The number of oilfield workers who die each year varies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 69 oil and gas extraction industry workers were killed on the job in 2017. The majority of these deaths (44) occurred in the state of Texas. CDC data also reports 63 deaths in 2015 and 29 deaths in 2016 among oil and gas workers. Therefore, the average for this three-year span was approximately 54 deaths per year.
Oilfield employees have to be specially trained to perform the job they have, and their lives are put at risk each day working in this dangerous sector. Companies operating in this field must adhere to industry-wide standards to maintain safety at the workplace; sadly, this does not always happen and can result in devastating injuries and often preventable fatalities.
If you have been injured while working in this profession, you could be entitled to compensation. Further, if you have lost a loved one, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Some employers attempt to protect themselves from such claims by making their employees sign a waiver stating their family will not file a suit. Even if this is the case, it is always worth checking with an attorney, as you may still be entitled to compensation.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a severe injury or wrongful death may leave you reeling and unsure about what you can do. However, the law recognizes you are entitled to financial recovery for damages should negligence be the cause of the accident.
Many Oilfield Workers Die in Often-Preventable Accidents Each Year
Working in the oil industry can be dangerous or, at worst, fatal. Workers risk their lives every day in unsafe conditions, even when safety precautions are in place. Particular and all too common hazards include:
- Explosions, fires, and cave-ins
- Well blowouts
- Falls
- Rig collapses
- Being struck by machinery
- Getting hit by shrapnel or debris when gas or oil comes up at high pressure
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Rigs that lack modern safety features
- Cold or heat stress
- Long haul transportation of goods and driving
- Chemical exposure
- Electrocution
- Lack of training programs
It is essential to quickly seek legal representation so that your attorney can have time to build a detailed case and comply with the strict time limits within which you can bring a claim under Texas law. According to Texas Statute § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years, after which you may not be able to pursue compensation.
Further, after an accident, it is sensible to speak directly to a legal professional about your case before discussing or giving information to insurers or company investigators, as you may say something that could harm your case.
Seeking Justice and Compensation for Your Loved One
Many oilfield workers die unnecessarily each year. Losing a loved one or sustaining serious injuries can bring devastating changes to the lives of entire families, especially if the accident was preventable and caused through negligence. When oil companies put profit ahead of safety, you have the right to seek justice and hold them accountable for their actions under the law.
Having an attorney with experience in this sector can be invaluable when it comes to taking the legal fight to large corporations that can afford teams of aggressive and well-practiced lawyers themselves. It is time well spent doing a little background research on your chosen legal representation to ensure they have the resources, knowledge, and experience in trying such cases. Their goal will be to protect your rights and potentially obtain fair and full compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Wrongful death
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Lost costs from child care and parental guidance
If you have any questions or concerns about how to proceed with a claim, many law firms offer a free case evaluation where you can find out what your legal options are. Additionally, some offer their services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay any costs until a verdict or settlement is achieved. Doing this can help ease the pressures and worries about the costs of hiring legal representation during this already incredibly stressful time.
Get Legal Support When You Need It Most
Taking a claim to large and wealthy oil corporations may seem daunting, but the team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins knows what it takes to prosecute such cases. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge to make sure your claim receives the attention to detail it deserves. We have helped people and their families whose lives have been forever changed by injuries such as:
- Back injuries
- Brain and head trauma
- Burns
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushed organs
- Broken bones
We also represent families who have lost loved ones in the oil industry. We want to help you too. Call us today at +1 214 747 0422 for a free case evaluation, and we can determine how best to proceed with your claim today.
