Texas is renowned for its rich natural resources, in particular its abundance of crude oil and natural gas. Oil is even occasionally referred to humorously as “Texas Tea.” It is unsurprising then that so many hard-working Texas families rely on the oil industry to make their livings. However, unfortunately given the dangerous nature of oilfield work that also means that oilfield injuries and accidents are almost inevitable. The effects of such accidents are often numerous and extreme. If you or a family member has suffered an oilfield injury it is imperative that you protect your legal rights and fight for fair and equitable compensation for injuries. Oilfield accident attorneys, such as those at Dies & Parkhurst, can help.
The Dangers of Oilfield Work
There can never be a justifiable excuse for an unsafe working environment. However, some workplaces are naturally more fraught with danger than others, and unfortunately for oilfield workers theirs is near the top of the list when it comes to dangerous work settings. Oil and gas recovery require a considerable array of very large, heavy equipment, as well as massive machinery to move it. Oilfields are also home to volatile, corrosive, flammable, and even explosive substances which, if mishandled, can lead to catastrophic accidents, severe injuries, or even fatalities. Some common types of oilfield injuries include the following:
- Severe burns
- Crushed limbs
- Full or partial disabilities
- Symptoms of toxic exposure
- Emotional or psychological trauma
- Dysfunction of bodily systems
- Death
Factors That Contribute to Oilfield Injuries
No two accidents are ever exactly the same because the people involved and the circumstances leading up to the accident will always be different. However, there are known factors that often contribute to oilfield accidents and which may also worsen the effects of the resulting oilfield injuries. Some of those common contributing factors include the following:
- Disregard for federal, state, or local safety regulations
- Incorrect or improper use of oilfield equipment
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Inadequate worker training
- Limited or lacking supervision
- Failure to perform safety checks
- Tired or overworked employees
- Negligent hiring practices
- Excessive production pressures
- Improper response to emergency situations
Many of these potential problems are being exacerbated due to the strong resurgence of the oil and gas industry. As new, sometimes dangerous technologies have increased oil and gas recovery capabilities and efficiency the oil and gas industry has had to scramble to keep up. This has in many cases resulted in such a large need for workers that many unqualified people are being hired and retained despite red flags such as drug or alcohol abuse or a known history of safety violations. Likewise some companies may be too eager to get the new workers out in the fields and not eager enough to spend the time and resources it takes to thoroughly train them.
The Consequences of Oilfield Injuries
Regardless of the reason for an oilfield accident there is no denying the devastating ramifications that often follow one. For many oilfield accident victims their lives are forever changed by their nightmarish experiences. Some victims are permanently disabled while others will require painful, invasive surgeries and intensive rehabilitation to regain the mobility and function that was lost in the accident. Just about all injury victims will experience some degree of diminished quality of life and for many of the most severely hurt they will also be forced to endure psychological trauma and emotional suffering. High medical expenses from prolonged stays in the hospital, expensive surgeries, and costly treatment plans are almost of fact of life by this point.
Compounding this terrible situation is the fact that the oilfield industry requires its workers to be more physically involved and active than most other occupations. This means that accident victims are very often incapable of returning to their jobs. Worse, for many victims their families were already stretched thin financially to begin with and the loss of income due to an accident can easily plunge them into poverty.
Dies & Parkhurst Helps Oilfield Injury Victims
Dies & Parkhurst understands how vulnerable oilfield workers and their families are after they have suffered a devastating injury. We know that full, fair compensation for this tragedy is not just about justice, but far too often it is about simple survival. Our experience in oilfield litigation and our steadfast commitment to helping oilfield injury victims will ensure that our clients receive the financial relief they need to begin on the long road toward recovery. Please contact us for a consultation so that we can discuss the specifics of your case and advise you on your legal rights.
