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 Oklahoma and throughout the entire United States.
Table Of Contents
- Oil in Oklahoma
- What Were the 5 Largest Oil Fields in Oklahoma?
- When was the Oil Bust in Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma Energy Profile Quick Facts
- Oklahoma Oil Rig Worker Killed on the Job
- Oil Field Worker Killed in Oklahoma Oil Rig Accident
- Oklahoma Work-Related Injuries / Illnesses 2020
- FAQs
- Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Oklahoma Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyers
Oil in Oklahoma
Oil was first discovered in Oklahoma by accident in 1859 near Salina, in a well that had originally been drilled for salt. In 1907, before Oklahoma became a state, it produced the most oil of any state or territory in America.
As of 2012, at least 72 out of the 77 counties in Oklahoma had producing oil or gas wells. The deepest natural gas well is 24,928 feet in Beckham County, and the deepest producing oil well is 15,500 feet in Comanche County.
What Were the 5 Largest Oil Fields in Oklahoma?
In the early part of the 20th century, 5 of Oklahoma’s largest discoveries were located in Earlsboro, Seminole City, Bowlegs, Searight, and Little River. Fifty pools were located in and around Seminole County, and between July 1926 and September 1929, these fields produced over 250 million barrels of crude oil.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
When was the Oil Bust in Oklahoma?
The oil bust of the 1980s was arguably the defining economic event in Oklahoma of the previous half-century. Oil production in the state has declined steadily ever since, to under 40% of 1986 levels, with natural gas faring better but now producing only 65% of 1990 levels.
Oklahoma Energy Profile Quick Facts
- In 2021, Oklahoma was America’s 5th-largest producer of natural gas and the 6th-largest producer of crude oil. Overall, Oklahoma consumed roughly 30% of the energy it produced.
- As of January 2021, Oklahoma had 5 operable petroleum refineries with a combined daily processing capacity of more than 500,000 barrels per day. This equals nearly 3% of the total U.S. crude oil refining capacity.
- In 2021, wind supplied 41% of Oklahoma’s total electricity net generation, surpassing natural gas for the first time. Wind accounted for more than 90% of Oklahoma’s renewable generation, and the state ranked 3rd in the U.S. in total electricity net generation from wind.
- West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark price in the domestic spot market for U.S. crude oil, is set at Cushing, Oklahoma, which is home to about 14% of America’s commercial crude oil storage capacity.
- In 2020, Oklahoma was the nation’s 4th-largest consumer of per capita natural gas. The electric power sector and the industrial sector together use over 80% of the natural gas delivered to consumers in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Oil Rig Worker Killed on the Job
An Oklahoma oil rig worker was killed in October 2022 on an oil rig in McClain County, according to KOCO News 5 [1.]. The victim, 27-year-old Shane Marshall from Waurika, died during an accident on the rig.
“They were rigging up a tank,” said James Goins, undersheriff McClain County. “The tank weighed approximately 10 thousand pounds. They had put a chain on it. The crane was lifting the tank to reset it. They hooked up to it and as the crane was moving, somehow the rigging came undone the tank fell and landed on the victim.”
Related Article: Oil Rig Injury Accident Attorney
Oil Field Worker Killed in Oklahoma Oil Rig Accident
An oilfield worker was killed in July 2022 in an accident at a northwestern Oklahoma oil rig, according to FOX23 News [2.]. The accident occurred about 130 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. Emergency personnel arrived to find the victim, Jerry Pollard of El Reno, Oklahoma, pulled into a cable winch drum. Pollard worked for Orco Service LLC at the rig owned by Stride Energy LLC.
Key findings of the 2020 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in the Oklahoma Private Sector included:
- The workplace injury/illness incidence rate per 100 full-time employees in the private industry was 2.7, roughly consistent with the national rate.
- Health Care and Social Assistance reported an incidence rate of 5.2, among the highest recorded for the 2020 survey year in Oklahoma.
- Approximately 80% of illnesses were respiratory.
- Workers in the 16-19 age group had an incidence rate of 261 per 10,000 full-time workers. The 35-44 age group had an incidence rate of 81 per 10,000 full-time workers.
- Among the leading causes of illness for women was exposure to harmful substances or environments, with 3,590 employer-reported cases.
- Overexertion or bodily reaction was among the leading categories for men, with 1,640 reported cases.
- Employers with 1,000 or more employees had an incidence rate of 4.7 per 100 full-time employees.
- The average number of days away from work per individual case resulting in days away from work was 10.
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- Pennsylvania Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney
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FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
See all the personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma and throughout the entire United States.
Again, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an oilfield accident in Oklahoma, 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.