safety procedures, inadequate crew training, poorly maintained equipment, and inadequate supervision. Our attorneys investigate the full contractor chain rather than stopping at your direct employer, because each company involved carries its own insurance, the same multi-party approach we use for plant or refinery incidents involving similarly complex worksites.

What compensation can I recover for an oil field injury?

You may recover your past and future medical treatment, lost wages, lost earning capacity if you can no longer do rig work, and noneconomic damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. Burn injuries and crush injuries frequently require years of surgery and rehabilitation, and that future cost belongs in your claim as part of a catastrophic injury case.

If a company's conduct was grossly negligent, punitive damages may also be available. If a worker was killed, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

What should I do after being hurt on a rig or well site?

Report the injury to your supervisor in writing and get medical treatment the same day. Ask for a copy of the incident report and photograph the equipment, the site, and your injuries if you are able. Get the names of coworkers who saw what happened, because crews rotate and people become hard to find.

Do not give a recorded statement to a company representative or insurance adjuster and do not sign a release or settlement offer before a lawyer reviews it. Then call us at (888) 273-1045. We make hospital visits and consultations are free 24/7.

How long do I have to file an oil field injury claim?

Generally two years from the date of the accident in Texas, and two years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. Occupational illness claims from chemical exposure can work differently, because the clock may start when the illness is diagnosed or reasonably should have been discovered rather than when the exposure occurred.

Two years sounds like plenty of time, but rigs are moved, equipment is repaired, and maintenance logs are overwritten long before then. The sooner we are involved, the more evidence we can preserve.

What does it cost to hire an oil field accident lawyer?

Nothing unless we win. We handle oil field injury cases on a contingency fee, so there is no retainer, no hourly billing, and no fee at all if we do not recover for you. We advance the cost of investigation, expert engineers, and medical records. Your consultation is free and available 24 hours a day at (888) 273-1045, and if you are hospitalized we will come to you. 

Speak With an Oil Field Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rig collapse, blowout, explosion, or any other oil field accident, don't wait to find out who's responsible. Let our attorneys investigate the full chain of operators and contractors on site and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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