A Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyer Outlines Common Permian Basin Accidents and Your Rights to Injury Compensation
The Permian Basin is a thriving area for the oil and gas industry. High production activity, however, equates to numerous accidents, many of which can devastate oilfield workers or others in the community. If you were injured in a Permian Basin accident, a skilled oilfield injury attorney at Terry & Thweatt, P.C., can provide insight and assistance. You don’t have to face mounting medical expenses and worry about lost wages alone—our compassionate team is ready to help every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how to fight for fair injury compensation after a Permian Basin accident.
Permian Basin Quick Facts ![worker-looks-at-oilfield-at-sunset]()
The Permian Basin is a series of basins, or dips from erosion, on the Earth’s surface. This land expanse covers the majority of West Texas, stretching from Lubbock to Rio Grand Valley for a total of 75,000 square miles. It’s an area rich in oil and natural gas and known as the largest oil-producing basin in the U.S.. This unique area has over 7,000 fields and accounts for approximately 40 percent of the U.S. oil production.
Although this is an important area for the U.S., prized for its rich natural resources and unique natural beauty, the production activity to tap into these resources can unfortunately result in various accidents. Professionals who could be at risk for Permian Basin accidents include:
- People who work in the oilfields.
- Residents who live or work in surrounding communities.
- Those who drive on Permian Basin roads.
Common Causes of Permian Basin Accidents
The Permian Basin area is prone to multiple types of accidents. Here are just a few risk factors our clients have experienced.
Vehicle Crashes
There’s a lot of heavy traffic in the vicinity, including a high number of large commercial gas and oil vehicles. Tanker and Semi-truck accidents also occur for several reasons, including driver fatigue, operator error, and maintenance issues.
Accidents Associated With Production Activities
Key oilfield production activities also play a big role in unfortunate accidents. These include:
- Equipment malfunctions or heavy equipment failures
- Defects in drilling equipment
- Fires or explosions
- Electrocution
- Inadequate training of employees working in oil or gas fields
- Chemical exposure or chemical leaks that occur during the oil extraction process
- Improper handling of hazardous materials
- Falls from drilling platforms
- Oil rig accidents
- Caught by or crushed by accidents involving equipment, cranes, pipes, or other tools
- Lack of or incomplete safety measures
- Fatigue and long work hours
- Poor communication and coordination
- Human negligence or error
What to Do After Suffering a Permian Basin Accident Injury
Many workers experience serious injuries including but not limited to:
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
- Organ damage
- Spine damage
Don’t hesitate to do all you can to preserve your rights after a land-based oilfield accident:
- If your accident is work-related, report the incident to your supervisor right away.
- Seek medical attention and document your injuries.
- Gather evidence, including photos, video, and eyewitness testimony.
- If the incident happened on the job, don’t move equipment, tools, and other associated elements that prove the cause.
- If you suffered a vehicle accident, be sure to file a police report and contact your insurance company.
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel
- Continue with all medical care, including follow-up visits and physical therapy. Keep detailed documentation of every factor relating to your diagnosis and treatment.
Benefits of Hiring a Skilled Permian Basin Accident Lawyer
If you’re hurt while on the job, workers’ compensation may be a possibility to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, the state of Texas doesn’t mandate that employers maintain workers’ comp insurance, so working with a qualified attorney at Terry & Thweatt, P.C. is a wise option. If you were injured in a truck accident in the Permian Basin as a non-worker, our skilled oilfield injury lawyers will also put your interests first.
We understand how to handle the specific issues that arise in these cases, and help you pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages, including future earnings
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement resulting from the accident
- Permanent disability
Trust our experienced legal team to handle every aspect of your Permian Basin accident claim and fight for results that represent fair justice.