Published by Free Confidential Oil Rig Accident Review
Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an oil rig accident in Texas? If so, you should contact our oil rig accident lawyers immediately for a free consultation. You may be entitled to maximum compensation for your serious injuries and our law firm can help.
The legal team of trial lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, represents accident victims and is one of the only firms with knowledge of maritime law willing to pursue oil rig accident cases throughout the entire United States.
If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries or death following an oil rig accident in Texas, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to negligence in the Texas 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 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Updates
- CDC Reports and Texas Oil Rig Statistics
- The Most Common Causes of Texas Offshore Rig Accidents
- Texas Oil Rig Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuits
- How We Help Texas Oil and Gas Workers Pursue Compensation After a Drilling Rig Accident
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Texas Legal Claims
- References
Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Overview
Texas leads the nation in oil industry-related deaths, with 219 fatalities reported from 2014 to 2019, according to a CDC study. The Permian Basin in West Texas, which produces 40% of the nation’s oil, accounted for 30% of these deaths. In 2023, there were 203 injuries and no fatalities in Texas offshore incidents, but the Texas oil industry still reported 966 recordable incidents, 263 lost-time incidents, and 10 fatalities overall.
Related Article: Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Update
Latest Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit Updates
August 2024 – Texas-based oil company involved in Duchesne County oil rig explosion that critically injured one worker [1].
July 2024 – Texas oil field service company implicated in Grady County oilfield explosion that injured 4 workers [2].
April 2024 – $37.5 million settlement for a fatal truck accident in the Permian Basin region of Texas.
April 2024 – $72 million settlement for a fatal construction accident at a Texas oil refinery.
CDC Reports and Texas Oil Rig Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the oil and gas extraction industry has a fatality rate seven times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers [3]. Their research specifically identified that Texas leads the nation with 219 oil and gas industry-related deaths from 2014 to 2019.
CDC surveillance data reveals that:
- Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of fatalities (38%)
- Contact injuries from equipment account for 26% of deaths
- Explosions and fires represent 13% of worker fatalities
- Young workers (ages 20-29) face disproportionately higher risks
The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established specific recommended practices for Texas oil field operators to address these hazards.
The Most Common Causes of Texas Offshore Rig Accidents
Like many preventable accidents involving the industry, Texas oil rig explosions often result from defective equipment, unsafe drilling procedures, improper maintenance, and a failure to follow standard safety practices:
1. Fires
Even the smallest spark from a welding tool or other sources can ignite flammable liquids if allowed to come into contact with any volatile gases or liquids on Texas oil rigs.
Explosions may erupt as the flames spread to storage tanks, pipelines, and other infrastructure holding or carrying hazardous substances.
Fire Prevention Regulations in Texas:
- NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
- OSHA 1910.106: Flammable Liquids
OSHA Violation Statistics in Texas:
- In 2023, Texas oil and gas companies were cited over 95 times for electrical or hazardous energy violations.
Recent Texas Fire Incidents:
- July 2024: Grady County oilfield explosion injured 4 workers.
- August 2024: Duchesne County oil rig explosion critically injured one worker.
Related Article: Haynesville Shale Drilling Accident
2. Well Blowouts
A blowout occurs when a well’s pressure control system fails, resulting in an uncontrolled release of oil, gas, and debris from the well. Any accidental spark that comes in contact with escaping gas can trigger an explosion during a blowout, resulting in Texas workers tragically killed.
3. Inadequate Training
An inadequately trained worker is a danger to everyone on a Texas oil rig. But while Texas oil operators should ensure that all employees meet the specific training requirements for operating heavy equipment, a shortage of experienced workers, combined with the rush to produce, often leads companies to bring on new hires before they’ve received the training needed to safely perform their jobs.
Texas Oil Rig Injuries & Side Effects
Everything about the Texas oil and gas industry makes it one of the most dangerous job sectors in the state, from the initial exploration to the end refining of petroleum. Modern seismic exploration by Texas oil companies often includes low-flying helicopters and using explosives from offshore oil rigs. Here are the most common injuries reported in Texas:
- Explosions and Fires: Similar to the Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010 that resulted in 11 fatalities, Texas has seen numerous rig fires. From 2015 to 2020, there were 17 fires on Texas offshore drilling rigs.
- Equipment Failures: In Houston (2017), a well blowout caused by equipment failure at a Texas drilling site resulted in a $9 million jury award for an injured worker.
- Transportation Accidents: Texas oil field roads are notoriously dangerous, with numerous fatalities occurring during worker transport to and from remote sites.
- Chemical Exposure: Chemicals used in Texas drilling operations can cause rashes, burns, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues, accounting for a significant portion of Texas oil rig injuries.
- Structural Failures: Structural collapses of Texas drilling equipment have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities across the state’s extensive oil fields.
Do You Qualify for a Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Texas oil rig accident lawsuit if:
- You were injured while working on an oil rig in Texas
- You experienced serious injuries requiring medical treatment or hospitalization
- The incident occurred due to negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Texas oil rig accident
Evidence Required for a Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
- Incident reports filed with your employer
- Witness statements from colleagues who observed the accident
- Photographs or video of the accident scene or injuries if available
Damages You Can Recover
1. Medical Expenses (Current and Future)
Compensation can cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and specialist consultations. This may also include estimated costs for future treatments and rehabilitation for chronic conditions resulting from the accident.
