Texas Oil Field Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights
Experienced legal counsel for injured oil field workers in Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth
Oil well sites are full of hazards, with multiple on-site companies setting up and taking down heavy equipment. The nature of this line of work involves coming into contact with materials and conditions linked with negative health outcomes, including hydrogen sulfide, silica, excessive noise, diesel particulates, and naturally occurring radioactive materials.
Other threats putting workers at risk in the oil and gas industry include confined spaces, ergonomic hazards, handling high-pressure lines and machines, dealing with electrical energy, and dangers associated with wellhead equipment. Texas oilfield workers in particular are also exposed to dangers associated with working in the extreme heat. The worksite accident attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger have vast experience seeking favorable outcomes for injured clients and their families, and we can help you, too.
“I know I speak for my whole family in expressing appreciation for the genuine care and support provided by Slack Davis Sanger during the lengthy process of working through our legal system.” – Larry McLerran, Client
What types of oil field accidents does your firm handle?
The attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger can help if you or a loved one were seriously injured as a result of an oil field accident, fire, or explosion, including the following:
Transportation accidents. Most oilfield deaths are related to transportation, especially when workers drive from one job site to another on unsafe rural roads. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry. Employers are responsible for protecting workers by enforcing driver safety policies and developing work schedules to avoid dangers associated with driver fatigue. Victims of oilfield auto or truck accidents and their families can rely on the proven legal professionals at Slack Davis Sanger to pursue justice in these cases.
Contact with objects and equipment. Another leading cause of fatal events in the oil and gas extraction industry, these injuries are associated with workers being struck by, caught in, or caught between moving vehicles or equipment, high-pressure lines, and falling equipment. Cranes, derricks, hoists, and other heavy equipment pose risks to workers on the job, as do other activities common in oilfields, such as moving pipes, site clearing, transporting heavy loads, and activities around pressurized lines.
Proper use of protective equipment and materials, as well as adequate standards on operating equipment on job sites, can protect workers from the risk of injury. Oil and gas workers involved in an accident can depend on the counsel of the oilfield injury attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger to help determine who is at fault for these accidents and to help injured workers pursue a claim.
Fires and pipeline explosions. Flammable gases and vapors pose risks to oilfield workers when they are released from tanks, shale shakers, trucks, generators, engines, wells, and other production or surface equipment. Fires and explosions can start when these materials come into contact with lightning, static, cigarettes, welding and cutting tools, open flames, electrical sources, and even hot surfaces. Employers can prevent catastrophic burn injuries by conducting fire risk assessments, enforcing work safety guidelines, and adopting engineering controls. Oil and gas workers involved in accidents on the job related to fires and explosions can count on the attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger to advocate for their rights and seek just compensation for their losses.
Falls. Oil and gas workers often have to perform their job duties in locations high off the ground, which makes them more vulnerable to injuries associated with falls. Falls from drilling platforms, elevated equipment, or the mast can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide fall protection to safeguard workers from these risks. In the event of a fall, injured oil field workers and their families trust the lawyers at Slack Davis Sanger to use their thorough understanding of workplace safety laws when representing client interests in a lawsuit.
Why is oil field and gas industry work so dangerous?
The fatality rate for oil and gas workers is seven times higher than any other industry, and oil rig work often appears on “most dangerous profession” lists. A combination of flammable chemicals, heavy and powerful machinery, and high-pressure situations can lead to dangerous or deadly incidents out on the oil patch, which is why it is crucial work sites follow safety regulations to the letter. Failure to do so can result in tragic and catastrophic accidents, both onshore and offshore.
We can break down oil and gas industry worker hazards into two general categories – injury hazards and health hazards. Injury hazards are safety issues like motor vehicle accidents, contact injuries, fires and explosions, falls, or confined spaces with little or no ventilation. Health hazards include agents that lead to physical illness or conditions, like toxic chemical exposure, irritants, noise pollution, biohazards, ergonomic injuries, stress, or heatstroke.
However your injury occurred, the oil and gas industry accident attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger can investigate the cause of your accident and work to secure compensation on your behalf.
What are common injuries from oil field accidents?
The oil and gas extraction industry has one of the highest severe injury rates in the country. Dangerous working conditions can lead to serious injuries and fatalities:
- Broken bones, including shattered bones, compound fractures, and dislocated joints and bones.
- Burns, including second- and third-degree burns, as well as resulting scarring and disfigurement.
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, skull or facial fractures, and serious lacerations.
- Limb injuries, including full or partial limb loss, crushed limbs, or nerve damage to arms, hands, fingers, legs, and toes.
- Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries, paralysis, ruptured or herniated discs, and broken or fractured vertebrae.
- Injuries to the skin, including lacerations, puncture wounds, chemical burns, and toxic reactions.
- Soft tissue injuries, including torn muscles, ligaments, tendons, strains, and sprains.
Workers who experience any of these serious injuries may be eligible for compensation by their employer or other responsible parties. The experienced oil field accident lawyers at Slack Davis Sanger help determine who is accountable for your injuries, as well as the fair amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.
Why do oil and gas industry accidents happen?
Many injuries that occur on the job or in the oil patch are preventable. Often, accidents and explosions are caused by negligence or failure to follow safety procedures. These reasons can include improper employee training or supervision, lack of experience, defective or outdated equipment, machinery failure, or poor field communication.
Our Texas attorneys understand how oil and gas companies work and operate, and our wealth of experience and resources allows us to get to the bottom of how your accident and injuries occurred. We also make it a priority to hold these companies accountable for negligent and irresponsible behavior, righting the wrongs that caused your injuries and ensuring that accidents like yours never happen again.
What are the biggest oil fields in Texas today?
Texas is responsible for 43 percent of crude oil production in the United States, and home to two of the biggest oil-producing fields in the country – the Permian Basin and the Eagle Ford Shale. Other major oil fields in our state include the Granite Walsh, Barnett Shale, and Haynesville Shale.
How can a Texas oil field accident and injury attorney help?
Having an attorney with experience in oil and gas industry accidents is crucial in these types of injury cases, as this is a highly specialized industry with many potential liable parties. Although the company typically conducts its own investigation into any incident resulting in injuries, our legal team also conducts a third-party evaluation on your behalf. We do not allow at-fault parties to bury or conceal incriminating evidence, or blame injured workers for the accidents that caused them harm – especially when those injuries are preventing you from supporting yourself and your family.
At Slack Davis Sanger, our attorneys can assist you with every aspect of your injury claim, including determining the type of claim you should file, calculating the full extent of your damages, investigating the cause of your accident and injuries, and pursuing financial compensation – whether through negotiation or litigation.
Oil field accident and injury attorneys serving Texas
At Slack Davis Sanger, our oil and gas industry attorneys have the experience you need when you’re injured out in the field. We fight for justice when negligence or failure to follow safety regulations leads to accidents and injuries. Contact us today to find out how we can help you secure compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Austin, Dallas, or Fort Worth, please call 800-455-8686 or fill out our contact form.