The Permian Basin brings a hub of opportunity to oil field workers in Odessa, Midland, and surrounding cities. But working in an oil field is also one of the most dangerous jobs in Texas.
Every day, hardworking men and women keep our energy industry moving. But when something goes wrong due to human error, equipment failure, or safety violations, the consequences can change someone’s life forever.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil field accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Crosley Law, we fight for injured workers to get the compensation they deserve and the justice they need to rebuild their lives.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the types of accidents an oil field injury lawyer can help pursue claims for. We will also review some tips for improving the likelihood of a claim leading to a successful settlement or verdict.
Oil field accidents can take many forms
Oil fields can be hazardous. The combination of heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals, extreme weather, and long hours creates a perfect storm for accidents. Unfortunately, many of the accidents that do occur are preventable.
Here are some of the most common types of oil field accidents:
Vehicle accidents
Oil field operations often require driving large trucks or utility vehicles through rough terrain and busy work zones. Fatigue, poor visibility, and high-pressure schedules can lead to crashes and rollovers. In some cases, untrained drivers or poor vehicle maintenance can be responsible.
RELATED: What causes Texas oil truck accidents (and what to do if you’re injured)
Equipment failures
Drilling rigs, cranes, and other heavy equipment are essential to oil field work but pose serious risks when they are not properly maintained or used correctly. Equipment malfunctions can cause crush injuries, amputations, or even fatalities.
Equipment failure is often the result of poor safety protocols or cost-cutting measures by employers.
Falls and falling objects
Working on elevated platforms, scaffolding, or slippery surfaces can lead to falls. Additionally, tools or parts dropped from heights can strike workers below. Both scenarios can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones.
Fires and explosions
Oil fields are inherently flammable environments. When leaks, faulty wiring, or improperly stored chemicals are involved, the risk of fire and explosion increases dramatically. Burn injuries can be catastrophic, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Exposure to toxic substances
Workers may come into contact with hazardous chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide gas or drilling fluids. Prolonged or intense exposure can lead to respiratory problems, chemical burns, or even long-term health issues like cancer.
Oil field injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods and, in some cases, permanent disability. If you or a loved one has been the victim of such an accident, you might be dealing with extensive medical bills and permanent difficulties providing for yourself or your family. It is essential that you receive the support and compensation you need.
How an oil field injury lawyer can help
When you’re dealing with a serious injury, your focus should not be on fighting with insurance companies or navigating complex legal systems. It should be on healing and getting your life back together. That’s where we come in.
At Crosley Law, we have years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving oil field accidents. Here’s how we can help:
Investigating the cause of the oil field accident
We start by conducting a thorough investigation into how and why the accident happened. This may include gathering witness statements, reviewing safety records, securing surveillance and data logs, inspecting equipment, and consulting with industry experts. Our goal is to uncover negligence or wrongdoing that led to your injury.
The sooner we can start investigating, the better. We can get our investigators and experts to the scene as soon as possible to help prevent evidence from disappearing.
Identifying all liable parties
In many oil field accidents, more than one party may be responsible for damages. This could include:
- Your employer
- Trucking companies
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenace companies
- Property owners and managers
When more parties are deemed responsible for an accident, the pool of available insurance grows. That means you can have a greater pool of potential compensation to cover all of your medical costs and long-term care needs.
Note that if your direct employer provides sufficient workers’ compensation insurance, you might not be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them in Texas. However, other parties could still be held negligent. We work to identify everyone who may be held liable under Texas personal injury law so we can maximize your compensation.
Dealing with insurance companies
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and they may use delay tactics or lowball offers to wear you down. They may also take anything you say, no matter how harmless you think it might be, and try to use it against you to lower or outright deny your claim.
We handle all communication with insurers and fight aggressively to get you a fair settlement.
Calculating the full value of your claim
Determining fair compensation for injuries is not just about adding up current medical bills. There can be many additional costs to endure now and through the future. And if you don’t receive compensation for them through your personal injury case, you likely won’t have another chance to receive that support when you need it.
We look at the full picture, including lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life to build a strong case that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Going to trial if necessary
Most oil field accident cases end with a settlement. But if the insurance companies refuse to provide a fair settlement, we’re not afraid to take your case to court.
Tom Crosley is a seasoned trial attorney with a reputation for fighting hard for his clients. If the other side won’t play fair, we’ll be ready to present your case to a jury.
Case Study: Holding parties accountable after a crane accident
We represented a client who was the victim of a catastrophic crane accident at an oil field site. His lower legs were crushed and he eventually required an amputation.
The defendant in this case tried to blame our client for his own injuries, but our investigation uncovered multiple violations of operation and safety standards that were meant to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
We not only secured a fair settlement for the victim and his family’s long-term needs, but also helped them find superb medical support.
CASE STUDY: A life-changing settlement after a catastrophic crane accident: Matt D.’s story
Tips to strengthen your oil field injury case
If you’ve been hurt in an oil field accident, taking the right steps can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some tips to help you protect your rights:
1. Report the accident immediately
Make sure your employer is notified right away. This creates a record of the incident and helps support your claim. Be honest and accurate in your report.
2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, always get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms and early treatment can prevent complications.
And in the case that you do need to pursue a personal injury claim, seeing a doctor as soon as possible after an accident will begin to establish a medical record. This documentation can serve as key evidence in your case and make it more difficult for the insurance company to blame your injuries on outside factors.
3. Record and preserve evidence
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged equipment. Keep any documents related to your work and medical care. If possible, get contact information from witnesses. Your attorney may want to interview them.
4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters
Insurance representatives may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case. Don’t give recorded statements or accept any offers without talking to a lawyer first. You are within your rights to politely deny talking with insurance adjusters until you have legal representation.
5. Contact an experienced attorney
The sooner you get legal help, the better. A skilled oil field injury lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and build a strong case from the start.
Why Choose Crosley Law?
At Crosley Law, we treat our clients like family. We know how devastating an oil field injury can be and we’re committed to helping you move forward in your best interests.
Tom Crosley and his team have a proven track record of success in complex personal injury cases. We use cutting-edge technology, expert testimony, and personalized strategies to deliver results.
We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. That means you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
Let Us Help You Find Justice
You’ve worked hard to support your family. When someone else’s negligence puts that in jeopardy, you deserve justice. Let Crosley Law help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to recover.
Call us at 210-LAW-3000 (210-529-3000) or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
