Houston Legal News

Legal Options for Houston Oil Field Workers Injured on the Job

Improper Training Can Lead to Oil Refinery Accidents

Refineries are an important part of the energy production industry in Texas. However, not all refineries have safe operating procedures in place. Refinery accidents are known to cause catastrophic injuries, but they can be prevented when employees receive proper training.  These facilities are liable for ensuring that all employees have a full understanding of the equipment they use, the chemicals they are handling, and the potential hazards of combustion on the job site.  Refiners can reduce the risks of accidents and worker [...]

Who Is Liable in a Texas Trucking Accident?

Texas Oil Truck Accidents

Liability & Truck Accidents Oil and gas drilling is a massive industry in Texas which brings with it a greater number of trucks on the state’s roadways. In order to reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries caused by crashes involving trucks and smaller passenger cars, trucking companies and their drivers are required to adhere to a set of state and federal regulations, including:  Trucking companies are required to hire qualified truck drivers and provide them with adequate training Drivers are [...]

The 5 Most Common Oil & Gas Injuries

The 5 Most Common Oil & Gas Injuries

Slip & Falls Slip and falls are the leading workplace accident internationally, but working with oil can greatly increase the chances of suffering a slip and fall injury on the job. Oil is a significant slip-hazard because its molecules slide on top of one another with little to no friction. This makes the oil very runny and slippery, regardless of the surface it is on. Dirt, concrete, grass, and other terrains can be unable to make oil spills a non-slipping [...]

Houston Oilfield Accidents Due to Defective Equipment

Is Workers’ Comp the Only Option After an Oilfield Accident?

Long hours, exhausting and demanding work in extreme heat, large and dangerous machinery. Highly combustible and toxic chemicals. These are just some of the risks faced by oilfield workers on a daily basis. They are hazards that make oil and gas extraction one of the most dangerous industries in the country. In fact, the oil and gas industry has the highest rate of catastrophic workplace injuries per worker, according to statistics from the U.S. government.  With the exception of those [...]

What Can a Houston Oil Field Injury Attorney Do for Me?

The Dangers of Oil Rig Falls

Dealing with the Aftermath of an Oil Rig Accident Workers laboring on an oil and gas drilling or exploration site find themselves performing many tasks — often from elevated heights. Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the oil and gas industry. If the owner or operator of the site fails to take proper measures to provide for worker safety, they can be placed in danger of suffering serious injuries due to a fall from a rig [...]

Legal Options for Houston Oil Field Workers Injured on the Job

Offshore Explosion Accidents in Houston

There are very few things about working on an offshore oil rig that isn’t hazardous. More than the fact that riggers are working in excessively deep water in comparative solitude, these workers are also handling heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and many other potential dangers. There are many things that can and do go wrong, but one of the largest dangers faced by workers is the risk of offshore explosions on oil rigs.  Many people remember the accident that happened five [...]

The Risks of Dangerous Oil Rig Falls

The Risks of Dangerous Oil Rig Falls

Drilling gigs can lead to serious falls. These accidents don’t often result in dramatic headlines like pipeline explosions or gas leaks, but slip and falls from an oil rig or off a platform can still result in very serious injuries and even death. These injuries can sometimes be temporary, but in serious cases, permanent. Regardless, dangerous falls from oil rigs can potentially be prevented if employers take necessary safety measures.  We Know How to Handle Dangerous Fall Cases The founder of [...]

Common Injuries in the Oil & Gas Industry

Common Injuries in the Oil & Gas Industry

In the oil and gas extraction industry, transportation accidents are the leading cause of deadly workplace injuries. In 2011, these accidents were responsible for nearly 50 percent of the industry’s workplace fatalities. The next most common accident involves workers being struck by an object or piece of equipment, accounting for 26 fatalities in 2011. Fires and explosions resulted in another 12 deaths that same year.  The leading non-fatal injuries in the oil industry include: Lacerations Fractures and broken bones Burns Internal or external chemical [...]

The Facts Behind Texas Oilfield Accident Settlements

The Facts Behind Texas Oilfield Accident Settlements

The laws governing oilfield accidents are complicated, and these accidents have a reputation for being extremely dangerous. Major players in the industry will try to argue that their oilfield is dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about oilfield accidents and the injuries that result from them.  OSHA, Claims, & Oilfield Safety OSHA is the agency that regulates and penalizes oil companies that cause accidents and injuries. In many cases, OSHA doesn’t work in the interest of the injured employee. The [...]

Can I Sue for Workplace Injuries After an Oilfield Accident?

Who Is at Fault After an Oilfield Accident?

After suffering injuries while working on an oil rig, there are some possible options regarding financial compensation for your losses. Workers usually will file a claim for workers’ compensation after an on-the-job accident. In Texas, workers comp provides benefits that can cover your medical costs and some of your lost income.  What If My Employer Doesn’t Carry Workers’ Comp Coverage? Employers in Texas are not mandated to provide workers’ comp. If your oil and gas employer lacks worker’s comp coverage, then [...]