Oil fields are some of the most dangerous workplaces in Texas, where the combination of heavy machinery, gas, and negligence can create serious or deadly accidents. If you were injured working in an oil field, our team can help you file a lawsuit to get the compensation you need to recover fully.
Many injured employees usually seek compensation through the Workers’ Compensation system. However, Workers’ Compensation will not cover the full range of losses injured workers suffer. It will not even provide your full rate of pay in most cases. Fortunately, our attorneys can move directly to filing a lawsuit, regardless of whether your employer has Workers’ Compensation coverage. Injured oil field workers can opt of Workers’ Compensation, giving them the option between the two choices. We can fight for both your financial damages and pain and suffering through a lawsuit.
Call The Queenan Law Firm today at (817) 476-1797 to speak with our Texas oil field accident lawyers for your free case evaluation.
Can I File a Lawsuit for an Oil Field Accident in Texas?
Oil field workers in Texas have the legal right to sue for injuries sustained on the job. Texas stands out as one of the few states that allows workers to opt out of the traditional Worker’s Compensation system, enabling them to take legal action against their employers for work-related injuries. If an employer has already opted out of Worker’s Compensation, the employee typically does not need to make any additional choices regarding coverage and can go straight to filing a lawsuit.
To file a lawsuit for workplace injuries and be successful, you must demonstrate that the defendant is responsible for the harm caused. Our Houston, TX oil field accident attorneys can help determine the parties liable and file a claim on your behalf. Employers can be held accountable for creating unsafe working conditions, especially if their negligence or violations of OSHA standards lead to injuries.
Employers must provide training in clear, accessible language, ensure appropriate protective equipment is available, and take all necessary steps to maintain a safe working environment and functional machinery. When they fail in these areas, they can be held liable in a lawsuit.
Lawsuits
Personal injury lawsuits present several advantages over Workers’ Compensation claims when pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in an accident. A key benefit of personal injury lawsuits is the ability to hold the negligent party liable for all the damages you have sustained.
Unlike Workers’ Compensation, where benefits are typically limited and might not cover all expenses, a personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek full compensation for various types of damages. This includes not only current medical bills associated with the injury but also future medical expenses that may arise over time. For instance, if your injuries require long-term rehabilitation or ongoing medical treatment, these costs can be included in your claim.
Also, lost wages from missed work due to the injury can be claimed, including past and projected future earnings, if the injury affects your ability to work in the long run. This approach ensures that you are financially supported as you recover from your injuries, while Workers’ Compensation will likely not cover all your lost income.
Moreover, personal injury lawsuits provide the opportunity to recover non-economic damages, which include compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the emotional distress that often accompanies serious oil field injuries. You can also seek damages for physical impairment, such as loss of mobility or functionality, as well as physical disfigurement that can affect your quality of life. Thus, a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to be compensated for quantifiable financial losses and the profound personal hardships that oil field accidents often impose.
Workers’ Compensation
If Workers’ Compensation is an option, you should be aware of its limitations. It is not designed to cover all your lost wages but typically provides about two-thirds of your weekly pay. As mentioned, Workers’ Compensation will also provide no compensation for your pain and suffering. Virtually the only advantage to it over a lawsuit is that you do not have to prove fault in a Workers’ Compensation claim to recover benefits. However, our attorneys can gather the evidence to prove the elements of your lawsuit. We can also help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim if you prefer.
Who Can I Sue for a Texas Oil Field Accident?
Several parties might share the blame when you suffer an injury on the job. For instance, if faulty tools or inadequate safety gear contribute to your injuries, the manufacturer of those devices could be held accountable. Should a coworker cause your injury, they might also face direct liability. Additionally, a negligent employer may bear responsibility for the harm you endure.
Oil drilling companies and operators of oil fields frequently bear the brunt of liability for accidents that injure their employees. Our attorneys are dedicated to holding these entities accountable for the injuries you sustain while working.
Oil companies are obligated to properly train and equip their workers, as well as establish safety procedures and protocols to safeguard their employees on the job. If your employer neglects to supply you with essential safety equipment, they could be liable for any injuries that arise due to the lack of proper gear. The same holds true if you are given safety equipment that is either inadequate or defective, which your employer should have removed from service but failed to do so.
Employers that do not adequately train their workers or provide clear safety instructions put their employees at greater risk. For instance, workers without knowledge about safely operating machinery might sustain serious injuries. This is also applicable if employers fail to train staff adequately or provide instruction in a language they understand. The absence of safety procedures, checklists, “hard hat area” rules, or proper supervision can lead to significant injuries in oil fields.
Contact Our Texas Oil Field Accident Lawyers Today for Help Filing Your Lawsuit
Call The Queenan Law Firm today at (817) 476-1797 for a free case review with our Arlington, TX oil field accident lawyers.