Dallas Oil Field Injury Lawyer
Injuries & Claims Information

Oil Field Accidents on the Rise Across U.S.

When an oilfield accident occurs, the consequences can be deadly. In December 2018, The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that from 2008 through 2017, at least 1,566 oil rig workers were killed in oilfield accidents in the United States.

In February 2013, the Houston Chronicle stated that despite declining numbers of workplace deaths generally, oil rig accidental deaths in Dallas TX have risen. NPR reported similar findings, and in February 2013 found that there had been a 100% increase in oil and gas industry fatalities since 2009.

In February 2014, the Houston Chronicle reported on the rise of oil rig accidents in Texas, and found that at least 18,000 workers had suffered amputations, were crushed, burned, broken bones, were cut, or reported other work-related spinal cord injuries or physical impairment from 2008 to 2013.

Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update

Types of Oil Field Injuries

Oilfield injuries usually result from a speed and greed, top-down safety culture whereby oilfield workers learn to take safety shortcuts, ignore standard industry safety regulations, use inadequate equipment, and are given improper safety instruction (or no instruction at all).

Fatal Accidents: The Ultimate Tragedy on Oil Fields

Fatal accidents in oil fields have devastating consequences for workers’ families, often resulting from preventable hazards. These tragedies highlight the need for stricter safety measures and legal accountability.

Some of those accidents include:

• Explosions and fires
• Falling objects or equipment
• Toxic gas exposure
• Vehicle accidents on oilfields

Typical Compensation: $1 million – $10+ million for wrongful death claims.
Long-term Implications: Lifetime loss of income and support for surviving family members.

Catastrophic Injuries: Life-Altering Consequences

Catastrophic injuries in oil fields often leave workers permanently disabled and unable to resume their careers. These injuries demand intensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

They could be:

• Severe burns (2nd and 3rd degree)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations

Typical Compensation: $500,000 – $5+ million.
Recovery Timeline: Months to years of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Long-term Implications: Permanent disability, ongoing medical care, and loss of career.

Severe Injuries: Recovery with Long-Term Challenges

Severe injuries from oil field accidents often require extensive medical care and recovery time. Although workers may recover partially, many face chronic pain and physical limitations.

Examples of these injuries are:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Eye injuries and vision loss
• Hearing loss from loud equipment

Typical Compensation: $100,000 – $1+ million.
Recovery Timeline: Weeks to months of medical treatment and physical therapy.
Long-term Implications: Potential for chronic pain, reduced mobility, or sensory impairment.

Chronic Conditions: The Silent Threat of Long-Term Exposure

Chronic conditions often develop from prolonged exposure to toxic substances or repetitive physical strain in oil fields. These conditions can lead to lifelong health challenges and reduced quality of life.

• Respiratory illnesses from chemical exposure
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Occupational skin diseases

Typical Compensation: $50,000 – $500,000.
Recovery Timeline: Ongoing management of symptoms, potentially lifelong.
Long-term Implications: Reduced quality of life and limitations in future employment options.

Common Causes of Oil Field Injuries

Understanding the causes of oil field injuries helps workers and legal representatives identify negligence and unsafe practices that lead to accidents. These risks often stem from inadequate safety measures or mismanagement.

These causes are:

• Inadequately trained workers
• Exposure to hazardous gases and explosions
• Language barriers leading to miscommunication
• Overworked employees taking safety shortcuts
• Pressure to meet drilling schedules
• Defective or poorly maintained machinery
• Insufficient supervision by company representatives
• Failure to follow proper safety protocols and chain of command

Each of these causes highlights the critical need for proper oversight, training, and safety enforcement in oil fields to protect workers from harm.

Oil field workers who experience these injuries may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Consulting an experienced Dallas oil field injury lawyer can help ensure fair compensation and justice for victims and their families.

