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Oilfield and Oil Rig Accidents: How To Get Compensation!
April 10, 2025
Oilfield and Oil Rig Accidents: How To Get Compensation
Working in the oilfields of West Texas, particularly in regions like the Permian Basin, Midland, Odessa, Pecos, San Angelo, Big Spring, and Andrews, is among the most dangerous professions in the United States. The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the Texas economy, but it also carries a high risk of workplace injuries, catastrophic accidents, and even wrongful deaths.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield or oil rig accident, understanding your rights and how to pursue compensation is essential. This guide provides an in-depth look at how injured workers can navigate the complex legal landscape following an oilfield accident, with specific attention to West Texas and the Permian Basin region.
Common Types of Oilfield and Oil Rig Accidents
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- Oil rig explosions and fires
- Blowouts
- Falls from heights
- Equipment malfunctions
- Truck and vehicle collisions
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Caught-between or struck-by object accidents
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Oilfield Accident?
Determining liability is critical to obtaining compensation. Responsible parties may include:
Oil and gas companies
Third-party contractors
Equipment manufacturers
Site supervisors or foremen
In West Texas, many companies operate as non-subscribers, meaning they opt out of the Texas Workers’ Compensation program. This opens them up to direct lawsuits, making the role of a qualified non-subscriber claim oilfield lawyer in West Texas essential.
Legal Options After an Oilfield Accident
1. Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to benefits such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. However, benefits are limited and generally do not include compensation for pain and suffering.
2. Non-Subscriber Claims
Texas is unique in allowing employers to opt out of the state’s workers’ comp program. If your employer is a non-subscriber:
You can file a personal injury lawsuit.
You may be eligible for a wider range of damages.
Employers can’t use the usual defenses (like assumption of risk or contributory negligence).
A non-subscriber claim oilfield West Texas lawyer is critical in these cases.
3. Third-Party Liability Lawsuits
If another company or contractor was responsible, you can file a third-party claim. These lawsuits often seek higher compensation and may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
4. Wrongful Death Claims
Families of deceased workers may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral expenses, lost earning capacity, and loss of companionship. A wrongful death lawyer oilfield West Texas can help families pursue justice.
Steps to Take After an Oilfield Accident
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation.
Report the Incident to Your Supervisor
Ensure there is a formal, documented report.
Document Everything
Take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep records.
Consult a Local Oilfield Injury Lawyer
An experienced Permian Basin injury attorney or oil rig accident lawyer Midland TX can review your case.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters may pressure you into low settlements.
Local Expertise Matters
When dealing with oilfield accidents, local knowledge is a major asset. A lawyer familiar with West Texas jurisdictions and courts, such as a:
West Texas oilfield accident lawyer
Odessa TX oilfield injury lawyer
Pecos TX oilfield accident attorney
San Angelo oilfield injury lawyer
will have the insights needed to push for maximum compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
Depending on the nature of the claim, compensation may include:
Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
Punitive damages may also apply in cases of gross negligence, such as when safety protocols were ignored.
Key Texas Laws and Regulations
Texas Labor Code Chapter 406: Covers non-subscriber rules.
Statute of Limitations: In Texas, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the accident.
Comparative Fault Rule: Texas uses modified comparative negligence – if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.
Real-World Examples from West Texas
Midland County: A worker suffered third-degree burns after an oil rig explosion. The employer was a non-subscriber. The case settled for over $1.2 million.
Odessa: A truck collision involving an oilfield crew cab resulted in spinal injuries. The injured worker successfully sued a third-party contractor.
Pecos: A fall from a derrick led to a traumatic brain injury. A San Angelo oilfield injury lawyer secured compensation covering lifelong care.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
When looking for an attorney, ask:
Do they specialize in oilfield accidents?
Have they handled cases in the Permian Basin?
Are they familiar with non-subscriber laws?
Do they offer free consultations and contingency fees?
Hiring an attorney like a Permian Basin injury attorney or Oil rig accident lawyer Midland TX can make a significant difference in your outcome.
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