2. Lost Wages and Benefits
You may recover past and future lost income, including diminished earning capacity or complete loss of earning capacity due to disability caused by the oilfield accident.
3. Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages can include compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
4. Disability Compensation
If the injury leads to permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for physical impairments and disfigurements. This can be especially significant for Texas oil rig workers who earn high wages.
5. Family Support
In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for loss of financial support. The surviving spouse can receive half of the deceased’s wages while surviving children can receive up to 16 2/3 percent under certain maritime laws.
Statute of Limitations for Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawsuits
The state of Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including oil rig accidents. For offshore accidents, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act covers many Texas offshore oil rig injuries, also with a two-year statute of limitations. It’s crucial to consult with a Texas oil rig accident attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
How We Help Texas Oil and Gas Workers Pursue Compensation After a Drilling Rig Accident
The Texas oil rig accident lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, know how hard Texas maritime workers work every day. We believe that Texas oil rig workers injured should have adequate financial compensation for medical treatment. When you come to us for help with your Texas oil rig explosion case, a personal injury lawyer will:
Walk Texas Oilfield Accident Victims Through the Legal Process
The process of filing for compensation a Texas offshore worker faces after an oil rig accident against petrochemical companies can be quite complicated, as there is a considerable amount of commitment involved.
The safety regulations that govern offshore injuries and for those tragically killed in Texas (i.e. Harbor Workers Compensation Act) were written more than 50 years ago, and the agencies that process a wrongful death claim tend to move quite slowly.
When you hire a Texas personal injury lawyer with a proven track record, one of the first things we will do is sit down and walk you through this complex legal process.
When the Texas accident lawyer is finished, you should have a much clearer understanding of how your case is likely to play out when seeking compensation.
As you work through your Texas offshore platform accident case, you will almost certainly need to make some difficult decisions regarding medical expenses.
If you can consistently make the right moves with the help of a skilled Texas accident lawyer, you may be able to boost your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your personal injury case.
Having practiced Texas maritime law for many years, the attorneys at Schmidt & Clark have dealt with all the tricky choices you will likely encounter during your case.
Whenever you aren’t sure what to do, a Texas personal injury lawyer will be by your side to provide astute legal advice to those severely injured.
Handle All Paperwork
When an injured worker attempts to claim compensation after an accident on a Texas oil rig, it can require a lot of paperwork. From filing the initial claim to requesting medical records from your physician, the administrative work associated with such a case can sometimes seem never-ending.
Our team of experienced Texas attorneys and paralegals have been processing crude oil rig accident and land-based oil well claims for years.
As such, we have the bandwidth to handle the paperwork for just about any Texas case, no matter how complex it may be. When you work for us, we will handle the entire administrative load of your case.
Would you like a Texas accident lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve for your personal injury? Then why not pick up the phone and call us to set up a free consultation with our law offices? Our team would love to meet with you to discuss your Texas case in greater detail.
Related Articles:
- Texas Land Rig Explosion Attorneys
- Oil Rig Blowouts (Everything to Know)
- Complete List of Oil Refineries in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I or a loved one is injured in a Texas oil rig accident?
Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to your employer, document the scene and injuries, and consult with a Texas attorney specializing in oil rig accidents to discuss your legal options under Texas law.
Can I sue my employer if I am injured in a Texas oil rig accident?
Yes, you can sue your employer if negligence or unsafe working conditions contributed to the accident in Texas. Texas workers’ compensation may also be available, but a lawsuit can provide additional compensation for damages.
What compensation can I receive from a Texas oil rig accident lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other related damages under Texas law. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
How do Texas oil rig accidents commonly occur?
Everything about the Texas oil and gas industry makes it one of the most dangerous jobs. Common causes include fires, well blowouts, inadequate training, equipment failures, and structural failures of the rig itself, particularly in the harsh conditions of Texas oil fields.
What maritime laws apply to offshore Texas oil rig accidents?
Several maritime laws apply to offshore Texas oil rig accidents: The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue employers for negligence, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits for certain maritime workers, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act covers many offshore Texas oil rig injuries.
What is the difference between employee rights and independent contractor rights in Texas oil rig accidents?
Texas employees may be covered under maritime laws like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Independent contractors in Texas may have more limited options and need to pursue third-party claims under Texas law.
How can a Texas attorney help with my oil rig accident case?
A Texas attorney specialized in oil rig accidents can walk you through the complex Texas legal process, provide sound advice regarding work-related injuries under Texas law, handle all paperwork, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Texas Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Texas oil rig accidents. In Texas, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of injury, so it’s crucial to act quickly.
The Texas oil rig accident attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP are dedicated to protecting the rights of severely injured Texas oilfield workers, and our experienced personal injury lawyers are willing to handle Texas oil rig explosion litigation throughout the entire state.
Our Texas-based firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations with Texas oil rig accident specialists
- No upfront costs or fees for Texas accident victims
- Payment only if we win your Texas oil rig accident case