Idaho Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney

A History of the Gas and Oil Industry in Idaho

No commercially viable oil or gas resources had been discovered in Idaho until 2008, despite the drilling of hundreds of wells around the state. That year, a natural gas field known as Willow Field was found in southwest Idaho near Payette, and then in 2015, commercial production from a half dozen wells on private lands began.

The reservoir, which is a relatively small deposit, includes porous sand, and is accessed through vertical and directional drilling that does not require hydraulic fracking. The strike was discovered through recent advances in 3D seismic technology.

How Much Oil Does Idaho Produce?

Oil and gas production in Idaho grew nearly 280% between August 2020 and August 2021. On a year-to-date basis, the total oil and gas production in the state increased by 258.75% from 2020 to 2021.

Snake River Oil & Gas is the largest oil and gas producer in Idaho, recording a total oil and gas production at 769.5 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/D) in August 2021, an increase of 6.06% from the previous month. The company held a 100% share in oil production and 100% share in Idaho gas production in August 2021.

On a year-to-date basis, Snake River Oil & Gas registered a 258.75% increase in total oil and gas production from the same period in 2020.

Where Does Idaho Get Most of its Fuel?

Idaho principally relies on gasoline imported from other nearby states. Utah supplies gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heating oil to the southern part of Idaho, while Montana and Washington provide these goods to Northern Idaho.

Why is Idaho’s Gasoline So Expensive?

Many factors contribute to the cost of gas in Idaho, as well as the rise and fall of these prices statewide. Such factors include supply and demand, refining costs, and Idaho’s distribution system.

Crude Oil vs. Natural Gas

Both crude oil and natural gas are fossil fuels which are used for transportation, though most vehicles run off crude oil instead of natural gas. Crude oil is also cheaper than natural gas. On the other hand, natural gas is cleaner than crude oil and it produces less carbon dioxide.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production in Idaho

When extracting oil and gas in Idaho, producers must be careful to drill in areas where people and private property will remain protected. State law requires that production data be released 6 months after the producer gives data from drilling to the state.

Workplace Deaths in Idaho

Idaho’s natural resource economy has seen many deaths in the workplace in recent years. From 2003 to 2013, more than half of those deaths were reported in the agriculture and transportation industries.

In 2013 alone, at least 30 work‐related deaths were recorded in Idaho, up 58% from a year earlier. In prior years, the number of deaths in Idaho ranged from a low of 19 in 2012 to a high of 43 in 2003.

Fifteen of the 2013 workplace deaths in the state occurred during transportation incidents, which were the leading cause of workplace deaths over the previous decade – ranging from 42% in 2005 to 70% in 2011. More than half of the transportation accidents occurred in the agriculture sector.

Contact with objects and equipment (most often farm implements) caused 5 deaths in Idaho in 2013, and the number of deaths due to falls was also 5. Most fatalities due to falls occurred in the construction sector.

FAQs

How long does it take to resolve an oil field accident injury lawsuit?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and court schedules. It can take several months to a few years to resolve.

Can I file a lawsuit if I receive workers’ compensation?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit if negligence by a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury. This is separate from a workers’ compensation claim.

What are the common injuries sustained in oil field accidents?

Common injuries include burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, respiratory issues, and chemical burns. These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening.

How can I prove negligence in an oil field accident case?

Proving negligence involves demonstrating that the employer or a third party failed to provide a safe working environment or violated safety regulations, leading to the accident and injuries.

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

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 in Idaho and throughout the entire United States.

Again, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an oilfield accident in Idaho, 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.