Result

Oilfield Explosion | $20 Million Settlement

What Happened

Our client was working on a hot-oil operation at an oilfield site in the Texas Panhandle when everything went wrong.

A crew performing the work negligently left a valve open, allowing volatile vapors to escape. When those vapors ignited, the resulting explosion tore through the site—engulfing our client in flames and leaving him with catastrophic burns over much of his body.

In an instant, his life changed. Months in the burn unit, countless surgeries, and a long road of recovery followed. All because the people responsible for safety ignored the most basic rules of pressure control and line integrity.

How We Fought for Him

From the start, the companies involved tried to deflect responsibility. The employer—more interested in protecting its contracts than its injured worker—blamed our client for not wearing fire-retardant clothing at the moment of the blast.

They wanted the case dismissed before it ever reached a jury.

We refused to let that happen.

We proved that the open valve was the real cause of the explosion and that multiple companies on site had failed to follow their own procedures. We subpoenaed safety manuals, deposed corporate representatives, and uncovered the evidence we needed to show that the danger had been known and ignored.

When the employer refused to cooperate, we fought back through depositions, motions to compel, and relentless discovery—piece by piece, exposing a safety culture that had become dangerously complacent.

The Result

In the end, we secured a $20 million settlement, providing our client with lifetime medical security, financial stability for his family, and recognition of the immense pain and courage it took to survive what should never have happened.

Why This Case Matters

This case represents what our work is all about: standing up for the individual when powerful companies close ranks to protect themselves.

Our client didn’t cause the explosion—he survived it. And he deserved a law firm willing to fight through every excuse, every obstacle, and every attempt to shift blame.

By pushing this case forward, we held the responsible parties accountable and sent a message that safety in Texas oilfields is not optional. When companies cut corners, they put lives at risk—and when they do, we’ll be there to make sure justice finds them.

Related Case Types

• Oilfield Explosions & Burn Injuries
• Industrial Negligence
• Catastrophic Injury Litigation

If you or someone you love has suffered serious burns or other catastrophic injuries in an industrial or oilfield explosion, Greenberg Streich, PLLC is here to help.

???? Call 832-583-3471 or contact us to speak confidentially with our team.