Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyer Helping Accident Victims Throughout Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin

 Roughnecks, derrickmen, drillers, welders, fabricators, pumpers, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and others who work in oilfields face dangerous conditions daily. Our experienced oilfield injury lawyer at Terry & Thweatt, P.C. helps workers who have suffered oil field accidents in Houston (and throughout the Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin) receive the compensation they need to move forward.

As the “Energy Capital of the World” and the nation’s top oil and natural gas producer, oilfields dot the landscape in Houston and throughout the Lone Star State. These operations employ roughly 450,000 Texans—and though working out on the oilfields can be lucrative, it’s also inherently hazardous.

From heavy machinery incidents to fires and explosions to well blowouts, workers face wide-ranging risks. Sadly, accidents are not only common, but they often lead to catastrophic injuries, leaving victims grappling with mounting medical expenses, reduced or lost earning capacity, and an uncertain future. 

If another party’s negligence caused a land-based oilfield accident that severely injured you or killed your loved one, you could be entitled to compensation for losses you’ve incurred due to these devastating events. Unfortunately, oilfield injury and wrongful death claims involve complex legal concepts and complicated litigation that can make recovering the damages you deserve challenging. 

In this comprehensive guide, our Houston oilfield injury lawyer explains how to preserve your right to recovery and how Terry & Thweatt, P.C.’s highly skilled trial lawyers can help you.

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Common Types of Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield injuries are not only physically devastating, but they also have profound emotional and financial impacts on the lives of workers and their families. Let’s look at some of the most common injuries we see at our Houston personal injury firm:

• Traumatic physical injuries. These include fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations resulting from slips, trips, falls, or being struck by heavy machinery or equipment.
• Overexertion injuries. Muscle strains and injuries related to lifting, pushing, pulling, or other repetitive motions are common among oilfield workers.
• Head injuries. Workers are at risk of head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, often caused by falling objects, equipment malfunctions, or falls.
• Hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery and equipment noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Vision impairments. Exposure to hazardous substances or bright lights without proper eye protection can lead to temporary or permanent vision damage.
• Respiratory problems. Inhalation of toxic fumes, gases, or dust can cause respiratory issues ranging from temporary discomfort to chronic lung conditions.
• Injuries from chemical exposures. Direct contact with or exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to skin irritations, burns, and long-term health issues.
• Injuries from burns and explosions. Due to the handling of flammable materials, workers may suffer from burns, scalds, or injuries from explosions and fires.
• Heat-related illnesses. Working in extreme temperatures without proper hydration or breaks can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses.

Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield accidents are most often the result of a combination of human error and employer negligence. Here are some of the different factors that can contribute to worker injuries:

• Inadequate training and supervision. Employers who fail to provide comprehensive training and proper supervision put workers at risk. This negligence can result in employees lacking the necessary skills to operate heavy machinery or handle hazardous materials safely.
• Insufficient safety protocols. Employers must establish and enforce safety protocols to protect workers. Neglecting to do so can lead to chaotic work environments where precautions are disregarded.
• Lack of equipment maintenance. Failure to regularly inspect and maintain equipment, machinery, and vehicles can lead to mechanical failures. Equipment malfunctions can result in catastrophic accidents, including collisions, machinery entrapment, or falling objects that cause head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or crush injuries.
• Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Employers are responsible for providing and ensuring the use of appropriate PPE, including helmets, gloves, and protective clothing. Neglecting to provide or enforce the use of PPE can result in injuries from falling objects, chemical exposure, or fires that could cause burns, eye injuries, or respiratory issues.
• Long hours and fatigue. Oilfield workers often work long hours in physically demanding conditions. Fatigued workers are more prone to errors and accidents, which can lead to accidents involving heavy machinery, vehicle crashes, or slips, trips, and falls.
• Neglecting hazardous material handling. Employers who fail to establish proper procedures for the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials jeopardize worker safety. Inadequate handling of hazardous materials can lead to chemical exposures, fires, or explosions, resulting in severe burns, respiratory problems, or even fatalities.
• Poor communication and coordination. Effective communication and coordination among workers are vital in a high-risk industry like oil and gas. Employers who neglect these aspects can create confusion and mismanagement.

What to Do After an Oilfield Accident in Eagle Ford Shale or Permian Basin

The immediate aftermath of a land-based oil or gas accident can be a whirlwind for victims and their families. If you or a loved one were involved in an oil field accident in Eagle Ford Shale or Permian Basin, the following steps are essential to protecting your legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention 

Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention, even if your injuries appear relatively minor. Some injuries cause delayed symptoms, making a prompt medical evaluation vital. Additionally, documenting your injuries through medical records is critical to the outcome of your claim.

Report the Accident 

Notify your immediate supervisor or employer as soon as possible, following your company’s established procedures for reporting workplace accidents and injuries. Request a copy of any incident report for your records.

Preserve Evidence 

Leave tools, equipment, and machinery in the location and condition they were at the time of the onshore oilfield accident, as this evidence can be crucial to determining liability. Take photos or videos of your injuries, involved equipment, hazardous conditions, and whatever else you deem relevant. Get contact information from witnesses in case you need an attorney to reach out to them for a statement.

Decline Requests for Recorded Statements 

Beware of insurance adjusters or company representatives who contact you immediately after an oilfield accident to request a recorded statement. Not only are you not required to give this statement, but if you do, it could be used against you later in the claims process. Don’t risk it; decline to provide a statement without legal counsel.  

Gather Information 

Write down the following information about the accident:

• Date, time, and location
• Weather conditions
• Names and contact information of all parties involved 
• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• A description of how the injury or accident occurred 
• Any safety violations or hazardous conditions observed 

Consult an Experienced Oilfield Injury Lawyer in Houston

Talk to a Texas injury attorney with a record of successfully resolving oilfield accident claims as soon as possible. Consulting a lawyer is vital to understanding the strength of your case and protecting your right to compensation.

Damages You Can Recover After Suffering an Oilfield Injury

Roughnecks, derrickmen, drillers, welders and fabricators, pumpers, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and other land-based oilfield workers must recover fair damages. Depending on the details of your case, your recovery might include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish 
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Other related losses

How Our Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyers at Terry & Thweatt Can Help

What should you do after an oilfield accident? While your first priority should be seeking medical care for your injuries, it’s a smart move to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Terry & Thweatt, P.C., we’ve been advocating for injured oilfield employees since 2008. Our skilled and experienced attorneys, Joe Terry and Lee Thweatt, help oilfield professionals, from roughnecks and derrickmen to drillers, welders, fabricators, pumpers, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and more, successfully pursue just compensation for their injuries.

Here's what you can expect when you work with our firm:

• Legal guidance. Our experience in oilfield injuries has given us an in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the oil and gas industry. We can guide victims through the often complex legal process, helping them understand their rights and the merits of their case.
• Investigation and evidence gathering. We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence supporting your claim. This may include collecting accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony.
• Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation paid to injury victims. We are adept at negotiating with these companies to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
• Representation in court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court, advocating on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Oilfield Injury Lawyer in Houston

The oilfield accident and injury lawyers at Terry & Thweatt, P.C. offer free initial consultations for prospective clients injured in Houston and throughout the Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin.

Schedule a Free Consultation

To schedule an initial consultation with our experienced Houston oilfield injury lawyer, click the button above and fill out our online request form. For immediate assistance, call us at 713-600-4710 now!