The Eagle Ford Shale is one of the largest deposits of oil and natural gas in the country, fueling an energy boom in South Texas. While this economic growth has been a boon for the local economy, the intense pace of production also carries the risk of catastrophic oilfield accidents. With over 200 rigs across the region, workers in the region are vulnerable to devastating Eagle Ford Shale oilfield accidents and even death.
Our oilfield injury lawyer specializes in injury claims for the oil and gas industry. At Terry & Thweatt, P.C., we understand the immense toll these incidents take on workers and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an oilfield accident, you may deserve significant compensation for your injuries.
Where Eagle Ford Shale Accidents Happen
The Railroad Commission of Texas is the state’s oldest regulatory agency, overseeing well operations and safety across the Lone Star State. It describes the Eagle Ford Shale region as a significant hydrocarbon-producing geological formation, spanning 50 miles wide and 400 miles long with an average thickness of 250 feet.
Stretching across 26 counties in South Texas from the border to near San Antonio, the Eagle Ford Shale play is home to over 200 oil and gas operations. Workers come from all across the state for jobs in drilling, extraction, production, transportation, storage, refining, processing, and support at these gas wells, oil rigs, and refineries.
Working in a Texas oilfield carries inherent health risks, and the Eagle Ford Shale region is no exception. Hundreds of accidents happen every year, including some that are fatal. Oilfield accidents occur around drilling sites, pipelines, storage facilities, and refineries. Transporting oil and gas through the region is also a hazard.
Examples of Oilfield Accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale
Many oilfield and gas well accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale can have equally disastrous results as injuries in the Permian Basin. The two regions are rich in hydrocarbon deposits, resulting in a great deal of extraction and production activity, including hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” for natural gas.
According to our Houston oilfield injury lawyer, types of workplace accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale play include:
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Falling off equipment from high elevations
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Vehicle accidents involving commercial transport trucks, including rollovers
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Accidents from using faulty or malfunctioning oilfield equipment
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Accidental fires and explosions triggered by flammable or combustible materials
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Toxic exposure to chemicals and gasses used in oil and gas extraction
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Well blowouts caused by a loss of well control
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Slip and fall accidents caused by slick surfaces, spilled chemicals, or obstacles
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Heavy objects falling or moving unexpectedly
The root causes of oilfield accidents range from improperly maintained equipment and lack of safety measures to human error and management negligence. A successful personal injury claim hinges on naming the appropriate liable parties and holding them accountable for their negligence.
Possible Injuries From Eagle Ford Shale Oilfield Accidents
Accidents on oil rigs, refineries, oilfields, and other workplaces involved in the oil and gas industry result in a broad range of possible injuries.
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Crush injuries resulting in broken bones or amputation
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Strains, sprains, and other types of soft tissue injuries, including nerve damage
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Severe burns and skin irritation from chemical exposure or fires
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Fatal injuries that may be eligible for wrongful death claims
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Head, neck, and traumatic brain injuries, like concussions
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Spinal cord damage
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Hearing or vision impairments caused by exposure to hazardous conditions
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Respiratory conditions caused by the inhalation of toxic fumes and dust
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Heat stroke or exhaustion from working in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods
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Psychological trauma
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Compensation You May Recover After an Oilfield Accident
Depending on how the Eagle Ford Shale oilfield accident occurred and who’s at fault for causing it, workers may be eligible to seek compensation for their injuries. Economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit may include:
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Lost wages from time taken off work
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Diminished future earnings and benefits due to permanent disability
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Current medical bills, including hospitalization and surgery
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Expected future medical costs, including physical therapy and medication
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Physical pain and suffering
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Emotional trauma and stress
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Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
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Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
In some cases, the only recourse may be to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. In other instances, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent contractor. Consult with the legal team at Terry & Thweatt to assess your case and explore all possible options.
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Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyers Specializing in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyers Specializing in Catastrophic Injury CasesTo maximize your chances of a positive outcome, it’s imperative to team up with Texas personal injury lawyers who have in-depth knowledge of the oil and gas industry. At Terry & Thweatt, our experienced trial lawyers specialize in helping workers who suffered oilfield and oil rig injuries in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale. We’re dedicated to earning the compensation you deserve.
In one case, attorneys Joe Terry and Terry Thweatt represented the family of an oilfield worker who died in a tragic oil well explosion in South Texas. After taking over 50 depositions and engaging in several mediations, our firm secured a settlement of over $10 million for this worker’s family.
Contact Our Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or your loved one suffered crush injuries while working on an oil rig in Eagle Ford Shale, Permian Basin or the surrounding areas, our Houston oilfield injury lawyer can help you and your family recover financially.
To request an initial case evaluation, click the button above now and fill out our online contact form. For immediate assistance, call our office right now!
