If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in an oilfield accident, you may have a legal claim even if you’ve already received workers’ compensation for the accident. The Texas Workers’ Compensation Act was created to ensure every worker has access to compensation if injured on the job.
These benefits compensate victims for a portion of their medical bills and lost income, but they may not cover other losses, such as your pain and suffering. Our oilfield accident lawyers can review the specifics of your case and advise you on additional compensation available to you.
Seeking Compensation Through Legal Action
Workers’ compensation only pays a portion of your wages, and it does not cover pain and suffering. If you want to seek additional compensation, you may be able to do this by filing a personal injury lawsuit against a liable party.
Potential forms of compensation through a lawsuit may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
A personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you determine if you have a case and file a lawsuit on your behalf.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
How to Protect Your Rights After an Oilfield Accident
Oilfield accidents can result in injuries that range from broken bones to disfigurement and death. If you are an employee who was hurt on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim is usually the first step towards fair compensation.
Workers’ compensation claims do not require you to prove negligence. They generally cover most of your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. If your losses exceed the benefits provided by your employer, you may have more options for legal recourse than you think.
Critical Actions to Take in the Aftermath of an Oilfield Accident
Regardless of whether you pursue workers’ compensation or a lawsuit, there are a few actions you should take after an oilfield accident.
- Notify your employer of the incident as soon as possible. Make sure to secure documentation of the incident and the resulting injuries.
- See a doctor immediately for a professional diagnosis. Be sure to keep all documentation of visits, diagnoses, recommended treatments, and fees.
- Follow your doctor’s guidance to the letter. Failure to do so can be used against you during litigation. If you disagree with a doctor’s suggestions, seek a second opinion instead of simply dismissing any documented advice.
Ensuring peace of mind for you and your family starts with understanding your rights. An oilfield accident attorney with our firm can review your case and answer questions you may have. We can assess the strength of your evidence and advise you on how to proceed.
Where to Turn when Workers’ Compensation Benefits don’t Cover Your Damages
According to Texas state law, you are legally entitled to sue any negligent third party whose actions or inaction contributed to the incident. Identifying potentially liable parties and building a successful case requires a comprehensive understanding of state law and federal regulations that most victims simply do not possess.
Potentially Liable Third Parties
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 100 fatal oilfield accidents in 2017, with vehicle accidents being the most commonly reported type. Aside from anyone operating a vehicle on the construction site, potentially liable parties may include:
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Industry executives
- Trucking companies
- Shipping companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle part manufacturers
Unlike the workers’ compensation claim you filed, bringing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a third party requires you to prove negligence. An attorney with our firm can conduct an investigation into the accident to gather evidence.
Investigating an Oilfield Accident
- Review your employer’s incident report
- Analyze all related medical records
- Utilize invoices and receipts to calculate your medical expenses and predict future expenses
- Interview witnesses
- Review video footage of the oilfield
Once evidence is collected, an attorney with our firm can ensure the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence so it can be used in court.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
When to Consider Hiring an Oilfield Accident Attorney
You may have a legal claim even if you have already received workers’ compensation for an oilfield accident. However, these cases are complex, lengthy, and exhausting.
Hiring an attorney from the start allows you to focus on healing from your injuries and spending time with your loved ones while also pursuing a legal case.
Call in The Strong Arm After an Oilfield Accident
With over 100 years of collective experience behind us, Loncar Lyons Jenkins understands the complexities of oilfield accident cases. We can ensure your rights are protected while you seek compensation through legal action. Call (877) 239-4878 for a free case review today.
