Oilfield Accidents

The oil and gas industry continues to grow throughout the world, and the United States is certainly no exception. Texas continues to lead the nation as the largest producer of both oil and natural gas. The State yielded over 20% of the country’s oil in 2009. This growing field has created thousands of available jobs for workers, but it also features a high risk of injuries and death for those in the industry.

From 2003 to 2010, the fatality rate of those in the oil and gas industry was seven times higher than any other career field, according to the Occupational Safety & Hazard Administration (OSHA). With workers pulling long hours and operating heavy machinery, they can face serious injuries in a variety of ways. One common source of injuries is being caught on an object or machinery, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 11% of injuries in 2007 were caused by overexertion.

Common oilfield accidents include:

• Being struck by debris or equipment
• Falling from a height
• Explosions or fires
• Being caught in machinery
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Transportation accidents

These incidents can cause a wide range of injuries to workers, from broken bones to paralysis, amputations, burns, and even fatalities. To minimize the risk of workplace injuries and the resulting damage from unavoidable incidents, employers are obligated to provide adequate safety precautions, gear, and training for their workers.

Injuries from these situations can create both short and long-term problems for workers. In addition to a loss of wages from time missed at work, they can face a growing financial burden for the cost of medical care, prescription medications, physical rehabilitation, special medical equipment, and other costs.

It is important to determine the responsible parties, as there may be more than one at fault party in oilfield accidents. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in holding all negligent parties responsible and ensuring that your harms are fully compensated.

Legal Counsel for Victims of Oilfield Accidents

If you’ve been injured in an oilfield across Texas, contact the oilfield accident attorneys of The Gutierrez Law Firm. We can help put your mind at ease by actively pursuing your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries.