Oilfield Injuries Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Oilfield Injury Lawsuit Overview

Oilfield injury lawsuits target companies responsible for unsafe working conditions that lead to serious accidents and injuries in oil and gas extraction operations. These legal actions allege negligence, inadequate safety protocols, and failure to comply with industry regulations.

Oil and gas extraction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. According to the CDC, between 2014 and 2019, 470 worker fatalities were recorded in U.S. oil and gas extraction—averaging nearly 80 occupational deaths per year [1]. The fatality rate for oil, gas, mining, and quarrying was more than seven times the all-industry average, typically exceeding 14 deaths per 100,000 workers annually. Most fatalities are caused by transportation incidents, contact with equipment, fires/explosions, and harmful exposures.

Latest Oilfield Injury Lawsuit Updates

• May 29, 2025 – Reporting highlights burn injury settlements: second-degree oilfield burns often settle for $25,000–$75,000, and third-degree burns can reach six- or seven-figure payouts depending on disability or disfigurement [2].
• April 16–17, 2025 – A Texas oilfield company and its executive plead guilty to criminal charges for hydrogen sulfide deaths, following a 2019 Permian Basin tragedy. The U.S. Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency announced the resolution, which includes $1.4 million in criminal fines and a five-month prison sentence for the executive [3].
• April 15, 2025 – Permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter for mining (impacting oilfield operations) [4].
• January 19, 2024 – OSHA’s new safety programs for surface mobile equipment at mines, including oil extraction support sites, take effect to reduce vehicle accidents and enhance hazard identification [5].
• October 21, 2024 – Lawsuits filed over a fatal hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) leak that killed two U.S. oilfield workers; civil cases allege negligence and seek compensation for neurological and fatal injuries [6].
• March 28, 2023 – $55 million verdict was awarded to a worker who was severely burned in an Odessa, Texas, oilfield accident [7].

Industry Statistics and Economic Impact

• Over 150,000 workers are employed in oil and gas extraction with hundreds of thousands more in support roles [8].
• Oilfield work continues to have one of the highest rates of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the U.S [9].
• Economic damages from oilfield injury claims include medical bills, lost earnings, and long-term care costs—often resulting in settlements or verdicts from thousands to several million dollars, depending on severity and liability [10].
• The American Petroleum Institute reports that companies implementing comprehensive safety programs experience 45% fewer workplace injuries than industry averages. Workers’ compensation programs cover only a fraction of the actual costs incurred by injured oilfield workers, making personal injury lawsuits necessary for many victims to recover full damages.

Average Oilfield Injury Lawsuit Settlement

Oilfield injury settlements vary widely. Cases involving minor injuries may reach tens of thousands, while catastrophic or wrongful death cases can exceed $1 million to $15 million. Notable public settlements include:

• $29 million (Texas, 2017) – high-pressure pipe explosion.

• $11.5 million (Texas, 2019) – H₂S exposure and permanent injury [11].

Oilfield Injuries & Hazards

Oilfield accidents can result in catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

• Burns and Explosions: Second and third-degree burns covering large portions of the body, requiring skin grafts and causing permanent disfigurement
• Crushed Limbs and Amputations: Heavy equipment accidents leading to traumatic amputations or crushed extremities requiring surgical removal
• Toxic Exposure: Respiratory damage, organ failure, and increased cancer risk from exposure to hydrogen sulfide, silica dust, and other chemicals
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and permanent cognitive impairment from falls, falling objects, or equipment malfunctions
• Spinal Cord Damage: Partial or complete paralysis resulting from falls or being struck by equipment
• Wrongful Death: Fatal accidents leaving families without breadwinners and facing significant emotional and financial hardship

Do You Qualify for an Oilfield Injury Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an oilfield injury lawsuit if:

• You worked at an oil or gas extraction site between 2015 and the present.
• You experienced serious injuries including burns, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputations, toxic exposure, or a family member suffered wrongful death.
• The injuries required medical treatment, hospitalization, or resulted in disability.
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to specific safety violations or negligence.
• The incident occurred within the statute of limitations for your state.