Related Article: Common Oil Rig Injuries

Serious Injuries Among Workers in the Oil and Gas Industry

Our law firm is accepting potential lawsuits for oil and gas workers who were injured in the following types of accidents:

• Oil truck accidents
• Other transportation accidents
• Oil field explosions
• Oil field fires
• Oil well fires
• Oil well blowouts
• Oil refinery accidents
• Gas refinery accidents
• Drilling accidents
• Fracking accidents
• Machinery and heavy equipment malfunctions
• Machinery and equipment failures
• Personal protection / operating equipment failures
• Poisoning incidents/chemical burns
• Hazardous material exposure to flammable chemicals
• Struck by object accidents
• Slip and falls
• Falls from heights
• Confined space collapses
• Crush injuries

What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

Unlike many other lawsuits, attorneys in oilfield injury cases are most often paid through a contingency fee agreement.  If you’re asking what percentage lawyers take for oilfield injury services, the answer is they usually receive 33-55% of the award as payment fees.

In these cases, the person filing the claim (the plaintiff) agrees to pay the suit’s costs and a percentage of the damages received to the lawyer handling the case. If the plaintiff loses, there are no attorneys’ fees paid. State laws require that the agreement be in writing.

Immediate Actions After an Oilfield Accident

Experiencing an oilfield accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, legal rights, and future compensation.

A clear action plan ensures that critical evidence is preserved, your injuries are properly documented, and you avoid common pitfalls that could harm your case.

At the Scene

When an accident occurs, prioritize safety and documentation:

1. Stop Work Immediately: Cease all activities to prevent further harm.
2. Seek Emergency Medical Care: Call 911 or request onsite medical assistance to address any injuries.
3. Report the Incident to Your Supervisor: Verbally inform your supervisor, but avoid signing anything at this stage.
4. Take Photos If Safe: Capture images of the accident site, equipment, and any visible injuries for evidence.
5. Collect Witness Information: Get the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.

Medical Steps

Proper medical documentation is essential for your recovery and legal claim:

1. Choose Your Doctor: Visit your own physician, not one selected by your employer, to ensure unbiased care.
2. Request Detailed Medical Records: Ask for a full record of your diagnosis and treatment.
3. Document All Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your physical and emotional symptoms as they develop.
4. Save Bills and Receipts: Retain proof of all medical expenses for reimbursement or legal claims.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that can jeopardize your rights:

• Do Not Sign Company Documents: Avoid signing incident reports or waivers without legal advice.
• Do Not Give Recorded Statements: Decline recorded interviews with your employer or their insurance company.
• Do Not Accept Quick Settlements: Early offers are often inadequate and may waive your rights to future claims.
• Do Not Post on Social Media: Sharing details about the accident online can be used against you.
• Do Not Return to Work Without Clearance: Ensure you have a medical release before resuming duties.

Who to Call

Contact the appropriate authorities and professionals without delay:

• Emergency Services: Dial 911 for immediate medical attention.
• OSHA: Report workplace hazards to your local OSHA office for investigation.
• Attorney: Call a qualified oilfield injury lawyer at (866) 588-0600 to discuss your case and protect your legal rights.

Taking these steps immediately after an oilfield accident can significantly affect your recovery and ability to seek fair compensation. Prioritize your health and consult experienced professionals to guide you through the legal process.

Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oil Field Accidents

If an oilfield accident caused your injuries, clients should contact an experienced injury and accident attorney. You should find someone who is familiar with Texas oil field accident cases. Even when you believe the injuries to be mild, serious complications could arise.

In some cases, this may mean filing a claim with your employer’s workers comp insurance. In other cases, it could mean thoroughly investigating the scene for signs of negligence.

Sometimes, your employer’s own negligence is to blame. Other times it could be the result of shoddy industrial equipment. In any of these cases, you’ll get a better result if you have a skilled oil field injury lawyer advocating on your behalf.

Related Article: List of Texas Oil Refineries

Don’t Place Your Future in the Company’s Hands

Despite what the company and its claims reps (insurance agents) may tell you, their number one priority is not to protect workers, and instead to try to avoid responsibility and pay you and your family as little as possible.

