Houston Oilfield Accidents/Oil Worker Lawyer
The oil industry in Houston is enormous, to say the least. The oil business is constantly booming in the city, and throughout the entire state of Texas. It takes many people to keep the industry running smoothly. From drilling and refining to shipping and the many regulations, there are hundreds of thousands of workers in the industry. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 161,300 workers in the oil industry as of September 2019.
Unfortunately, due to the high-risk nature of oilfields, oil workers are put at risk every day on the job. If you have been injured, a Houston oilfield accident lawyer can advise on your case and the type of compensation you can claim.
Common Injuries Sustained in Oilfield Accidents
Workers on oilfields are exposed to many dangers on the job, particularly when they are involved with fracking or drilling operations. When an accident occurs, oilfield workers sustain many different injuries. The most common of these include:
- Crushed body parts
- Broken and fractured bones
- Severe burns
- Chemical burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Lung damage from exposure to toxic fumes
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Bruises and contusions
- Loss of limb
- Spinal injuries, including paralysis
If you have sustained one of the above injuries, or any other, while working on an oilfield, you may have many options for claiming compensation.
Are Oil Workers Entitled to Compensation?
Most employers in Texas are required to carry workers’ compensation, and that includes employers on oilfields. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you can claim benefits for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income even if you contributed to the accident.
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, your employer or their insurance company may try many tactics to deny your claim. For example, employee misclassification is common on oilfields, which results in workers being denied benefits they are entitled to. Before filing your claim, you should speak to a Houston oilfield accident lawyer that can give you the best chance of success with your claim.
Third Party Accident Claims
In some instances, oilfield accidents are caused by negligent third parties. For example, an oilfield worker may become injured if they use a defective drill. In these instances, workers can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. Unlike workers’ compensation, personal injury claims are tort claims, which means you must prove another person was at fault for your injuries. A Houston oilfield accident lawyer will conduct an investigation to determine and prove fault, so you claim the maximum damages you deserve.
Third party personal injury claims are often more complex than filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, through this type of claim you can pursue damages for losses such as pain and suffering. These types of damages are not available through a workers’ compensation claim.
Our Experienced Oilfield Accident Lawyers in Houston Can Advise on Your Case
If you or someone you love has been hurt while working on an oilfield, our Houston oilfield accident lawyers at Livingston & Flowers, PLLC, can help. Our knowledgeable attorneys will advise on which type of claim you should file, and help you recover the fair settlement you need during your recovery. Call us today at 713-489-4400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
