HOUSTON OIL & GAS WORKER INJURIES
PRACTICE AREAS
Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyer
Due to the harsh environment and nature of the work of an oilfield or oil rig employee, careers in this field pose the risk of serious danger. Because of this, injuries in this line of work are not uncommon. Accidents that occur in the oil and gas industry can result in catastrophic, often devastating injuries. There are a number of parties that may hold varying degrees of fault for accidents that occur on the site.
A Houston oilfield injury lawyer can help to determine which parties are at fault for your injury and who ought to be held accountable. In addition, they will work to recover the maximum amount of compensation for you to ensure that you have the financial means to properly recover.
Dennis C. Reich and Robert J. Binstock, founding attorneys of Reich & Binstock LLP, are board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Each attorney on our team is trial-tested and familiar with oil and gas worker injuries. We work to maximize your deserved compensation and represent your best interests in every step of the legal process.
What To Do If You Are Injured in an Oil Field Accident in Houston?
If you receive injuries from an oilfield accident, the first thing you need to do is notify your employer about the incident. If possible, complete an incident report so that you have a written record of the accident. Failing to report the accident can result in the loss of your job and could significantly affect your ability to recover damages for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
You should do is seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require transport via ambulance or helicopter to get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Your employer is required by law to make sure you receive proper and immediate medical care for an injury that occurs on the job site.
Even if your injuries are not severe enough that you need immediate medical attention, you should still seek medical care soon after the accident. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure your injuries are properly assessed and diagnosed. Not only is it imperative for your own health and wellbeing, but having these medical records on hand is important to the success of your case, as well.
Consult With an Experienced Oilfield Accident Lawyer
The next thing you should do following an oilfield injury is to contact an experienced oilfield accident lawyer. Do not speak to a claims adjuster until you have spoken with your attorney. Any statements you make may be used against you later.
Your employer’s insurance company’s main goal is to take as little responsibility as possible and therefore, pay you as little as possible. Your oil field injury attorney’s main goal will be the opposite: to make sure the right parties are held accountable and that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available.
Who is Responsible for Oilfield Accidents in Texas?
Your Employer
In most cases, the oilfield company (your employer) is liable for any accidents that occur on the premises.
It is the company’s responsibility to comply with all safety regulations, provide their workers with secure equipment and safety training, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
Failure to meet these standards can result in serious injuries and the employer’s liability.
However, there are also additional parties that might hold responsibility for injuries occurring on an oilfield, as some injuries might be a result of equipment issues.
Equipment Manufacturer
Malfunctioning machinery and equipment can contribute to a variety of injuries such as burns, breaks and fractures, and crush injuries. If an employee received injuries due to faulty equipment, the company that manufactured that equipment may be held liable for the design and production of defective machinery.
Third-Party Providers
In addition, those responsible for inspecting and repairing equipment could also hold some liability.
There are some cases where an additional third party may be liable. For example, in an accident involving transportation, another driver might be responsible for the injuries sustained to an oilfield worker.
How Do I Know If I Should Hire an Oil Field Injury Lawyer?
It is critical that you speak with an experienced Houston oil field injury attorney as soon as possible following your oilfield injury. Your employer and its workers’ compensation insurance provider may tell you one side of the story, but the full truth about your medical, legal, and financial options is entirely different.
Workers’ compensation is generally limited when it comes to paying the full amount that is needed to cover an injured worker’s bills. If you were injured while on the job, you deserve the compensation you’re entitled to. An oilfield injury attorney can help ensure that.
At Reich & Binstock in Houston, we represent injured workers and families that have lost loved ones in fatal oilfield accidents. We can help you overcome economic hardships and secure compensation for past, present, and future damages, including wrongful death benefits.
Do I Need an Attorney With Specific Experience Handling Oil Field Injury Cases?
You should always seek an attorney that has specific experience in handling cases similar to your own. So if you have an oilfield injury case, you’ll want a lawyer that is qualified and specializes in that area.
The oil and gas industry is a highly specialized field and there may be several liable parties involved. Oilfield companies will conduct their own investigation into your accident, but they do not work in your best interest. Therefore, you cannot rely on their accuracy.
The company’s mission is to save themselves as much money as possible. An evaluation by an independent third-party like an oilfield injury lawyer is crucial in determining the true cause of your injuries and obtaining the proper amount of compensation for them.
How Long Do I Have to Contact an Oil Field Injury Attorney in Texas?
You should always contact a qualified oilfield injury attorney as soon as possible following the accident. The sooner you reach out, the better. This is because your attorney will be able to gather evidence while it is still fresh and get started in establishing your claim.
In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This means you will have two years from the date of the accident’s occurrence to file. Once this time has expired, you will no longer be able to pursue your claim or seek compensation for your injuries.
Is Fracking Dangerous?
The oil and gas industry in Texas will continue to prosper and employ a large workforce across the state for years to come. However, much of the workforce faces very dangerous working conditions each day, and serious injuries are a constant risk. Oilfield work, specifically fracking, is one of the most dangerous work environments in the nation.
There are several ways that oilfield workers can receive injuries while on the job. For one, workers are constantly exposed to toxic chemicals and gases such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Repeated exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious illness and even death. Working with these chemicals can also bring permanent injury or fatalities due to oil rig and pipeline spills, fires, and explosions.
In addition, oil rigs are notorious for their risk of slip and fall accidents. Falls on oil rigs can cause severely broken bones, internal bleeding, head injury, or death.
Workers may also receive injuries due to vehicle accidents while on the job. Work-related truck accidents and other vehicle accidents in this industry are just as consequential as they are anywhere else, if not more so.
Improperly maintained or defective equipment can also cause devastating injuries. It is important that all workers in this field are properly trained and equipment receives regular maintenance and upkeep. A lack of proper training, planning, safety equipment, and safety infrastructure can lead to very preventable injuries.
Even though many companies operating in the oil and gas industry are making money hand over fist, employers still cut corners and a number of service providers and contractors do not use proper safety precautions while on the job.
While fracking is dangerous, injuries are still preventable.
It’s for this reason that the experienced personal injury attorneys at Reich and Binstock are passionate about protecting oil field workers who have been injured due to negligence.
Contact an Oil Rig Accident Lawyer in Houston at Reich & Binstock Today
At Reich & Binstock, our Houston oilfield injury attorneys are experienced in handling oilfield injury cases. We know what it takes to prove liability and obtain our clients the money they deserve. Our Houston attorneys handle all upfront costs of litigation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive a recovery on your claim. Please call us at 713-622-7271 or 800-622-7271 toll free or complete our confidential online form for a free case evaluation.
There is a never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
