Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview

Oil field accident lawsuits involving Maine residents include claims against oil and gas companies for injuries sustained by workers in these high-risk environments. Primary allegations often include inadequate safety protocols, insufficient training, and defective equipment. While Maine doesn’t have active oil fields, some residents work in other states or offshore operations where accidents occur. These lawsuits aim to secure compensation for injured workers and establish accountability for workplace safety violations.

Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update

Latest Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates

November 27, 2024 – According to the Insurance Journal, Maine’s Attorney General is targeting oil giants for misleading the public about fossil fuel impacts—a lawsuit that could influence future cases tied to site-specific accidents [1].

November 26, 2024

– Maine Morning Star reports that AG Frey has filed a lawsuit accusing oil giants of long-term deception about fossil fuel dangers—raising broader questions about industry accountability in Maine.

Related Article: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit

OSHA Fatality Statistics

Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects

Oil field workers face numerous hazards that can result in severe injuries or death. The most common injuries include:

• Crush Injuries: Often occurring from heavy equipment accidents, falling objects, or caught-between incidents
• Burns and Explosions: Resulting from well blowouts, chemical exposure, or equipment failures
• Falls: From elevated work platforms, derricks, or other structures
• Chemical Exposure: Leading to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term illness
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: From falling objects, equipment strikes, or falls
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis

Do You Qualify for a Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Maine oil field accident lawsuit if:

• You were injured while working in the oil and gas industry (in Maine or as a Maine resident working elsewhere)
• You experienced serious injuries requiring medical treatment or hospitalization
• The accident occurred within the past two years (Maine’s statute of limitations)
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the oil field accident
• The injury resulted from company negligence, equipment failure, or safety violations

Evidence Required for a Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuit

To successfully pursue an oil field accident lawsuit, you will need to gather the following evidence:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Employment records confirming your position and work history
• Accident reports filed with your employer
• Witness statements from colleagues who observed the accident
• Photographs or video of the accident scene or equipment involved
• Documentation of safety violations or previous incidents at the worksite

Damages You Can Recover

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

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation costs
• In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death damages

Maine Oil Field Information

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports no commercial oil or gas resources in Maine. Eight test wells were drilled in the Gulf of Maine on the Georges Bank fishing grounds between 1976 and 1982. Leasing bans in both the U.S. and Canada have since put Georges Bank off-limits to drilling [2].

In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) estimated that undiscovered technically recoverable oil and gas resources in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf totaled approximately 4.72 billion barrels of oil, up 43% from the 2011 estimate, and 37.51 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, up 20% from 2011 [3].

Since Maine has no crude oil reserves or production, refined petroleum products are transported to the state primarily through the Port of Portland on Casco Bay, a natural deep-water harbor that remains ice-free year-round, with additional minor entry points along the coast.

Statute of Limitations for Maine Oil Field Accident Lawsuits

In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including oil field accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of when the accident occurred, or your right to seek compensation may be permanently lost.

There are some exceptions to this rule that might extend the deadline, such as:

• If the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident
• If the injury wasn’t discovered immediately (though this can be difficult to prove)
• If the defendant left the state after the accident occurred

FAQs

1. What is the statute of limitations for filing an oil field accident lawsuit in Maine?

In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including oil field accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly.

2. Can I receive workers’ compensation for an oil field accident injury?

Yes, workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages for oil field accident injuries. An attorney can help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

3. What are third-party claims in oil field accidents?

Third-party claims involve seeking compensation from entities other than your employer, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors. These claims can provide additional compensation.

4. How can an attorney help with my oil field accident case?

An attorney can help gather evidence, navigate legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

5. How much does it cost to hire an oil field accident attorney?

Most oil field accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. The attorney only gets paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of your settlement.

6. How long does an oil field accident lawsuit take to resolve?

The timeline varies based on case complexity, but most oil field accident lawsuits take between one and three years to resolve. Some may settle faster while complex cases might take longer.

7. Can I sue if a family member died in an oil field accident?

Yes, immediate family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one died in an oil field accident caused by negligence or safety violations.

8. What if I was partially at fault for my oil field accident?

Maine follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% responsible for your accident, though your award may be reduced.

9. Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim after an oil field accident?

No, it’s illegal for employers to terminate workers for filing legitimate workers’ compensation claims. If this happens, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.

10. What types of oil field accidents are most common in the industry?

The most common oil field accidents include transportation incidents, being struck by objects, equipment malfunctions, explosions and fires, falls from heights, and exposure to harmful substances.

Related Articles:

• Kansas Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney
• Kentucky Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
• Maryland Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyer

See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.v

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

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

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
• Decades of experience handling complex oil field accident cases
• A dedicated team that will fight tirelessly for your maximum compensation

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our experienced Maine oil field accident attorneys today to understand your legal options and begin your journey toward justice and fair compensation.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Maine 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 Maine and throughout the entire United States.

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

References:

[1] https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2024/11/27/802717.htm 

[2] https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/maine/ 

[3] https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/oil-and-gas-energy-program/Resource-Evaluation/Resource-Assessment/Assessment-of-Oil-and-Gas-Resources-2014-Update.pdf