How do I know if I need an Oilfield Injury Attorney?

If you are from Texas, you are aware that the oil industry fuels the Lonestar state. Unfortunately, working for the oil industry is dangerous when safety protocols or procedures aren’t followed. Oilfield injuries are a common occurrence—regardless of how much training you receive. 

However, some oil companies aren’t incorporating basic safety standards, fully trained workers, and most won’t take responsibility when things go wrong. This had led to the contribution of oilfield workers being seven times more likely to suffer from fatal injuries on the job than in any other profession. Oil production is important to the American way of life, but working in an oilfield can be dangerous. 

What are common oilfield injuries in Texas?

Oilfield injuries are prevalent, with the chance of causing long-term injuries or, worse, death. Some common oilfield injury types include:

• Fall injuries, including bone fractures, spine injuries, and head injuries
• Equipment injuries, including limb amputation and crush injuries. 
• Electrocution injuries
• Explosions 
• And more

In addition to the pain that one may endure, the treatment to recover from your injuries are expensive. These types of injuries may have a worker out of work and unable to earn an income, and in worse case scenarios, for the rest of their life. 

When really looking at it, oil companies in Texas can take precautionary steps to ensure the safety of their workers to prevent most of these accidents. Accidents that occur may happen due to factors such as:

• Lack of proper training and supervision
• Working fatigue
• Poorly maintained or outdated equipment 
• Lack of proper safety equipment. 

When such catastrophes happen, you need an oilfield injury attorney to help you. Here at The Carlson Law Firm, we can help. 

What should I do if I’m injured in an oilfield?

If you have been injured as an oilfield worker, it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney. However, keep these next steps in mind to make sure you place yourself in the best position that you could place yourself in. 

Get medical care

If you have an accident in an oilfield, your employer will most likely advise you to visit the company’s doctor. However, if you feel as if the company’s doctor is attempting to minimize the extent of your injuries, you could obtain a second opinion from another doctor outside of the company. 

In addition, don’t feel pressured to return to work before you’ve had the chance to recover from your injuries. If you do, you could risk making things worse. Instead, get the treatment necessary to be able to recuperate completely and return to work safely. 

Notify your supervisor

Your supervisor must be informed about your injuries to prevent any further potential hazards to other employees. When you notify your employer, make sure to document these details:

• Date and time of notification
• Who you notified, and 
• Your employer’s response to the notification

You typically have a limited amount of time to notify your employer of the incident. Keeping this in mind is in your best interest to report the incident as soon as possible. Complete an incident report, providing the facts of your accident to your employer in the most honest and descriptive way possible. If your employer comes off hostile or makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to contact one of our oilfield injury attorneys for advice.  

Document your evidence

If you experienced an oilfield injury, you should document evidence if you want to help strengthen your case. It is important to keep forms evidence for when you meet when an attorney. Having this type of evidence will help the value of your case. Some forms of evidence you should document are:

• Photos of the scene where you injured, even if it was cleaned up
• Document your own recollection of the incident, being as honest and clear of what happened
• Write down the names of witnesses and contact information
• Ask the witnesses what they saw
• Save any evidence that you have, such as the clothing you were wearing when you were injured. 

Contact an oilfield injury attorney

Once you have completed all the other steps above, you may want to contact an oilfield injury attorney. If you or a loved one experienced injuries or were tragically killed in an oilfield accident, contact our office today. The company and the team of lawyers will try their best to pay you the least amount and avoid responsibility. 

If you don’t contact an oilfield injury attorney, the company and insurance company may:

• Diminish the injuries you sustained
• Deny responsibility or blame you for the accident 
• Lose or discard any evidence that you may have given them that could prove that the company was at fault. 
• Do anything else that can possibly avoid responsibility and limit your ability to receive the right amount of compensation that you deserve. 

What are some forms of compensation an oilfield injury attorney can get you?

It is important to keep in mind that Texas has a statute of limitations of two years, starting the day you suffered your injuries. Oilfield injury cases are complicated and are best navigated with an oilfield injury attorney. Our oilfield injury attorneys can help you seek these compensations depending on the facts of your case:

• Medical Bills 
• Any lost wages from lost time at work
• Pain and suffering 
• Physical Therapy and rehabilitation
• Surgery expenses
• Other related expenses

Here at The Carlson Law Firm, we offer free consultations. Please take the opportunity to discuss your legal options with one of our oilfield injury attorneys. 

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or was tragically killed in an oilfield accident, contact our office today for a free consultation. At The Carlson Law Firm, our oilfield injury attorney may help you with: 

• Calculating the extent of your injuries
• Determining whether you have a workers’ compensation claim, third-party liability claim, or both
• Determining the cause of your accident and proving negligence
• Negotiate with the insurer

 We can help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.