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Table Of Contents
- Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates
- MoDNR and BLS Statistics
- Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
- Oil and Gas Production in Missouri
- How Much Oil Does Missouri Have?
- Missouri Energy Quick Facts
- Statute of Limitations for Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What types of oil field accidents are most common in Missouri?
- 2. Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
- 3. What are third-party claims in oil field accidents?
- 4. How can an attorney help with my oil field accident case?
- 5. What evidence is needed to support an oil field accident injury claim?
- 6. How does workers’ compensation differ from a personal injury lawsuit?
- 7. How long does an oil field accident lawsuit typically take?
- 8. What if I was partially at fault for my oil field accident?
- Get A Free Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- Reference:
Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
Oil field accidents, including those involving Missouri residents, can result in severe injuries or death due to the hazardous nature of the work.
Primary allegations against oil companies involve negligence, inadequate safety measures, and failure to provide proper training or equipment.
According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), 105 fatal work injuries occurred across all industries in Missouri in 2020, with transportation incidents (60 deaths) being the leading cause, though few, if any, were directly tied to oil field operations.
Oil field workers face significant risks, though Missouri’s oil and gas industry contributes minimally to the state’s overall energy production, dominated by coal and other sources.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Latest Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates
- March 18, 2025 – According to Express Legal Funding, oil field accidents often involve high-risk work environments where victims may seek compensation through personal injury or wrongful death claims.
- May 11, 2023 – Legal experts at Dunn Sheehan LLP highlight that oilfield injury lawsuits often involve complex factors such as employer negligence and long-term medical damages when calculating compensation.
- May 30, 2014 – A Missouri worker who was involved in an oil rig accident successfully filed a negligence claim against his coworker outside of worker’s compensation exclusive remedy provisions, establishing a precedent for similar cases [1].
Related Article: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit
MoDNR and BLS Statistics
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) tracks oil and gas wells, while BLS provides occupational safety data relevant to potential oil field accident lawsuits:
- MoDNR reports more than 10,000 oil and gas wells in Missouri, contributing to a small but active industry with inherent safety risks.
- Approximately 4,400 wells are listed as properly plugged.
- An estimated 1,900 wells are classified as abandoned in western Missouri alone, with additional abandoned wells statewide awaiting assessment.
- BLS reports 105 fatal work injuries across all Missouri industries in 2020, with transportation incidents leading, though oil-specific data is unavailable due to the state’s minimal production.
Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
Missouri oil field workers face numerous potential injuries due to the hazardous nature of their work environment.
- Crush Injuries: Caused by heavy equipment like the 500-pound pipe incident described in the lawsuit
- Transportation Accidents: The leading cause of fatal work injuries in Missouri
- Falls: Common on oil rigs and drilling platforms
- Chemical Exposure: Can lead to respiratory issues and long-term health problems
- Burns and Explosions: Due to the flammable nature of oil and gas operations
Do You Qualify for a Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Missouri oil field accident lawsuit if:
- You were injured while working at an oil field in Missouri
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- The accident occurred due to negligence by an employer, coworker, or third party
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the oil field accident
- The incident occurred within the statute of limitations period
Evidence Required for a Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit
Necessary evidence for your case includes:
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Accident reports filed with your employer
- Safety inspection records
- Witness statements from coworkers or others present
- Employment records establishing your position and duties
Damages You Can Recover
In a successful Missouri oil field accident lawsuit, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future treatments
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Oil and Gas Production in Missouri
Oil was discovered in Missouri shortly after the Civil War ended in 1865 when water wells were being drilled around Kansas City.
Although Missouri has limited reserves of traditional hydrocarbons, relatively large deposits of untapped heavy crude oil exist beneath the surface.
The state also has large quantities of “unconventional” energy resources including coalbed methane, oil sand, and oil shale.
New technologies and efficient oil production have strengthened Missouri’s economic future and benefited the state through jobs and revenue.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
How Much Oil Does Missouri Have?
Missouri had modest production at around 100,000 barrels per year since the mid-1980s, but that number has been in decline since 2013.
In 2021, the state’s annual oil output was 50,000 barrels, down substantially from its peak of 285,000 barrels in 1984.
Crude oil is currently produced in Northwestern Missouri near the state’s border with Kansas and Nebraska, and also in Eastern Missouri near St. Louis.
Missouri Energy Quick Facts
- The eastern and western sections of the Rockies Express Pipeline (REX) meet in Northern Missouri.
- In 2021, coal provided 74% of Missouri’s electricity net generation, the 2nd-highest of any state.
- Missouri uses nearly 8x more energy than it produces. The state ranks 3rd in the U.S. in per capita residential energy consumption.
- Missouri has the 2nd-largest biodiesel production capacity in America – 247 million gallons annually at 5 biodiesel plants.
- In 2021, renewable energy provided nearly 12% of Missouri’s total electricity generation, exceeding 10% for the 1st time in the state’s history.
Statute of Limitations for Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including oil field accidents, is generally five years from the date of the injury.
However, this time frame can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
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- Montana Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyer
- Nevada Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
- Rhode Island Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
FAQs
1. What types of oil field accidents are most common in Missouri?
The most common oil field accidents in Missouri include transportation incidents, machinery malfunctions, falls from heights, struck-by incidents involving heavy equipment, and exposure to hazardous substances. Transportation incidents account for the highest number of fatalities in the industry.
2. Can I file a lawsuit if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes, while workers’ compensation may cover some of your losses, you may still be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit against entities other than your employer, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, to recover additional damages not covered by workers’ compensation.
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 beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
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 and work to maximize your compensation.
5. What evidence is needed to support an oil field accident injury claim?
Necessary evidence includes medical records, accident reports, safety inspection records, and witness statements. This documentation supports your claim and helps secure appropriate compensation for your injuries.
6. How does workers’ compensation differ from a personal injury lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault but may not cover all damages. A personal injury lawsuit can seek full compensation, including pain and suffering, if negligence is proven by a third party.
7. How long does an oil field accident lawsuit typically take?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, but most settlements take between 6-18 months. Cases that go to trial may take longer, potentially 1-3 years to reach resolution.
8. What if I was partially at fault for my oil field accident?
Missouri follows the comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if partially responsible, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complex situations.
Get A Free Missouri Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil field accidents in Missouri. With only five years from the date of injury to file a claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our oil field accident attorneys offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
- Payment only if we win your case through settlement or verdict
Don’t delay in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Missouri oil field accident lawyers today.