Published by 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.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit Updates
- OSHA and BLS Statistics
- Michigan Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit?
- Michigan Oil Field Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Michigan Oil Field Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What types of oil field accidents are most common in Michigan?
- 2. How much compensation can I receive for a Michigan oil field injury?
- 3. What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
- 4. Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
- 5. What are third-party claims in oil field accidents?
- 6. How can an attorney help with my oil field accident case?
- 7. How long does an oil field injury lawsuit typically take in Michigan?
- 8. What are the long-term impacts of oil field accident injuries?
- 9. Can family members file a lawsuit for a fatal oil field accident?
- 10. Is Michigan’s oil field industry regulated differently than other states?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Michigan Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyers
Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit Overview
Michigan oil field lawsuits address serious injuries sustained by workers in the state’s substantial oil and gas industry. These cases typically involve potential allegations of negligence against oil companies, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. With more than 8,000 Michiganians employed in the industry and approximately 12,000 active wells across 64 counties, workplace accidents continue to pose significant risks. Fatal work injuries totaled 140 in 2021 across all industries in Michigan, with exposure to harmful substances, falls, and contact with equipment among the leading causes, though no specific data isolates oil and gas incidents.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Latest Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit Updates
May 9, 2024
– Detroit News reports that Michigan’s legal challenges against the oil industry now extend to climate change damages, part of a broader push for fossil fuel accountability.
August 10, 2023 – According to MLive, Michigan secured a $2.85 million settlement and control of 21 oil wells after legal action against a private operator for abandonment and environmental harm [1].
Related Article: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit
OSHA and BLS Statistics
- OSHA and BLS data indicate Michigan’s oil and gas extraction industry poses significant safety risks, though specific statewide incident rates are not isolated.
- Nationally, oil and gas extraction workers face a fatality rate approximately four times higher than the U.S. average, per BLS 2023 data, applicable to Michigan’s industry.
- Contact with objects and equipment accounted for 25% of oil and gas worker fatalities nationwide in 2008, a risk factor in Michigan’s active wells.
- OSHA reports exposure to harmful substances as a leading cause of oil field injuries, contributing to Michigan’s 26 such fatalities across industries in 2021.
- Michigan reported 140 fatal work injuries across all industries in 2021, per BLS, with falls, exposure, and equipment contact as leading causes
Michigan Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
Oil field workers in Michigan face numerous hazards that can lead to severe injuries or death. Based on state workplace injury data, the most common oil field injuries include:
- Transportation Incidents: Vehicle accidents during transport to remote sites or equipment operation
- Exposure to Harmful Substances/Environments: Contact with chemicals, toxic gases, or extreme temperatures
- Falls, Slips, or Trips: Injuries from working at heights or on slippery surfaces
- Contact with Objects or Equipment: Being struck by, caught in, or crushed by heavy machinery
- Fires and Explosions: Burns and blast injuries from combustible materials
Do You Qualify for a Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Michigan oil field lawsuit if:
- You were employed as an oil field worker in Michigan
- You suffered serious injuries while working on an oil rig or in an oil field
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- Your injuries resulted from another party’s negligence (employer, contractor, equipment manufacturer)
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the oil field accident
Evidence Required for a Michigan Oil Field Lawsuit
To successfully pursue an oil field injury claim in Michigan, you will need to gather:
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Employment records showing your work history
- Accident reports filed at the time of injury
- Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors
- Documentation of safety violations or improper training
- Expert testimony regarding industry standards and violations
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Michigan oil field accidents may be entitled 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, family members may pursue wrongful death claims
Michigan Oil Field Recall Information
While specific oil field equipment recalls vary over time, Michigan maintains strict regulations for oil field equipment through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Companies operating in Michigan must comply with state-specific safety standards in addition to federal OSHA requirements. For the most current recall information on specific equipment, contact the Michigan EGLE Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division.
Statute of Limitations for Michigan Oil Field Lawsuits
In Michigan, personal injury lawsuits, including those for oil field accidents, generally must be filed within three years from the date of injury. However, this timeframe may vary depending on specific circumstances:
- Workers’ compensation claims must typically be reported within 90 days
- Claims against government entities may have shorter notice periods
- Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of death
Consulting with an experienced Michigan oil field accident attorney as soon as possible after an injury is crucial to ensure all deadlines are met.
Related Articles:
- Minnesota Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney
- Louisiana Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
- Rhode Island Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
See all the personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
FAQs
1. What types of oil field accidents are most common in Michigan?
The most common oil field accidents in Michigan include transportation incidents, falls, equipment malfunctions, exposure to harmful substances, and struck-by incidents. Transportation incidents account for the highest percentage of fatal workplace injuries in the state.
2. How much compensation can I receive for a Michigan oil field injury?
Compensation varies widely depending on factors such as injury severity, long-term impact, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Some serious injury cases have resulted in settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
3. What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
If your employer fails to maintain required workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to sue them directly for your injuries. Michigan law imposes penalties on employers who operate without proper workers’ compensation coverage.
4. Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes. While workers’ compensation typically prevents you from suing your employer, you may still be able to file third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
5. 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 beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
6. 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.
7. How long does an oil field injury lawsuit typically take in Michigan?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, but most lawsuits take between one and three years to resolve. Some cases settle within months, while others that go to trial may take longer.
8. What are the long-term impacts of oil field accident injuries?
Long-term impacts can include chronic pain, disability, psychological trauma, and financial difficulties due to inability to work. Adequate compensation is crucial to address these challenges.
9. Can family members file a lawsuit for a fatal oil field accident?
Yes, immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) can file a wrongful death lawsuit when a worker dies in an oil field accident. These claims can seek compensation for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
10. Is Michigan’s oil field industry regulated differently than other states?
Michigan has specific regulations through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in addition to federal OSHA requirements. The state’s unique geology and natural gas storage capacity have led to some state-specific regulations.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Michigan oil field injuries. With only three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. The experienced oil field injury lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
- Payment only if we win your case
Don’t let time run out on your right to seek justice and compensation. Contact our Michigan oil field accident and injury lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Michigan Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyers
The Personal injury protection 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 Michigan and throughout the entire United States.
Again, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an oilfield accident in Michigan, 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: