Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyer

Accidents happen, but some can be prevented. Employers and refinery companies need to follow the rules and make sure that they are providing a safe work environment for their employees. The injuries resulting from oilfield accidents can lead to catastrophic damages.

Workers put a lot of trust into where they work. They should at least be given assurance that they will return home from work unharmed. When preventable accidents happen, injured workers should be compensated.

Our Houston oilfield accident lawyers are here to help. Call our firm for a free consultation. Our attorney fees are usually contingent on securing a recovery for you. In other words, if you don’t win, you don’t pay for attorney fees. We will work together to build your case in a way that maximizes your compensation.

What to do After an Oilfield Accident

The oil and gas field is one of the most dangerous industries. While there are strict safety laws and statutes to protect workers, many employers choose money over following protocol and the safety of their staff.

When hazardous conditions cause accidents and injuries, an oilfield worker should take these steps immediately, especially if their employer does not offer workers’ compensation:

Seek care from a medical professional
Refrain from returning to work until they recover
Contact a skilled attorney to begin strategizing for a strong claim for damages

For a successful civil lawsuit, a claimant must establish that an employer, a third party, or both were negligent. They must also prove the negligence caused the accident and subsequent injuries. After an accident, a skilled legal professional in Houston could help a plaintiff collect the evidence they need to get started on an oilfield injury claim.

Proving Negligence After an Oilfield Accident

To collect financial compensation after an oilfield accident, a claimant needs to establish certain elements in their claim. They must also file a lawsuit against all relevant parties, according to state law.

Duty of Care

An employer has a legal duty to provide team members with a hazard-free work environment and follow safety rules and regulations. If they fail to do this on an oilfield or rig, they could be held accountable for any injuries.

Breach of Duty

If concrete evidence shows that a company or management team failed to follow OSHA requirements or the state’s safety protocols, they breach their duty of care and might face responsibility for an oil site accident.

Cause in Fact

If a team member sustained injuries because of an employer’s negligence, a plaintiff must prove that the accident was not caused by their own inattention, distraction, or failure to follow safety rules.

Proximate Cause

A defendant must ensure that their business follows proper safety guidelines. If they failed to follow safety regulations and knew or should have known about the hazardous working conditions at an oilfield, they might face liability for any injuries.

Damages

If a plaintiff sustained damages because of the oil field accident, they must verify the losses through hospital records, medical bills, and any other relevant documentation.

An experienced attorney in Houston could review the evidence of an oilfield mishap and determine liability so that a claimant can recover compensation for their injuries.

The Statute of Limitations in Oilfield Accident Claims

The statute of limitations restricts the time a plaintiff has to file a claim for damages. For instance, the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.001 requires a claimant to take legal action within two years of an oil job accident.

Failing to file a civil claim within the statute’s requirements could prevent an injured party from suing or collecting financial compensation. A seasoned Oilfield injury lawyer in Houston could help build a successful claim and ensure they do not miss the filing deadline.

Schedule a Consultation with an Oilfield Accident Attorney in Houston

Oil rig accident claims are challenging for many reasons. An employer’s legal team will likely complete an extensive investigation to try and blame a team member for their own injuries. Likewise, an oil company’s insurance provider will fight to settle quickly, for a low amount. You will need an aggressive and diligent attorney fighting in your corner for the best chance at a fair settlement.