Horton Legal West Texas is a San Angelo firm focused on protecting the rights of injured oilfield workers. With over 17 years as a west texas oilfield accident lawyer, I understand the unique challenges faced by workers in our region and across the Permian Basin, including in Midland, Odessa, and Pecos. We are committed to providing accessible and effective legal representation.
Born and raised in West Texas, Alex brings true Texas values and a deep understanding of the law to every case. He graduated at the top of his class from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he honed his skills on Law Review and the nationally ranked Moot Court Team. Before becoming an attorney, Alex worked in the Texas Legislature, shaping the very laws he now uses to protect his clients.
The son of an Army veteran, Alex understands the importance of hard work and dedication. He is a devoted husband and father of three young children, and can often be found on the weekends hunting, fishing, or coaching t-ball with his kids.
Alex serves as a West Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyer, ensuring those injured on the job receive the representation they deserve.
Born and raised in Houston, Sarah Horton brings courtroom confidence and a heart for service to every case she handles. A former Harris County Assistant District Attorney, Sarah has tried 24 cases to verdict and built a reputation as a fierce and capable advocate. She later transitioned to criminal defense, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the legal system and a deep understanding of how to navigate complex investigations – especially important with serious injury cases.
Sarah is also an elected City Councilmember in Nassau Bay, Texas. She teaches pre-law part time at the High School at Lutheran South Academy. And of course, she raises three young kids with Alex.
Alex is there to help injured oilfield workers get their lives back on track. He’ll fight to get them the justice and compensation they deserve.
The oilfield is a place of hard work, ambition, and opportunity, but it’s also undeniably dangerous. Workers face hazards every day, from heavy machinery and flammable materials to confined spaces and unpredictable weather conditions. The constant pressure to meet deadlines and maintain production quotas can sometimes lead to shortcuts and safety violations, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate in the oil and gas industry is significantly higher than the national average for all industries. This stark reality underscores the critical need for safety and vigilance on every oilfield site.
When accidents happen – and they do – the consequences can be devastating, leaving workers with serious injuries, lost wages, and long-term medical needs. Families often face overwhelming grief and financial uncertainty.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a West Texas oilfield accident, you need an experienced oilfield injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Horton Legal West Texas, we are dedicated to helping injured oilfield workers and their families navigate the complex legal system and obtain the justice they deserve.
Your immediate safety and well-being are paramount. After an oilfield accident, take these steps:
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
Report the accident to your supervisor, following your company’s reporting procedures.
Document everything you can remember about the accident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, if possible and safe to do so.
Avoid giving recorded statements to the insurance company or your employer without first consulting with an attorney.
Contact an experienced Texas oilfield injury lawyer like Alex Horton at Horton Legal West Texas as soon as possible. He can advise you on your rights and help you take the necessary steps to protect your claim.
Oilfield accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries, including:
Burns: Caused by explosions, fires, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Fractures: Resulting from falls, equipment malfunctions, and vehicle accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis and long-term disability.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Often caused by falls, explosions, and blunt force trauma.
Amputations: Resulting from machinery accidents and explosions.
Crush Injuries: Caused by heavy equipment or collapsing structures.
Respiratory Illnesses: Due to exposure to toxic gases and dust.
Hearing Loss: From loud machinery and explosions.
These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care needs, and a diminished quality of life. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, many oilfield accident victims also experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So it is important to find a west texas oilfield accident lawyer to navigate this complex topic.
Determining liability in an oilfield accident case requires a thorough investigation. Potentially liable parties may include:
Your Employer: For negligence in maintaining a safe work environment or failing to provide adequate training.
Contractors and Subcontractors: For their own negligent actions that contributed to the accident.
Equipment Manufacturers: For defective equipment that caused or contributed to the accident.
Property Owners: For failing to maintain safe premises.
Other Negligent Parties: Such as drivers of vehicles involved in accidents.
It’s never obvious who is at fault, however, if there is any chance you were injured from someones negligence, then you need an oilfield accident lawyer to help figure it out. At Horton Legal West Texas, we have the resources and experience to conduct a comprehensive investigation and identify all responsible parties.
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: Past and future lost income due to your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have permanently limited your ability to earn a living.
Property Damage: Compensation for any damaged property.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
What you are entitled to is not always clear. If you are feeling lost or unsure about your entitlements, then it may be time to speak to an oilfield injury lawyer like Alex. The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the specific facts of your case. We can help you assess the full value of your claim.
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of fault. In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for on-the-job injuries, meaning that you cannot sue your employer for negligence.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In Texas, if your employer was grossly negligent in causing your injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them to recover damages beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, you may be able to file a “third-party claim” against other negligent parties who were not your employer, such as contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
Navigating all of these options and possibilities in what can be a very stressful time is where an oilfield injury lawyer comes into play. Alex can quickly determine these exceptions.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you were injured, or you will lose your right to recover compensation. However, the statute of limitations can be different for Jones Act claims and other types of maritime claims.
Waiting to take action is risky. Because of this, it is important to contact an oilfield injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations can prevent you from getting the just compensation that you deserve.
Texas follows the rule of proportionate responsibility. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%.
So even if it was partially your mistake, it’s never over. You could still be liable for financial compensation. Speak to a trusted oilfield injury lawyer like Alex to discuss your options!
Oilfield accident cases can be complex and challenging. Insurance companies and large corporations will often try to minimize or deny your claim. Having years of expertise in your corner makes all the difference! Getting an oilfield injury professional like Alex at Horton Legal West Texas can provide you with numerous benefits, including:
In-Depth Knowledge of Oilfield Laws and Regulations: We have a deep understanding of the complex laws and regulations governing the oil and gas industry.
Thorough Investigation Skills: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of your accident and identify all liable parties.
Aggressive Negotiation Skills: We will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf.
Trial Experience: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Access to Expert Witnesses: We have relationships with leading experts in various fields, such as engineering, safety, and medicine, who can provide valuable testimony in your case.
Protection of Your Legal Rights: We will ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process.