Published by The legal team of oilfield injury lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured oil rig workers and is one of the only firms with knowledge of maritime law willing to pursue justice in these practice areas in New Jersey and throughout the entire United States.
Table Of Contents
- New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Fatal Work Injuries in New Jersey
- New Jersey Energy Profile Quick Facts
- Do You Qualify for a New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. Can independent contractors file a lawsuit for oil field accident injuries?
- 2. What are the safety standards for oil field operations in New Jersey?
- 3. How can I ensure my employer is following proper safety protocols?
- 4. What types of injuries are common in oil field accidents?
- 5. How long do I have to file an oil field accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
- 6. What makes oil field work particularly hazardous?
- 7. Who can be held liable for an oil field accident?
- Get a Free New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- References
New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
If you or a loved one experienced severe injuries following an oil field accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, 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, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fatal Work Injuries in New Jersey
Fatal work injuries totaled 82 in 2020 for New Jersey, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. Transportation incidents resulted in 24 fatal work injuries, while exposure to harmful substances or environments accounted for 19 fatalities. Falls, slips, and trips accounted for another 18 deaths.
These 3 major categories accounted for nearly three-quarters of all fatal workplace injuries in the state.
New Jersey Energy Profile Quick Facts
- In 2021, natural gas and nuclear power accounted for 90% of New Jersey’s total electricity net generation.
- Three storage sites for the 1-million-barrel federal Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve are located at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
- New Jersey’s residential sector accounts for just 3% of the state’s petroleum consumption.
- New Jersey was America’s 9th largest producer of electricity from solar energy in 2021 and ranked 3rd in small-scale solar. Overall, solar power accounted for nearly 7% of in-state electricity generation.
- In 2023, New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities approved 3,700 megawatts of offshore wind power generating capacity to reach the state’s goal of obtaining 7,500 megawatts of wind power capacity by 2035 and 11,000 megawatts by 2040.
- Nearly three-quarters of New Jersey households rely on natural gas as their primary heating fuel, 16% use electric heat, and about 9% use petroleum products.
Does New Jersey Have Any Oil Production?
The first well drilled for oil and natural gas in New Jersey was completed in 1868. Since then, at least 35 additional oil or gas exploration wells have been drilled in the state. The first well and 2 subsequent wells were drilled in the Triassic-Jurassic sandstones and shales of the Piedmont Province, with the others being located in the sands and clays of the New Jersey Coastal Plain.
To date, none of the oil or natural gas exploration wells have struck anything that warrants further exploration.
Does New Jersey Have Any Oil Refineries?
Although New Jersey does not have any crude oil reserves or production, the state does have 2 oil refineries which have a combined capacity of nearly 360,000 barrels per day. These 2 oil refineries produce various refined petroleum products including motor gasoline, distillate fuel oil, aviation jet fuel, and petrochemical feedstocks.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Are There Oil Rigs Off the Shore of New Jersey?
In response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal to open nearly all of the United States coastline to offshore oil drilling, New Jersey in August 2018 passed Assembly Bill 839 to ban oil and gas exploration and drilling along its coastline. The bill, AB 839, restricts the leasing of tidal or submerged lands in state waters up to 3 miles off of the coastline for offshore exploration, drilling, and development.
Related Article: Oil Rig Injury Accident Attorney
Is There a Nuclear Power Plant in New Jersey?
New Jersey has nuclear power plants in Salem County (the Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations) and Ocean County (the Oyster Creek Generating Station). In 2021, nuclear power accounted for 44% of the state’s total electricity generation.
Do You Qualify for a New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a New Jersey oil field accident lawsuit if:
- You were injured while working in an oil field or refinery in New Jersey.
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
- The accident occurred due to negligence by the company, equipment manufacturers, or other parties.
Evidence Required for an Oil Field Accident Lawsuit
To build a strong case, you will need to gather:
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Documentation of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Employment records
- Safety inspection reports
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation in oil field accident cases may include:
- Medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages
Statute of Limitations for New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including oil field accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means injured workers have two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, such as cases involving minors or situations where injuries weren’t immediately apparent. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your legal rights are protected.
FAQs
1. Can independent contractors file a lawsuit for oil field accident injuries?
Yes, independent contractors injured in oil field accidents can file a lawsuit if the injury was due to negligence by the hiring company, equipment manufacturers, or other third parties. An attorney can help determine the best course of action.
2. What are the safety standards for oil field operations in New Jersey?
Safety standards for oil field operations in New Jersey are set by OSHA and state regulations, covering equipment maintenance, worker training, hazard communication, and emergency response procedures. Compliance with these standards is crucial for preventing accidents.
3. How can I ensure my employer is following proper safety protocols?
You can ensure your employer is following proper safety protocols by staying informed about OSHA regulations, attending all safety training sessions, reporting any unsafe conditions, and participating in regular safety meetings.
4. What types of injuries are common in oil field accidents?
Common oil field injuries include burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chemical exposure effects, and injuries from falls or equipment malfunctions.
5. How long do I have to file an oil field accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is typically two years from the date of the accident, though certain circumstances may extend this timeframe.
6. What makes oil field work particularly hazardous?
Oil field work is hazardous due to the presence of heavy machinery, flammable materials, high-pressure equipment, toxic chemicals, and often remote locations with limited immediate medical access.
7. Who can be held liable for an oil field accident?
Potentially liable parties include employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, maintenance companies, and other third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
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Get a Free New Jersey Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil field accidents in New Jersey. The statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file a claim, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees to worry about
- Payment only if we win your case