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 burns
- Whiplash or other neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
Oil Industry Accidents & Injury Statistics
The oil and gas field is the fastest-growing industry in the country. With the increasing number of workers comes increased risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the oil and gas extraction industries are responsible for around 70% of all mining industry deaths. Of 155 deadly occupational injuries in 2011, 112 came from the oil and gas industries.
The oil and gas industry in Texas employed 225,496 workers in 2011. Not only did the state have the highest number of employees working in the field, but Texas also experienced the most workplace fatalities in the oil and gas industry. That same year, the oil and gas industry experienced 12,500 non-fatal accidents.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Oilfield Accident Injuries?
The majority of oil industry workers injured on the job will be able to seek benefits by filing a claim with their employers’ workers comp insurance. Workers’ comp benefits cover medical treatments, rehabilitation, and even a portion of your income. Those injured on oil rigs will probably qualify for additional compensation, especially in cases where the injuries were the result fo another’s negligence. Families who have lost a loved one in an oilfield accident are also eligible to recover lost compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
As a worker, you have a legal right to recover lost compensation if you’re injured while on the job, particularly if you work in a high-risk profession like the oil industry. In many situations, a third party can be held responsible for negligence, and there are often other avenues available for compensation beyond workers’ comp benefits.
Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Those injured in the oilfield are often at risk of suffering from severe injuries compared to those working in other industries due to the dangers of the job. The dangers of their jobs leave them extremely vulnerable. Those injured in an oilfield accident need to partner up with a law firm that has experience handling these types of cases.
Kevin J. Connolly at Connolly Law believes in giving back to the community and helping injured parties recover after being injured due to the negligence of a big oil company. Our team of Houston oilfield injury lawyers is here to fight for you. Contact us today at (832) 767-3568 to see how we can help.
