Arizona Oil Field Accident & Injury Lawyer

The United States runs on oil. This profitable industry is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom; however, the oil and gas field employees facilitating this growth are often forced to work in extremely dangerous conditions, leading to many severe injuries and even deaths.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Last Updated: June 2, 2025
Free Confidential Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one experienced severe injuries or health complications following an oil field accident in Arizona, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to oil field accidents.

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview

Oil field accident lawsuits in Arizona typically involve workers who have been injured due to unsafe working conditions, equipment failures, or employer negligence.

These lawsuits primarily allege that oil and gas companies failed to maintain proper safety standards or provide adequate training.

While Arizona is not a major oil-producing state, serious accidents could potentially occur at existing facilities, such as the Dineh-bi-Keyah field on Navajo land, though specific incidents are not well-documented.

Several oil field incidents nationwide have resulted in OSHA investigations and regulatory actions against responsible companies.

Related Article: Oil Field Accident & Injury Lawsuit Update

Latest Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates

  • February 21, 2025 – According to AZCentral, the Navajo Nation is suing the federal government over a drilling moratorium near Chaco Canyon, arguing it undermines tribal landowners’ rights and financial livelihoods [1].
  • June 26, 2024 – The Guardian reports that Arizona municipalities are suing oil companies for exacerbating extreme heat events, pointing to years of fossil fuel misinformation.

OSHA and BLS Statistics

OSHA oversees safety, reporting 2,101 severe incidents nationwide in oil and gas operations from 2015–2022, though Arizona-specific data for 2018–2023 is not separately detailed.

These include:

  • Nationally, OSHA reported 2,101 severe incidents from 2015–2022, including 1,194 hospitalizations often due to severe trauma.
  • Contact with equipment caused 25% of fatalities in 2008, indicating frequent malfunctions, though Arizona-specific counts are unavailable.
  • Chemical exposure risks are noted by OSHA, with no Arizona-specific tally for 2018–2023.
  • Fatalities averaged 94 annually nationwide (2013–2017), with Arizona’s minimal oil activity suggesting few, if any, local cases.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics historically reported oil and gas extraction workers facing a fatality rate up to seven times higher than all other industries combined (2003–2013), though 2023 data suggests it is approximately four times higher.

Arizona Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects

Oil field workers in Arizona face numerous hazards that can lead to serious injuries and long-term health effects.

  • Burn Injuries: Chemical burns, thermal burns, and electrical burns can cause permanent disfigurement and disability.
  • Crush Injuries: Heavy equipment accidents often result in traumatic injuries to limbs, sometimes requiring amputation.
  • Falls: High-elevation work leads to fall injuries causing broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to toxic substances can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and neurological damage.

Do You Qualify for an Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?

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

  • You worked at an oil field in Arizona between 2015-present.
  • You experienced serious injuries including burns, broken bones, crush injuries, chemical exposure, or traumatic brain injury.
  • Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
  • You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to your oil field work.
  • Your accident occurred due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or equipment failure.

Evidence Required for an Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuit

  • Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
  • Employment records proving you worked at the oil field
  • Incident reports filed with your employer
  • Witness statements from coworkers who observed the accident
  • Photographs or video of the accident scene or hazardous conditions

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Arizona oil field accident lawsuits may provide compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement.
  • In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may be awarded.

Arizona Oil Field Information

  • Arizona became the 30th petroleum-producing state in the United States in October 1954, after Shell Oil Co. drilled a natural gas well in Apache County, on the Navajo Reservation.
  • Arizona’s largest oil field, the Dineh-bi-Keyah, also known as “the people’s field,” has produced approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil since the deposit was discovered in the 1960s, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
  • In 2017, crude oil production in Arizona was approximately 12,000 barrels (roughly 70 million Btu). Oil production in the state fell gradually from a peak of about 420,000 barrels (approximately 2,436 million Btu) in 1968 to 12,000 barrels in 2017.
  • Arizona has no oil refineries and must obtain its gasoline from California via the “West Line” and Texas via the “East Line”

Statute of Limitations for Arizona Oil Field Accident Lawsuits

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including oil field accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury.

This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of when the injury occurred, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.

If your injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” may apply, which starts the two-year clock from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury.

Related Articles:

FAQs

1. What are the grounds for filing an oil field accident lawsuit?

Grounds may include employer negligence, unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, defective equipment, and violations of safety regulations.

2. How do I know if I have a valid oil field accident claim?

Consult with an attorney experienced in oil field accidents to evaluate your case. They will assess factors like negligence, safety violations, and the extent of your injuries.

3. Is there a statute of limitations for filing an oil field accident lawsuit in Arizona?

Yes, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing.

4. What should I do immediately after an oil field accident?

Notify your employer, seek medical attention, document the accident scene if possible, gather witness information, and contact an experienced oil field accident attorney.

5. How much compensation can I receive from an oil field accident lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Recent Arizona settlements have ranged from $250,000 to $1.5 million for serious injuries [3].

6. Who can be held liable for my oil field accident?

Potentially liable parties include your employer, equipment manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, and property owners, depending on the circumstances of your accident.

7. Will filing a lawsuit affect my workers’ compensation benefits?

Workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits are separate legal actions. You may be entitled to both, but any workers’ compensation received may offset your lawsuit recovery.

See all the personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Arizona Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyers

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

Again, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an oilfield accident, you should contact our oil field accident lawyers immediately by using the form below or calling our law firm toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600 to schedule a free case review and legal options.

Clients may be able to recover fair compensation for medical expenses from an oil company in a lawsuit and a personal injury lawyer can help.

Reference:

  1. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/02/21/navajo-nation-suing-feds-over-order-to-halt-drilling-near-chaco-canyon/78456293007/ 
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About The Author

C.L. Mike Schmidt
Trial Lawyer

cl_mike@schmidtandclark.com

Certifications: Civil Trial Law Specialist, Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
Education: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Lives in: Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
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