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 Wyoming and throughout the entire United States.
Table Of Contents
- Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Wyoming Oil Field Accident Updates
- Wyoming Oil Field Industry Statistics
- Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. How can an oil field accident lawyer help me?
- 2. Are oil field accident cases handled on a contingency fee basis?
- 3. How long do I have to file a claim for an oil field accident in Wyoming?
- 4. Can I sue my employer for an oil field accident?
- 5. What types of compensation can I receive for an oil field injury?
- 6. How dangerous is working in Wyoming’s oil fields?
- 7. What should I do immediately after an oil field accident?
- Get a Free Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- References
If you or a loved one experienced severe injuries or death following an oil field accident in Wyoming, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, 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 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Overview
Wyoming ranks as the deadliest state in the U.S. for workers according to OSHA, with a significant number of accidents occurring in the oil and gas industry. Oil field accidents in Wyoming often involve equipment failures, explosions, falls, and crushing incidents.
The state’s oil and gas industry employs thousands of workers, with many exposed to hazardous working conditions daily. Recent years have seen multiple fatalities and serious injuries in Wyoming’s oil fields, prompting increased scrutiny of workplace safety practices.
Latest Wyoming Oil Field Accident Updates
- 2021 – Wyoming improved its year-over-year per-capita fatality rate, seeing 22.9% fewer on-the-job fatalities, according to OSHA. However, even with the improvement, Wyoming ranked worst in the nation with the highest workplace fatality rate [1].
- 2020 – Wyoming ranked worst in the nation for workplace fatalities, with 13 workplace fatalities per 100,000 workers, compared to second-worst Alaska with 10.7 [2]. “If you want to know why we don’t have an adequate workforce in Wyoming, look at our [per-capita on-the-job] death rate,” said Wyoming AFL-CIO Executive Director Tammy Johnson. “If you want to know why we don’t have a workforce in Wyoming, look at the policies we have to protect workers. We don’t have any.”
- January 2015 – A 25-year-old oil worker, Joshua Adam, died on a rig in Johnson County, Wyoming. The victim was killed at an Anschutz Corporation well site while working for Texas-based contractor Basic Energy Services. The accident occurred during a well servicing operation, with Adam’s death being caused by “an unexpected vertical movement of an oil derrick” [3].
- September 2014 – A 35-year-old worker, Jared Loftiss, died following an explosion at a natural gas storage tank in Western Wyoming. Loftiss was working for Hughes Enterprises, a Marbleton-based oilfield services company. An investigation determined that the accident was caused by a flash fire resulting from static buildup. Three additional workers were injured in this incident [4].
Related Article: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit
Wyoming Oil Field Industry Statistics
Wyoming is the 2nd-biggest net energy supplier in the U.S., producing 13 times more energy than it consumes. The state ranks 8th in the U.S. in terms of production of both crude oil and natural gas. There are currently about 10,600 wells that produce oil and another 14,500 that produce natural gas in Wyoming.
According to the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), the state’s petroleum industry employed more than 7,000 people in 2017, with an annual payroll of over $668 million. Additionally, the industry contributed to taxes, royalty payments, and lease revenues of nearly $1 billion for the same year [5].
Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update
Oil Field Injuries & Side Effects
Wyoming oil field workers face numerous hazards that can result in serious injuries or death:
- Explosions and Fires: As evidenced by the 2014 natural gas storage tank explosion that killed one worker and injured three others.
- Equipment Malfunctions: Such as the “unexpected vertical movement of an oil derrick” that caused a fatality in 2015.
- Falls: Workers in Wyoming have died falling from heights such as roofs and platforms.
- Crushing Injuries: Workers have been killed by heavy machinery and equipment.
- Roadway Accidents: Transportation incidents represent a significant cause of oil field worker fatalities.
Do You Qualify for a Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Wyoming oil field accident lawsuit if:
- You were injured while working at an oil or gas field in Wyoming.
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
- The accident was caused by negligence, equipment failure, or unsafe working conditions.
- You can provide documentation of your injuries and their connection to the oil field accident.
Evidence Required for a Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit
To successfully pursue a claim, you will need:
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Employment records showing your work at the oil field
- Accident reports filed with your employer or OSHA
- Witness statements from coworkers or others present at the accident
- Photos or videos of the accident scene or hazardous conditions (if available)
Related Article: Oil Rig Injury Accident Attorney
Damages You Can Recover
In a Wyoming oil field accident lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages from time missed at work.
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous position.
- Pain and suffering.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- In cases of fatal accidents, family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
Statute of Limitations for Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wyoming is generally four years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can an oil field accident lawyer help me?
An oil field accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
2. Are oil field accident cases handled on a contingency fee basis?
Most oil field accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
3. How long do I have to file a claim for an oil field accident in Wyoming?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wyoming is generally four years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
4. Can I sue my employer for an oil field accident?
In many cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. However, you may be able to sue if third-party negligence contributed to your injury.
5. What types of compensation can I receive for an oil field injury?
You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
6. How dangerous is working in Wyoming’s oil fields?
Wyoming has consistently ranked as the deadliest state for workers, with the oil and gas industry being particularly hazardous. In 2020, Wyoming had 13 workplace fatalities per 100,000 workers.
7. What should I do immediately after an oil field accident?
Seek medical attention right away, report the accident to your supervisor, document the scene if possible, collect witness information, and contact an experienced oil field accident attorney.
Related Articles:
- Wisconsin Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyer
- West Virginia Oil Field Accident and Injury Attorney
- Washington Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawsuit
See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.
Get a Free Wyoming Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for oil field accidents in Wyoming. With only four years from the date of injury to file a claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees
- Legal representation with payment only if we win your case
References
- https://dws.wyo.gov/wyoming-occupational-fatalities-decrease-to-27-in-2021/
- https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/natural-resources-energy/2015-01-14/oil-worker-dies-in-rig-accident
- https://wyofile.com/wyoming-is-the-deadliest-state-in-the-nation-for-workers-again/
- https://insideenergy.org/2014/09/24/worker-dies-at-wyoming-natural-gas-facility/
- https://wogcc.wyo.gov/wogcc-information/wogcc-news/facts-and-figures