Evidence Required for an Oilfield Injury Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you’ll need to gather and preserve:

• Medical records documenting the extent of injuries and treatment received
• Employment records establishing your presence at the worksite
• Accident reports filed with employers, OSHA, or other regulatory agencies
• Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors
• Safety violation documentation or history of previous incidents
• Expert testimony regarding industry safety standards

Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update

Damages You Can Recover

A successful oilfield injury lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional trauma
• Permanent Disability: Compensation for loss of quality of life and ability to perform daily activities
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases of gross negligence to punish responsible parties and deter future misconduct

Statute of Limitations for Oilfield Injury Lawsuits

Time limits for filing oilfield injury lawsuits vary by state:

• Texas: 2 years from the date of injury
• Oklahoma: 2 years from the date of injury
• North Dakota: 6 years for personal injury claims
• Louisiana: 1 year from the date of injury (one of the shortest in the nation)
• Wyoming: 4 years from the date of injury
• Colorado: 2 years from the date of injury, but 3 years if related to motor vehicle operations

Missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit your right to compensation. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to protect your legal rights.

Related Articles:

• Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawyer
• How Dangerous Is Oil Field Work?

FAQs

1. How do workers’ compensation programs affect my right to file an oilfield injury Lawsuit?

Workers’ compensation programs provide limited benefits but generally prohibit lawsuits against your direct employer. However, third-party claims against other companies responsible for the accident (equipment manufacturers, site operators, and/or contractors) remain available. These third-party personal injury lawsuits typically provide significantly greater compensation than workers’ compensation benefits alone.

2. What is the average settlement for oilfield injury cases?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, liability factors, and jurisdiction. Minor to moderate injuries typically settle between $50,000-$250,000, while catastrophic injuries or wrongful death cases frequently result in settlements ranging from $1 million to $15 million. Cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement generally settle for higher amounts due to lifetime care needs.

3. How long does an oilfield injury lawsuit take to resolve?

Most oilfield injury cases settle within 12-24 months, though complex cases may take longer. Approximately 85% of cases settle before trial, often after the discovery phase reveals clear liability. Cases involving multiple defendants or disputed causation typically take longer to resolve than those with clear liability evidence.

4. Who can be held liable for oilfield injuries besides my employer?

Potentially liable parties include site operators, equipment manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, and service companies. Liability depends on who maintained operational control, provided defective equipment, or failed to maintain safe conditions. In many cases, multiple parties share liability for different aspects of the incident, creating complex legal scenarios.

5. What makes oilfield injury cases different from other workplace injury claims?

Oilfield injury cases involve specialized industry regulations, complex contractual relationships between multiple companies, and unique hazards not present in other industries. These cases often require expert testimony regarding industry-specific safety standards and technical operations. Additionally, the severity of injuries tends to be significantly greater than in typical workplace accidents.

6. Can I file a lawsuit if I already accepted workers’ compensation benefits?

Yes, accepting workers’ compensation benefits does not prevent you from pursuing third-party claims against companies other than your direct employer. While you cannot generally sue your employer if you’ve accepted workers’ compensation, you maintain full rights to pursue claims against other responsible parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

7. What evidence is the most important in winning an oilfield injury lawsuit?

Documentation of safety violations, maintenance records showing equipment neglect, witness testimony about dangerous practices, and expert analysis of industry standards are crucial. Medical evidence establishing the connection between the accident and your specific injuries is also essential, as is documentation of the accident itself through reports, photographs, or video when available.

8. How do I know if my oilfield injury qualifies for legal action?

Injuries resulting from safety violations, inadequate training, defective equipment, or negligent operations typically qualify for legal action. Our attorneys evaluate cases based on the severity of injuries, clear evidence of negligence, identification of liable parties, and the connection between violations and specific injuries. Most serious oilfield injuries warrant legal investigation to determine potential claims.

Get A Free Oilfield Injuries Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for oilfield injuries. Most states restrict filing to only 1-2 years from the date of injury, after which your right to compensation may be permanently lost.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• 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
• Specialized experience in complex oilfield injury litigation

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and ongoing medical needs.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7208a1.htm
2. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/burn-injury-settlement-values.html
3. https://sanangelolive.com/news/crime/2025-04-16/odessa-oil-companies-fined-14m-after-employee-and-his-spouse-killed-executive-sentenced-prison
4. https://facs.com/blog/new-msha-silica-rule-overview/
5. https://www.msha.gov/final-rule-safety-program-surface-mobile-equipment
6. https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/fatal-hydrogen-sulfide-leak-at-us-pemex-refinery-under-investigation/4020351.article
7. https://www.zehllaw.com/odessa-texas-oilfield-worker-receives-55-million-settlement-for-burn-injuries/
8. https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/fatal-occupational-injuries-private-sector-mining.htm
9. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf
10. https://www.injuryrelief.com/article/valuing-cases/average-settlement-oilfield-injuries/
11. https://hildasibrian.com/en/blog/how-much-are-these-oilfield-injury-cases-worth/