Can I Sue for Workplace Injuries After an Oilfield Accident?
When a worker is injured after a Texas oilfield accident, he or she is entitled to seek financial compensation. The majority of oilfield workers in the state can obtain compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim. This will allow the injured worker to obtain money for medical costs and a portion of their lost income quickly without having to prove liability, but these benefits are often not enough to fulfill the full extent of the resulting damages. This means that a Texas oilfield worker should understand their legal options and the process of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Most Common Types of Oilfield Accidents
In Texas, all oil and gas companies are required to provide a safe workspace for oilfield workers. However, accidents still happen. There are more than 170,600 people working in the Texas oil and gas industry, meaning that workplace safety is more important than ever. The most common types of oilfield accidents include:
- Heavy equipment failures
- Fires and explosions
- Well blowouts
- Fracking accidents
- Truck and vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Entrapment
- Hydrogen sulfide poisoning
- Collapsing rigs
- Electrocution
Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries Suffered from a Texas Oilfield Accident
If you are the victim of an oilfield accident, you need to know your legal rights. For example, if you collect workers’ compensation benefits after the accident, you are unable to pursue a lawsuit against your employer. However, there are some situations where filing a lawsuit is still appropriate.
For instance, many employers in Texas do not have workers’ comp insurance. If this is the case at your employer, then you can pursue a lawsuit to recover damages. When you pursue a claim, you need to establish that your employer or another employee’s negligence caused the accident. If you were responsible for your injuries, then you are unable to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or company.
Lastly, you are entitled to sue a third party that is responsible for the oilfield accident that caused your injuries, even if you collect workers’ compensation. Some potential third parties you may sue after an oilfield accident include:
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Landowners
- Oil rig owners
- Oil rig manufacturers
- Trucking companies
- Shipping companies
Because oilfield accidents can be so complicated, it is crucial that you hire a qualified Houston oilfield accident attorney immediately.
Oilfield Accidents in Houston
Texas has the highest rate of fatal oil and gas accidents in the country, with more oilfield deaths than any other state. Connolly Law is here to provide you with help when you need it most. Kevin J. Connolly at Connolly Law believes in giving back to the community, and our legal team is here to help injured parties recover after being injured due to the negligence of a big oil company. Our team of Houston oil rig accident attorneys is here to fight for your legal rights. Give us a call today at 877-CONNLAW to see how we can help.
