Oilfield Injury Attorney
Houston, Texas
Injuries in the oilfield can happen at any time. This is due to the complexity of the job, large machinery, and the pressures in the field.
The United States is one of the largest oil producers in the world. In fact, much of that oil is produced here in Texas. In Texas alone, the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) is in charge of issuing permits and citing violations. Every year the TRC finds tens of thousands of violations. Most of these are minor, but some are severe. When companies don’t employ basic safety standards, fully train workers, or provide a safe work environment, things can go wrong.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in an oilfield accident, you need representation with experience. At Kirkpatrick Law, we have fought and won settlements for victims of oilfield accidents. Call Us today for your free consultation.
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Oilfield Accident Representation at Kirkpatrick Law
If you or someone close to you has suffered a severe injury or, in a worse scenario, a fatality due to an oilfield mishap, there’s a possibility that the culpable company will try to shirk responsibility and minimize your compensation.
Claims by employers promising to ‘take care’ of their workers often don’t hold up, as insurance companies are usually the ones calling the shots.
Without proactive measures to defend your rights, you and your family’s future may be left vulnerable to the tactics of the corporate entity, its insurers, and their legal representatives. Without intervention, you might face:
- Outright denial of the company’s liability.
- Unfounded allegations that you are to blame for the incident.
- Disappearance of critical evidence that could establish the facts of the oilfield injury.
- Insultingly low settlement offers from the insurance providers that do not reflect the true value of your claim.
- Efforts to confine your reimbursement to mere workers’ compensation benefits, ignoring the true extent of your lost wages and excluding future medical expenses, pain, suffering, and potential long-term disability or joblessness.
- Directives to be treated only by certain medical providers linked to the company or its workers’ comp scheme.
- Possible termination from your job when you’re most vulnerable and have lost the chance to sue due to the expiration of legal deadlines.
Get in Touch with Kirkpatrick Law Now
When facing the aftermath of an oilfield injury, you need a defender with profound expertise, knowledge, and commitment to acting in your best interest. Kirkpatrick Law is dedicated to supporting victims of oilfield accidents and has a track record of securing positive resolutions for clients.
To arrange a complimentary consultation, reach out to us at 713-893-0305 At Kirkpatrick Law, we leverage our legal acumen and experience to chart a path toward just compensation and a brighter future for you.
What are some types of oilfield accidents?
Oilfields can be complicated work sites. There are many types of problems that can occur from defective equipment to negligence and human error. Below are just a few ways oilfield workers may be injured on site:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Equipment failure
- Explosions and chemical fires
- Exposure to sulfur hydroxide fumes
- Exposure to toxic chemicals used in fracking
- Fallen objects
- Motor vehicle accidents, either in the fields or transporting materials
- Oilfield, pipeline, and refinery fires
- Well blowouts
The cause of these accidents can be fatigue. Often those in the oilfield work long shifts and do not get proper rest. Additionally, defective equipment or unfollowed safety procedures could be at play. The oilfield can be a dangerous place. If you want full compensation for your injuries, then you should hire an attorney with experience in oilfield injury cases.
Could I have a legal claim beyond workers’ compensation?
Yes, you may. Typically, those working in oil and gas that are injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation. However, workers’ comp covers injuries that were caused by someone in your own company. In an oilfield, there can be many companies involved at an oilfield site.
For instance, you may have a personal claim, as well as a workers compensation claim if another crew collapsed a trench.
Another example is that you could have a personal injury claim if you were backed over by a trucker who was delivering materials to the site.
This is why oil field injury compensation is not cut and dry. There are nuances to it. You should work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in oilfield accidents. They can help you better understand your options.
How Long Do I Have to File A Claim?
In Texas, you have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means you have two years from the date of the incident to initiate a legal claim. It’s crucial to act swiftly and engage a skilled personal injury attorney following your accident.
Prompt action is vital for a few reasons:
- It ensures your recollections of the accident remain clear and can be accurately represented in your claim.
- It minimizes the opportunity for other parties involved to alter evidence or coordinate their stories to weaken your case.
- Starting the legal process early allows your attorney to secure evidence, gather witness statements, and build a strong case efficiently.
Consulting an attorney quickly protects the integrity of your claim and allows for a thorough preparation that can significantly influence the outcome and potential compensation received.
Navigating Compensation Claims for Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rig accidents are tragically common in the energy sector, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the hazardous nature of the work involved. For workers and their families affected by such incidents, understanding the process and potential for compensation is critical. Here’s an outline to navigate compensation claims for oil rig accidents effectively:
Understanding the Basics
Oil rig workers are exposed to various risks, from equipment malfunctions and explosions to falls and exposure to harmful chemicals. When accidents occur, the impact can be devastating, leading to substantial medical bills, loss of income, and long-term disability or loss of life.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
In many cases, workers’ compensation is the primary recourse for injured oil rig workers. It provides benefits such as medical expense coverage and a portion of lost wages. However, workers’ compensation might not cover all damages, especially in severe injury or negligence cases.
Personal injury claims offer an alternative pathway. In instances of egregious employer negligence, they allow victims to seek broader compensation, including full lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Steps to Take Following an Oil Rig Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Ensure you receive immediate and appropriate medical treatment for your injuries.
- Report the Accident: Notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible, adhering to any specified reporting protocols.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the incident, medical treatments received, communications with your employer, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Oil rig accident claims can be complex due to the involvement of maritime laws, workers’ compensation regulations, and personal injury law. An attorney with expertise in this area can provide crucial guidance.
Challenges in Compensation Claims
- Proving Negligence: In personal injury claims outside of workers’ compensation, you may need to demonstrate that negligence on the part of the employer or a third party contributed to the accident.
- Complex Legal Frameworks: These claims are complicated by the intersection of local, state, and federal laws, including the Jones Act for maritime workers.
- Dealing with Insurers: Navigating the nuances of insurance policies and dealing with insurers’ tactics to minimize payouts requires diligence and legal insight.
Maximizing Your Compensation
To ensure you receive the fullest compensation possible, it’s essential to:
- Act promptly to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines.
- Understand the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your future earning capacity and quality of life.
- Work with legal professionals who advocate for your rights and interests effectively.
Oil rig accidents present significant challenges for the injured and their families. Understanding your rights and the compensation avenues available is the first step towards securing the support needed for recovery and moving forward. Given the complexities involved in these claims, seeking experienced legal counsel is not just advisable but vital.
Contact Kirkpatrick Law
After an oil rig accident, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Kirkpatrick Law offers specialized expertise in navigating the complexities of oil field injuries. Eric Kirkpatrick provides not only aggressive legal representation but also compassionate support throughout the entire claim process. We are deeply committed to ensuring you receive the fullest compensation possible, understanding the profound impact of your injuries on your life. With our no-win, no-fee promise, you can trust in our dedication to your recovery and financial well-being. Let Kirkpatrick Law be your most impactful ally in your search for justice and compensation.
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