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Oil field workers are susceptible to dozens of types of injuries at their job sites. Roustabouts and roughnecks face some of the highest injury rates of any workers in the country, and their families often pay the price of these injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in an oil drilling accident, talk to an attorney today about filing a lawsuit for financial compensation.
The Queenan Law Firm’s Abilene oil field injury lawyers may be able to help you and your family file a lawsuit against the injured victim’s employer. This lawsuit could entitle you to compensation for serious injuries, lost wages or reduced earning capacity, and the serious pain and suffering you endure. For help understanding your potential claim, contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation. Our number is (817) 476-1797.
When is an Oil Company at Fault for an Accident?
To sue your employer for an accident on an oil field, you must be able to point to something your employer did wrong to cause your injuries. In many cases, this means that you cannot point to third-party errors, like a co-worker’s negligence or a defective piece of equipment; in those cases, it would be better to sue the coworker or the equipment manufacturer. However, in some cases your employer is still responsible for the issue because of their involvement in training an employee or providing equipment.
Many accidents happen because an employer does something directly that fails to protect you from injury. Employers often fail to provide their workers with the proper safety gear or may even fail to train staff properly. If the lack of safety gear or training leads to a serious injury, this could be the employer’s fault.
Employers are also responsible for the property you work on. This means it is their responsibility to make sure that work areas are safe and secure. Uneven surfaces, unstable structures, and even dangers in the living quarters at an oil field might be the employer’s responsibility. They could be liable in cases involving injuries from exposed wiring, rickety handrails, and even spills and slick surfaces.
Many injuries happen because of poor maintenance and upkeep. Many pieces of equipment come straight from the manufacturer, and your employer does not inspect them before issuing them to workers. They are not usually responsible for problems with new equipment, but equipment they maintain or reuse is their responsibility, and they need to ensure it is safe. Things like power tools and vehicles should be in good working order and free from unnecessary dangers. Safety devices and emergency shutoff valves that help prevent blowouts should also be tested and maintained regularly, ensuring they work when you need them to.
Your co-workers should also be safe to work with. This means it is your employer’s responsibility to keep dangerous individuals with a history of violent crime away from innocent workers. It is also your employer’s duty to screen workers for alcohol and drug use. If someone comes to work drunk and your employer fails to send them home, you might be at risk if they are the one operating a crane or driving a vehicle near you. Your employer could be liable for negligent retention of an employee or negligent hiring.
Damages for Oil Injuries in Texas
After a serious oil accident, you could face life-altering injuries. In most lawsuits, you can claim all damages related to the accident. The three main areas of damages in these kinds of cases are medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
The medical expenses you can claim include all expenses that arose because of the accident. This means that emergency medical transportation costs, bills for surgery and ER visits, the cost of hospital stays, and the cost of rehabilitation and physical therapy could all be claimed. If you need crutches or a wheelchair and wheelchair ramps, their costs could also be claimed.
Wages that you lose while recovering from your injuries should be paid back in full. If you are too injured to continue your oil job and must take a lower-paying job, you can also claim damages for your reduced earning capacity. These damages could include the wages you would have received until retirement.
Damages for pain and suffering are often the largest area of damages. After serious injuries, the physical pain and mental suffering you face can be extreme. The amount of compensation owed for these damages is different in each unique case, so talk to an attorney about what your pain and suffering damages might be.
In a lawsuit, you can often claim 100% of the damages you face. If you are forced to take your case through workers’ compensation, you may be entitled only to certain damages, and some damages may be reduced. Make sure to waive workers’ compensation when you start your oil field job if you want to retain your right to sue.
Abilene Oil Accident Lawyer for Roughnecks and Roustabouts
If you or a loved one was injured while working on an oil rig in the Abilene area, contact The Queenan Law Firm today. Our Abilene oil field injury lawyers represent injured workers and their families and fight to get them compensation after serious accidents. To schedule a free consultation on your potential case, contact our law offices today at (817) 476-1797.