Oil Field Accident Lawyer San Antonio

Working in the oil and gas industry offers real opportunity, but it also comes with daily risks of catastrophic injury and death. An oil field accident can change your life and your family's future in a moment. If you or a loved one was hurt on the Eagle Ford Shale or any other oil field, you deserve a San Antonio personal injury lawyer who can explain your rights and the options for pursuing compensation.

The Daspit Law Firm represents injured oil field workers and families across San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. Your first consultation is free.

Why Oil Field Workers and Families Choose The Daspit Law Firm

Our founding attorney spent years working at Fulbright & Jaworski, and Attorney Daspit devoted nearly 8,000 hours to the BP Texas Refinery Explosion case. That experience with large, complex industrial cases shapes how we investigate and prepare oil field claims.

Attorney Daspit is also a former insurance defense lawyer. He knows the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims, and he uses that knowledge to advocate for clients. Whether your claim is against an oil company, a manufacturer or another large opponent, we offer personal, attentive representation and will take your fight as far as it needs to go.

Types of Oil Field Accidents and Injuries

Whether an accident involved machinery or equipment, an oil rig failure, a fire or explosion, or a violation of OSHA and other safety standards, victims are often left with serious and sometimes permanent injuries.

Machinery, equipment and rig failures

Heavy equipment, drilling rigs and pressurized systems can fail without warning. When a failure traces back to poor maintenance, missing safeguards or a defective part, someone other than the worker may be responsible.

Fires and explosions

Explosions and fires can cause severe burns, traumatic injuries and death. These cases often involve questions about safety procedures, equipment condition and compliance with OSHA and other standards.

Occupational illness from toxic exposure

Sometimes prolonged toxic exposure causes roughnecks and other workers to develop occupational illnesses. Learn more about chemical exposure and toxic tort claims.

Fatal oil field accidents

In too many cases, families are left mourning the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death claim may help surviving family members seek accountability and compensation.

Legal Options After an Oil Field Accident

With our San Antonio injury lawyers, you may be able to pursue one or more of the following, depending on the facts:

•         A personal injury lawsuit

•         A wrongful death claim

•         A workers' compensation claim

•         A product liability lawsuit for defective equipment

We stand ready to help oil field workers and their loved ones pursue compensation for immediate and long-term medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses. What is recoverable depends on your situation and the law that applies.

What to Do After an Oil Field Accident

1.       Get medical attention right away and follow your doctor's instructions.

2.       Report the injury to your employer in writing. Under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act, notice is generally due within 30 days of the injury, and a workers' compensation claim is generally due within one year.

3.       Document the scene, equipment and any chemicals involved if it is safe to do so, and write down witness names.

4.       Do not sign releases or give recorded statements to an insurer before you speak with a lawyer.

5.       Contact an attorney early. Most Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003.

Talk to a San Antonio Oil Field Accident Lawyer

Find compassionate advocacy when you contact us for a free consultation with our San Antonio oil field accident lawyers. You do not pay us until we win for you. Contact The Daspit Law Firm today to review your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if I was hurt on an oil rig in Texas?

Possibly. It depends on who employed you and who caused the accident. Subscribing employers are generally protected from most negligence suits, but third parties such as equipment makers or other contractors may be liable. Non-subscribing employers can be sued for negligence. An attorney can review your facts.

What is a non-subscriber employer?

In Texas, most private employers may choose whether to carry workers' compensation insurance. Those that do not are called non-subscribers. Injured employees of non-subscribers may be able to bring a negligence claim, which differs from a workers' compensation claim. See our page on non-subscriber work injuries.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003. For workers' compensation, notice to your employer is generally due within 30 days and the claim within one year. Deadlines can vary, so seek legal advice promptly.

Can my family file a claim if a loved one died in an oil field accident?

Possibly. Under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 71.004, a wrongful death action is brought for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children and parents. The estate's personal representative may bring it in limited circumstances. An attorney can explain who may file in your situation.

How much do I pay to hire The Daspit Law Firm?

You do not pay us until we win for you. We work on a contingency basis, and the initial consultation is free. Ask about fee terms and case expenses during your consultation so you know what to expect.