If you’ve been involved in an oilfield accident, seek medical attention immediately. Oilfield accidents can result in burns, lacerations, and contusions. But they can also cause injuries not visible to the naked eye, like sprains, strains, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries.
Once your condition is stable, you should consider partnering with our personal injury team. We can investigate your circumstances, file your claim, and explain your legal options.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Oilfield Accident
The following steps are only recommendations. Some of them may not even apply to your situation. Regardless, here are some measures that could help you after getting injured:
Notify Your Employer
If you were injured as an employee on an oilfield, you should notify your employer immediately. Not only does this document the incident, but it’ll prevent them from saying the accident didn’t happen. You should notify your employer in writing, so you can keep track of their answers and your statements.
Keep Track of Your Losses
You could file an injury claim or lawsuit to seek damages. To receive fair compensation, you should keep track of your accident-related losses, such as:
- Your medical bills, including receipts for medications, assistive devices, and in-home healthcare
- Your property damage invoices (if applicable)
- Your pay stubs and other employment records
You should also keep all correspondence between yourself and the liable insurer.
Follow Through With Medical Care
Going to the doctor after your accident isn’t enough; you must follow through with all of their recommendations. Go to physical therapy. Take your medications. Attend all of your appointments. You do not want the other party to contest the nature of your condition.
Do not discontinue treatment for any reason. If you need to, run it by your healthcare provider first.
Refrain from Posting to Social Media
You might want to post to social media about the accident and your injuries. This is not a good idea because:
- Anything you say can be used as an admission of fault
- The claims adjuster could see your posts and deny your claim
- Your posts, photos, and statuses could be used as evidence to devalue your damages
During this time, do not accept any friend requests from people you don’t know. They could be fake profiles made by the insurance adjuster to access your pages. Be sure to set your pages to private, as well.
Refrain from Giving a Recorded Statement
If the insurance company asks you to give a recorded statement, just say these four words: “Talk to my lawyer.” By giving a recorded statement, you give the insurer the chance to take your words out of context. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement––no matter what the claims adjuster tells you.
Document Your Recovery Period
You want to show the insurer or jury that you were injured on an oilfield. You can do this by:
- Keeping a journal of you documenting your injuries
- Taking photos of your external conditions
- Making video entries of your injuries
You can also ask your friends and family members to write letters attesting to the severity of your condition.
Consider Legal Aid
Oilfield accidents can comprise multiple negligent parties. As such, more than one party could be responsible for your losses. This can complicate things. With an oilfield accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they:
- Determine fault
- Negotiate a settlement
- Calculate your injury-related losses
- Handle all communications
- Advise you of your options
- Representing you in any hearings, meetings, or courtroom appearances
- Explaining what you should do after an oilfield accident
They can also file your injury lawsuit within Texas’s statute of limitations, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. You generally have two years to file your oilfield accident lawsuit. You have the same period to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
You Could Recover Compensation Following an Oilfield Accident
By taking the steps we mentioned above, you could secure a variety of damages, including:
- Medical bills, including the cost of anticipated care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income, tips, bonuses, employee benefits, and commissions
- Property damage expenses
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disability
- Disfigurement
You could recover damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Our team can explain your options and support you throughout either process.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins for More Information
Since 1988, our law firm has operated on one principle: helping injured Texans. If you or a loved one suffered harm in an oilfield accident, connect with our team today. To call in the Strong Arm, dial (877) 239-4878. Your case review is offered at no cost. Feel free to ask us more about what to do after being involved in an oilfield accident.