Some of the most common ways that companies try to avoid responsibility after oilfield accidents include:

• Taking recorded statements
• Hiring private investigators to follow, photograph, and videotape the injured worker and his or her family members
• “Losing” critical evidence that proves the company was at fault or that you were not at fault for the accident
• Blaming the injured worker for failing to “stop work” or perform a complete JSA or Hazard Analysis prior to starting the job
• Attempting to discredit the injured worker by obtaining conflicting statements from co-workers or “experts” hired by the company after the accident
• Minimizing the severity of the worker’s injuries by sending them to doctors who are hired and paid by the company, its insurer, or the workers’ compensation provider, and
• Using anything the injured worker or his or her family members post on social media to claim that the worker is exaggerating or lying about their injuries

Some companies will even attempt to require injured workers to sign documents that prevent them from being able to recover damages from the company before it will release the workers’ paychecks.

Dallas serves as a hub for oil and gas operations, making it a critical region for addressing workplace injuries in the industry.

With its robust legal framework, specialized medical facilities, and extensive oilfield activity, understanding the local nuances is essential for injured workers seeking justice and compensation.

From navigating the court system to accessing top-tier trauma care, Dallas provides the resources needed to manage the aftermath of oil field accidents effectively.

Local Court Procedures

Oil field injury cases in Dallas are primarily filed in the Dallas County District Courts, equipped to handle the complexities of these cases.

Courts such as the 14th Civil District Court and the 162nd Civil District Court frequently oversee personal injury lawsuits, including oil field-related claims.

For cases involving diversity jurisdiction or federal regulations, filings may also occur in federal court, adding another layer of procedural considerations for injured workers and their legal teams.

Regional Company Practices

Dallas is home to significant oil and gas operations, with major companies like ExxonMobil and Halliburton maintaining a strong regional presence. Many of these companies rely heavily on contract workers, complicating liability in the event of workplace injuries.

Liability issues can become contentious, as determining the responsible party—whether the contractor, a subcontractor, or the primary operator—requires careful legal scrutiny.

Following high-profile accidents, some Dallas-based companies have enhanced their safety protocols, demonstrating the industry’s growing awareness of workplace risks.

Texas-Specific Regulations

Oil field operations in Dallas fall under the broader framework of Texas law. The Texas Natural Resources Code governs oil and gas activities, while the Texas Railroad Commission enforces safety regulations specific to the industry.

Notably, Texas has stringent requirements for blowout prevention equipment on oil wells, aiming to mitigate the risks of catastrophic accidents. These regulations emphasize the importance of compliance to ensure worker safety and environmental protection.

Consulting with an experienced Dallas oil field injury lawyer is essential to ensure that workers receive fair compensation while navigating the challenges of local regulations, liability issues, and safety standards.

Related Articles:

• Oil Rig Blowouts (Types & Control Methods)
• Main Causes Oil of Rig Explosion
• How Dangerous Is Oil Field Work?

See all the personal injury and accident litigations we’ve taken on.

FAQs

1. How Do Oil Field Injury Lawyers in Dallas Determine the Value of a Claim?

Lawyers evaluate claim value by assessing medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts. They also consider evidence, liability, and expert opinions to estimate compensation.

2. Are There Specific Regulations That Govern Oil Field Safety and Injury Claims?

Yes, regulations include OSHA standards for workplace safety, state-specific worker’s compensation laws, and industry guidelines that govern safety protocols and liability for oil field injuries.

3. How Long Do Injured Workers Have to File a Claim for Compensation?

The timeframe to file a claim varies by state and type of claim, but typically, injured workers should file within one to three years from the date of injury or discovery.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The accident attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP are dedicated to protecting the rights of the American oil and gas worker, and we are one of the only firms willing to handle oilfield work litigation 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 for a free consultation and legal advice.

Injured workers may be able to recover compensation for medical bills from an oil company in a lawsuit and our oil field injury lawyers can help.