Top Oilfield Injuries & Explosions FAQs
What should I do after being injured on an oilfield or drilling site?
Your first priority is medical care. Report the injury immediately, get emergency treatment, and make sure the incident is documented. If possible, take photos of the site and equipment and get witness names. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement before speaking with a Texas oilfield injury lawyer who can protect your rights.
Who can be held responsible for an oilfield injury?
Responsibility often extends beyond your direct employer. Liable parties may include:
- The oil and gas operator or leaseholder
- Subcontractors or rig operators
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance or service companies
- Safety consultants or wellsite supervisors a/k/a “company men”
An experienced oilfield accident attorney can identify every negligent party to maximize your recovery.
What are the most common causes of oilfield accidents?
- Explosions or fires caused by gas leaks or ignition sources
- Incorrectly operating well and/or valves
- Blowouts and pressure control failures
- Equipment malfunctions or defective parts
- Falling objects, cranes, and hoist failures
- Slips, trips, and falls on dangerous surfaces
- Inadequate training or safety procedures
These incidents are often preventable when companies follow proper industry-wide safety standards and OSHA and other state and federal regulations.
What kinds of injuries are common in oilfield accidents?
Oilfield and refinery workers face severe injuries such as:
- Burns and blast injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush or amputation injuries
- Broken bones and internal trauma
- Toxic chemical exposure
Many of these injuries are life-altering and require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Can I sue my employer for an oilfield injury?
Many Texas oilfield employers are non-subscribers to the state workers’ compensation system. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you can file a negligence lawsuit directly against them.
Even if your employer carries workers’ compensation, you may still have third-party claims against other contractors or manufacturers involved in the job.
It’s important to have a Texas oilfield attorney review your potential claim as fast as possible to identify who may be held responsible.
What compensation can I recover in an oilfield injury lawsuit?
You may be eligible for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Punitive damages for gross negligence or willful disregard for safety
Our team builds detailed life-care plans to show the true financial and emotional cost of the injury.
How long do I have to file an oilfield injury lawsuit in Texas?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. However, claims involving wrongful death, minors, or government entities may have different deadlines. Contact a Texas oilfield lawyer as soon as possible so critical evidence can be preserved.
What if my family member was killed in an oilfield explosion or accident?
Family members can pursue wrongful death and survival claims to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. These cases also help expose systemic safety failures and prevent future tragedies.
What safety rules apply to oilfield operations?
Oilfield employers and contractors must follow OSHA regulations, API standards, and industry safety guidelines governing everything from equipment inspection to hazard communication. Violating these standards is strong evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit.
How are oilfield cases different from other workplace injuries?
Oilfield injury cases often involve multiple companies, complex contracts, and federal safety regulations. They also require detailed technical and forensic investigation. Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers works with industry experts, engineers, and reconstruction specialists to uncover the truth and hold corporations accountable.
How much does it cost to hire an oilfield injury attorney?
You pay nothing upfront. We handle oilfield cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our fee comes only from a successful settlement or verdict. Our clients owe no attorney fees unless we win.
Why choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers for an oilfield injury case?
Our firm represents oilfield and refinery workers across Texas who were hurt in explosions, blowouts, and equipment failures. We know how to take on energy companies, contractors, and insurers that try to avoid responsibility. With our trademarked litigation approach, we fight relentlessly for full justice.
What is the first step in starting an oilfield injury claim?
Call 832-583-3471 or email [email protected] to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We will review your medical records, incident reports, and site evidence to begin building your case right away.
