Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit | Latest Updates

Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview

Alaskan oil field employees work under some of the most dangerous conditions in the United States. With America drilling for more oil than in years past, oilfield accidents continue to rise across the country. Workers in the oil and gas industry are nearly 7 times more likely to experience a fatal injury than employees in any other line of work.

Latest Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates

• December 2018 – The death of a 36-year-old man who died at a North Slope oil field was caused by an “equipment accident,” according to The North Slope Borough Police Department. Shawn Huber was pronounced dead at 3:40 a.m. after the incident at the Milne Point oil field.
• September 10, 2017 – Two workers responding to faulty equipment inside a building at a BP drill site accidentally triggered a leak of 1,200 kilograms of gas. Fortunately, the employees managed to escape uninjured; however, it had the potential to be a deadly explosion.

Related Article: Oil Field Accident & Injury Litigations Update

Alaska’s Oil & Gas Industry Statistics

• Alaska has produced more than 18 billion barrels of oil since the discovery of the Prudhoe Bay oil field in March 1968.
• Oil production accounts for up to 90% of the state’s General Fund revenues and over $180 billion in total revenue since statehood [1]. 
• The oil and gas industry paid over $3.1 billion in state and local taxes and royalties in 2019, including $2.7 billion to the state government and $449 million to local governments.
• Alaska’s crude oil reserves were estimated to be about 3.2 billion barrels at the beginning of 2022, making it the 4th largest in the U.S.
• Alaska’s oil output peaked in 1988 at 2 million barrels per day and has declined to 437,000 barrels per day in recent years.

Related Article: How Dangerous Is Oil Field Work?

Oil Field Injuries & Risks

Oil and gas workers routinely face numerous hazards that can lead to severe injuries and death:

• Heavy Machinery Accidents: Injuries from equipment malfunctions and operational errors.
• Falls from Heights: Serious injuries from falling from oil rigs and platforms.
• Chemical Exposure: Burns, respiratory issues, and long-term health complications.
• Vehicle Accidents: Injuries from moving vehicles and transportation incidents on oil fields.
• Weather-Related Hazards: Injuries from extreme conditions including freezing temperatures and intense heat.

Do You Qualify for an Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Alaska oil field accident lawsuit if:

• You were injured while working on an oil field in Alaska.
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the oil field accident.
• The incident occurred within the past two years (Alaska’s statute of limitations).

Evidence Required for an Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit

Strong evidence is crucial for your oil field injury case:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Accident reports filed with your employer
• Witness statements from coworkers or others present
• Photos or videos of the accident scene
• Maintenance or safety records related to equipment involved

Damages You Can Recover

With a successful oil field accident lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering resulting from your injuries
• Rehabilitation costs
• Other damages related to your specific case

Statute of Limitations for Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuits

In Alaska, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you file within the legal time limits.

Related Articles:

• Oregon Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyer
• Pennsylvania Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney
• Rhode Island Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit

See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits our attorneys have taken on.

FAQs

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an oil field injury in Alaska?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state. In Alaska, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you file within the legal time limits.

2. What evidence is needed to support my oil field injury lawsuit?

Key evidence needed to support your claim includes medical records documenting your injuries, accident reports, witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and any maintenance or safety records. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

3. Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault. Alaska uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means that you can still seek compensation even if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault [2].

4. Why is oil field work so dangerous?

Oil and gas workers routinely have to work around heavy machinery, heights, chemicals, moving vehicles, and many other hazards. They must also contend with bad weather conditions such as high winds, strong storms, freezing temperatures, and intense heat. Many oil and gas workers have long, tiring shifts – in some jobs, employees may work 1 to 2 weeks straight before getting a day off. They may also be pressured by their employers to do more work in less time.

5. How much oil is produced in Alaska?

Alaska’s crude oil reserves were estimated to be about 3.2 billion barrels at the beginning of 2022, making it the 4th largest in the U.S. Alaska has been in the top 5 oil-producing states for decades. The state’s oil output peaked in 1988 at 2 million barrels per day and has declined to 437,000 barrels per day in recent years.

6. What types of accidents have occurred at BP oil fields in Alaska?

In 2017 alone, at least 27 accidents occurred at BP’s oil and gas operations in Alaska, including 5 that risked the lives of dozens of workers. One such incident happened on September 10, when 2 workers responding to faulty equipment inside a building at a drill site accidentally triggered a leak of 1,200 kilograms of gas.

7. What happens in workers’ compensation claims for oil field accidents?

If you were the victim of an oilfield accident, you should contact an experienced oilfield accident attorney immediately. In some cases, this may mean filing a workers comp claim with your employer. In other cases, it could mean investigating the scene for signs of negligence. Your employer’s own negligence could even be to blame, or the injury could have been caused by defective industrial equipment.

Get a Free Alaska Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil field injuries in Alaska. With only two years from the date of injury to file your claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.

The personal injury lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP have experience dealing with the rights of American oilfield workers, and we are one of the only firms willing to handle oilfield workplace accidents throughout the entire United States.

The oil field accident lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.akrdc.org/oil-and-gas
2. https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/personal-injury/comparative-and-contributory-negligence-laws-by-state.html