Horton Legal West Texas | Oilfield Injury Lawyer
Oilfield and Oil Rig Accidents in West Texas: How to Get Maximum Compensation
April 10, 2025
If you’re seriously injured in an oilfield or rig accident, the difference between a small settlement and full compensation often comes down to the steps you take immediately after the accident, and the legal strategy you use.
Here’s how to maximize your oilfield injury compensation in West Texas
Understanding Oil Rig Accidents and Claims
Oil rig accidents are often characterized by:
Severe Injuries or Fatalities:Â Burns, crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, drowning.
Complex Legal Landscape: Involving maritime law, federal regulations (like the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act – OCSLA), and state laws.
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties:Â The oil company, drilling contractor, equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, and subcontractors.
High Stakes:Â Significant medical expenses, lost wages (often very high in the oil industry), pain and suffering, and potential long-term disability.
Oil Field accidents - Which Claim Do I Pick?
Possible claims you might pursue include:
Jones Act Claims:Â For seamen (defined as those who spend a significant portion of their time on a vessel in navigation) who are injured due to the negligence of their employer or a fellow employee.
Unseaworthiness Claims:Â If the vessel or rig was unsafe or improperly equipped.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Claims:Â If the accident occurred on the Outer Continental Shelf (beyond state waters), OCSLA can apply state law.
General Maritime Law Claims:Â For non-seamen or situations not covered by the Jones Act or OCSLA.
Workers’ Compensation Claims: If you are not considered a seaman under the Jones Act, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Product Liability Claims:Â If defective equipment contributed to the accident.
Wrongful Death Claims:Â If a loved one was killed in the accident.
1. Hire a Specialized West Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyer Immediately
Work with Horton Legal West Texas who are experienced in oilfield accidents, especially in Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin.
Look for attorneys like Alex Horton who handle non-subscriber and third-party lawsuits and aren’t afraid to take on major oil companies.
A skilled lawyer like Alex can uncover multiple liable parties, increasing the size of your potential claim.
2. Immediate Steps to Take After an Oil Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Document all medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Report the Accident (Officially):Â Make sure the accident is properly reported to your supervisor and the relevant authorities (e.g., Coast Guard, OSHA). Obtain a copy of the accident report.
Document Everything:Â Keep a detailed record of:
How the accident happened.
Your injuries and medical treatment.
Lost wages and expenses.
Names and contact information of witnesses.
Photographs or videos of the accident scene (if possible and safe to do so).
3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement or Sign Anything
Without consulting with an attorney, do not provide any recorded statements to the company or its insurance representatives. Do not sign any documents without legal review.
4. Consult with an Experienced Maritime Attorney Like Alex Horton
his is the most important step. A maritime attorney specializing in oil rig accidents will:
Advise you on your legal rights and options.
Investigate the accident thoroughly.
Identify all potentially liable parties.
Handle all communications with insurance companies.
Build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
5. Document Everything
Keep records of:
Medical visits, diagnoses, prescriptions
Pay stubs and work history to show lost wages
Photos of injuries and the accident site
Safety violations or lack of PPE
Witness contact info
Photos and written notes can be the difference between a weak claim and a six or seven figure payout.
6. Identify All Liable Parties
In many cases, more than one party is at fault: employer, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or a third party driver.
Alex Horton can pursue multiple claims, increasing your total recovery potential.
7. Pursue All Available Legal Avenues
Depending on your situation:
We will file a personal injury lawsuit against a non subscriber employer.
We will file a third party liability claim against contractors or vendors.
Seek compensation through wrongful death or survival actions if a loved one died.
đź’° More claims = more insurance policies = higher compensation ceiling.
8. Include Pain, Suffering, and Future Losses
A good lawyer will not only fight for your medical bills and lost wages, but also for:
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Lost earning capacity
Long-term disability
Disfigurement or loss of quality of life
9. Avoid Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim
Don’t delay medical care
Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media
Don’t talk to insurance adjusters alone
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Oil Rig Accident and Injury Resources & Information
U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
OSHA Oil and Gas Extraction Provides information on safety standards and regulations for the oil and gas industry. Useful for understanding potential OSHA violations that contributed to the accident.
OSHA Incident Reporting Information on requirements for reporting incidents and accidents in the workplace.
United States Coast Guard (USCG):
USCG Investigations Coast Guard investigates maritime accidents, including those on oil rigs. Reports from these investigations can be valuable evidence.
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE):
BSEEÂ This agency regulates safety and environmental compliance on offshore oil and gas operations. Their website provides information on regulations, safety alerts, and accident investigations.
Cornell Law School – Legal Information Institute (LII):
Jones Act Provides a legal definition and explanation of the Jones Act.
General Maritime Law Explains the principles of general maritime law.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Explanation of OCSLA
Strategies For Maximum Oil Compensation
1. Investigation
Alex will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties. This may involve:
- Reviewing accident reports, witness statements, and company safety records.
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
- Analyzing equipment maintenance logs and inspection records.
2. Testemony
Expert witnesses can be crucial in proving negligence and damages. Examples include:
Medical Experts:Â To establish the extent and permanency of your injuries.
Vocational Experts:Â To assess your ability to return to work and calculate lost future earnings.
Economic Experts:Â To calculate the total economic impact of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and lost future earnings.
Safety Experts:Â To testify about safety standards and practices in the oil industry and whether they were violated.
3. Neglegence
To win a Jones Act or general maritime law case, we must prove negligence on the part of your employer or another party. This might include:
Failure to provide a safe work environment.
Improper training or supervision.
Defective equipment.
Violation of safety regulations.
4. Damages
Alex will work to maximize your damages, which may include:
Medical Expenses:Â Past and future medical bills.
Lost Wages:Â Past and future lost earnings. This is often a significant component in oil rig accident cases due to the high wages in the industry.
Pain and Suffering:Â Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of Consortium:Â For the spouse of an injured worker, for loss of companionship and services.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded.
5. Settlement vs Trial
Most cases are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Alex will take your case to trial. Having a trial ready attorney like Alex increases your leverage in settlement negotiations.