Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries or death following an oil field accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt&Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to negligence in the oil and gas industry. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt&Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview

Oil field accident lawsuits typically involve workers who have suffered serious injuries or death while working in the oil and gas industry. These lawsuits primarily allege negligence against employers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers for failing to maintain safe working conditions. According to OSHA reports, at least 1,566 oil rig workers were killed in oilfield accidents in the United States from 2008 through 2017. Despite declining numbers of workplace deaths generally, oil field accidents continue to rise, with a reported 100% increase in oil and gas industry fatalities since 2009.

Latest Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates

February 2014

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

February 2013 – The Houston Chronicle stated that despite declining numbers of workplace deaths generally, oil rig accidental deaths in Dallas TX have risen.

February 2013 – NPR reported similar findings and found that there had been a 100% increase in oil and gas industry fatalities since 2009.

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.

These injuries may include:

• 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.

Do You Qualify for a Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an oil field accident lawsuit if:

• You were injured while working on an oil field or oil rig
• You experienced serious injuries requiring medical treatment
• Your injuries were caused by negligence, unsafe working conditions, or equipment failure
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the oil field accident

Evidence Required for a Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you will need to gather:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Accident reports filed with your employer
• Witness statements from coworkers who saw the accident
• Photographs of the accident scene, if available
• Documentation of safety violations or negligence

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of oil field accidents may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

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.

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.

Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation Claims in Dallas 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

Navigating Oil Field Injuries in Dallas: Local Insights and Resources

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.

Statute of Limitations for Dallas Oil Field Accident Lawsuits

The time limit for filing an oil field accident lawsuit varies by state. In most cases, you must file within one to three years from the date of the injury. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

4. What types of accidents are most common in oil fields?

Common oil field accidents include explosions, fires, transportation accidents, equipment malfunctions, falls from heights, exposure to hazardous materials, and being struck by objects.

5. What percentage do personal injury lawyers take in oil field accident cases?

Attorneys in oilfield injury cases are most often paid through a contingency fee agreement, typically receiving 33-55% of the award as payment fees. If the plaintiff loses, there are no attorneys’ fees paid.

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

After an oil field accident, you should seek medical attention, report the incident to your supervisor, document the scene and your injuries if possible, collect witness information, and contact an experienced attorney.

7. Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?

Yes, in many cases you can file a third-party lawsuit against entities other than your employer (such as equipment manufacturers or contractors) even if you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Dallas Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil field accidents. Depending on your state, you may have as little as one year from the date of injury to file a claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees – we only get paid if you win
• Experienced representation from attorneys who understand the oil and gas industry