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Table Of Contents
- Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates
- OSHA Reports and Statistics
- Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
- Oil and Gas Production in Tennessee
- Tennessee Energy Profile Facts
- Statute of Limitations for Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What are common causes of oil field accidents in Tennessee?
- 2. Who is eligible to file an oil field accident lawsuit in Tennessee?
- 3. What types of compensation can I receive from an oil field accident lawsuit?
- 4. How can I prove negligence in an oil field accident?
- 5. How long does a Tennessee oil field accident lawsuit typically take?
- 6. Will I need to go to court for my oil field accident claim?
- 7. How much does it cost to hire an oil field accident attorney in Tennessee?
- 8. Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for my oil field accident?
- 9. What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
- 10. Can family members file a lawsuit if their loved one died in an oil field accident?
- Get A Free Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- Reference:
Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
Oil field accident lawsuits involving Tennessee residents typically stem from injuries due to negligence or unsafe conditions at oil and gas production sites, often outside the state.
These legal claims primarily allege inadequate safety measures, equipment failures, and violations of industry safety standards.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee reported 132 fatal work injuries in 2021, though few, if any, were directly tied to oil and gas extraction due to the state’s minimal production.
Nationally, industrial accidents in oil fields commonly involve transportation incidents, equipment contact, and safety violations, which may resemble some Tennessee fatalities.
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Latest Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Updates
- May 31, 2024 – In a recent decision, the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of an oil field injury case, allowing injured worker Burke to continue pursuing claims of negligence and unsafe conditions against Greene’s Energy Group [1].
Related Article: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit
OSHA Reports and Statistics
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and related sources reported:
- Approximately 650–700 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job nationwide between 2015 and 2021, based on estimated trends from BLS data.
- The fatality rate in the oil and gas extraction industry was historically reported as seven times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers (2003–2013), though recent 2023 data suggests it is approximately four times higher.
- Tennessee’s industrial accident rate did not increase by 12% between 2020 and 2023; BLS data shows a slight decline from 2.5 to 2.3 incidents per 100 workers, with 2024 data incomplete as of April 10, 2025.
- Equipment failure contributes to approximately 20–30% of serious oil field incidents nationwide, based on BLS fatality data, though exact percentages for severe incidents vary and lack precise OSHA confirmation
Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
Oil field workers in Tennessee face numerous hazards that can lead to serious injuries or death.
- Burns and Explosions: Severe thermal injuries from well fires, explosions, and contact with hot equipment
- Crush Injuries: Trauma from heavy machinery, falling equipment, or collapsed structures
- Chemical Exposure: Respiratory damage, skin conditions, and long-term health issues from toxic substances
- Falls: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures from elevated positions
- Transportation Accidents: Injuries sustained during transport to and from remote drilling sites
Do You Qualify for a Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Tennessee oil field accident lawsuit if:
- You were injured while working at an oil field, pipeline, or related facility in Tennessee
- Your accident occurred within the last two years (Tennessee’s statute of limitations)
- You suffered serious injuries requiring medical treatment
- The accident resulted from negligence, equipment failure, or safety violations
- You can provide documentation of your employment and accident
Evidence Required for a Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Employment records confirming your position and work location
- Incident reports filed with your employer or OSHA
- Witness statements from coworkers or others present during the accident
- Photographs or video of the accident scene, if available
- Documentation of safety violations or equipment failures
Damages You Can Recover
A successful Tennessee oil field accident lawsuit may provide compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- In fatal cases, surviving family members may recover wrongful death damages
Oil and Gas Production in Tennessee
There was no significant oil production in Tennessee until a 1911 strike of crude near Oneida at about 950 feet in fissures in the Newman limestone.
Several wells have been drilled in the area since then, some of which were dry while others produced oil. The largest one yielded 340 barrels daily for several months, then it suddenly went dry. Several first wells began at 6 or 8 barrels per day and are still maintaining that output.
In 2014, Tennessee ranked 27th in the U.S. for crude oil production. The state ranked 26th for its natural gas production the same year.
Tennessee Energy Profile Facts
- The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is America’s largest public power corporation by generating capacity. It owns nearly all of Tennessee’s electric generating capacity and 10 of the largest power plants in the state.
- TVA’s Watts Bar 2 generating plant is the country’s first nuclear power reactor to begin operating since 2000. Tennessee’s 2 nuclear power plants provided the state with 43% of its electricity in 2021.
- Tennessee’s 1 petroleum refinery can process approximately 180,000 barrels of crude per day, which is about 1% of America’s total refining capacity.
- Tennessee consumes approximately six times as much energy as it produces and ranks in the top third of states in total energy consumption.
- Tennessee is the 6th-largest hydroelectric power producer in the U.S., and hydroelectric power contributed approximately 10% of the state’s generation in 2021.
Statute of Limitations for Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
In Tennessee, personal injury lawsuits, including those related to oil field accidents, must be filed within one year from the date of the injury.
This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country, making it crucial to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident occurs.
For wrongful death claims, the one-year period typically begins on the date of death, which may differ from the date of the accident.
Some exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, such as when injuries are not immediately apparent or when the injured person is a minor.
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FAQs
1. What are common causes of oil field accidents in Tennessee?
Common causes include equipment failure, human error, inadequate safety measures, and exposure to hazardous materials. Transportation incidents, which account for 41% of Tennessee’s workplace fatalities, are particularly prevalent in the oil and gas industry due to remote locations.
2. Who is eligible to file an oil field accident lawsuit in Tennessee?
Workers injured in oil field accidents and their families may be eligible. This includes direct employees, contractors, subcontractors, and in some cases, visitors to oil field sites who were injured due to negligence.
3. What types of compensation can I receive from an oil field accident lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Recent settlements in Tennessee have ranged from $750,000 to over $2 million depending on injury severity and circumstances.
4. How can I prove negligence in an oil field accident?
Proof may include accident reports, witness statements, safety records, and expert testimony demonstrating that negligence or safety violations contributed to the accident. OSHA violation documentation can be particularly valuable evidence.
5. How long does a Tennessee oil field accident lawsuit typically take?
The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, but most cases resolve within 1-3 years. Simple cases may settle in months, while complex litigation involving multiple parties can take longer.
6. Will I need to go to court for my oil field accident claim?
Many cases settle before trial, but preparing as if your case will go to court is important. Your attorney will guide you through each step of the process and represent your interests in settlement negotiations or at trial.
7. How much does it cost to hire an oil field accident attorney in Tennessee?
Most oil field accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if you win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, often between 33-40%.
8. Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for my oil field accident?
Yes. Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing recovery as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
9. What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
If your employer illegally operates without required workers’ compensation coverage, you may be able to sue them directly for your injuries and potentially recover additional damages not typically available in workers’ compensation claims.
10. Can family members file a lawsuit if their loved one died in an oil field accident?
Yes. Surviving spouses, children, and in some cases parents or the estate’s representative may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
Get A Free Tennessee Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Tennessee oil field injuries. With only one year from the date of injury to file a claim under Tennessee law, immediate action is crucial to protect your rights.
Our experienced oil field accident attorneys offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or attorney fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Nationwide representation with specific expertise in Tennessee oil field cases
Don’t let valuable evidence disappear or deadlines pass. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today to discuss your legal options and begin your path to recovery.
Reference:
- https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/court-of-appeals/2024/e2023-00272-coa-r3-cv.html