Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an oil field accident, hiring a lawyer who can support your case, ensure that your rights are protected, and guide you through the legal process is critical. This article will discuss why individuals need a lawyer for an oil field accident.
At Walker Texas Lawyer, we have the experience and expertise to handle even the most complex oilfield accident cases. We are committed to helping victims of oil rig accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Injured in an Oilfield Accident? Call Walker Texas Lawyer At 713-552-1117
Suppose you or a loved one were seriously injured or tragically killed in an oilfield accident. In that case, the company responsible may attempt to avoid responsibility and pay you as little as possible for your injuries.
Even when your employer says they will “take care” of you, this is not always the case. The insurance company is generally in charge of such matters, not your employer.
If you do not take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your future from the company, its insurers, and its team of lawyers, you can expect them to:
- Deny responsibility for the accident.
- Blame you for the oilfield accident.
- Evidence may become lost or discarded. This is important because it can help prove the roles involved in the oil rig injury.
- The insurance company will offer you a low settlement—compared to what your case would be worth with an experienced oilfield accident lawyer—for your injuries and losses.
- They may try to limit you to only workers’ compensation benefits. These are much smaller than the full amount of wages you lost and do not include any compensation for future medical expenses, pain, and suffering, impairment, or inability to work.
- You may be told you can only go to “company” and “workers comp” doctors.
- Your employment could be terminated at the first available opportunity. Typically this happens the minute you’ve lost your right to sue the company due to the statute of limitations.
Contact Walker Texas Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries from an oil field accident, you need a lawyer with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to represent your interests. Walker Texas Lawyer is a Persoanl Injury Lawyer committed to helping oil field accident victims and has a proven track record of achieving favorable client outcomes.
For a free consultation, contact us today at 713-552-1117. Let us use our experience and legal expertise to help you move forward and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries Sustained In Oil Feild Accidents
Oil rig accidents can cause workers to suffer a number of different injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Burns
- Ear Injuries
- Eye Injuries
- Fractured Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Wrongful Death
If you have sustained an injury on an oil rig in Texas or the Gulf of Mexico, Walker Texas Lawyer may be able to help you to recover compensation. Call us or fill out our online form to set up an initial consultation.
Across The United States, Oil Field Accidents And Explosions Are On The Rise
When it comes to severe and fatal injuries, the oil and gas industry has a higher rate of injury than any other industry in the country. From 2010 to 2020, onshore and offshore workers had a fatality rate seven times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers combined.
Unfortunately, workplace injuries and fatalities continue to increase as numerous safety laws and regulations created to protect workers and discourage owners and operators from placing profits over safety continue to be repealed.
What Should I do After an Oilfield Accident or Explosion?
- Stop working immediately
- Report your injury as soon as possible
- Demand immediate medical treatment at a doctor of your choice
- Do not give a formal statement, sign ANY paperwork, or accept any money from the company before speaking with an experienced oil field injury lawyer
Compensation Claims for Oil Rig Accidents
If you’ve suffered an oil rig injury at work in Texas, typically, you pursue compensation benefits under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act. However, navigating the complex legal system can be challenging, and it’s often best to have legal representation to protect your rights.
If you are injured offshore, you are not eligible to file an injury claim under this state law. You must instead fight for compensation under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation and Outer Continental Shelf Lands Acts.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job duties. In Texas, most employers are required to provide this compensation to their employees.
Workers’ compensation benefits can include:
- Medical expenses related to the injury or illness
- Wage replacement when the employee is unable to work
- Death benefits for the employee’s beneficiary in case of a fatal work-related injury or illness
In Texas, most employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance. Some exceptions exist, such as small businesses with fewer than three employees, some agricultural industries, and certain domestic workers.
Workers’ compensation covers any employee who suffers an injury while on the job or becomes ill due to their job duties, regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex and challenging, and it’s common for claims to be denied. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process. Some of the benefits of hiring a lawyer include:
- Knowledge of the workers’ compensation system and the law that governs it
- The ability to negotiate with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation
- Assistance in filing claims and appeals
- Advocacy in court, if necessary
The Longshore And Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- Play an important role in operating a vessel
- Have a direct and substantial connection to a vessel
- Spend more than 30 percent of their time aboard the vessel contributing to its operation
Although the Jones Act compensated for injuries on navigable waters, it did not include many maritime workers. President Calvin Coolidge signed the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act into law in 1927. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act ensures that employers compensate injured workers and their survivors. The LHWCA has the same goal as the Jones Act; it just covers a different group of workers. The key to the LHWCA is whom it covers. It covers maritime occupations such as harbor workers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, and longshore workers.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act was enacted by the United States Congress in 1953. The law grants the Secretary of the Interior jurisdiction over the OCS and provides for developing and producing natural resources on the shelf.
In addition to providing for resource development, the OCSLA protects workers engaged in activities on the outer continental shelf. The OCSLA delivers many of the same protections available to workers on the land, including provisions for worker safety and health and access to compensation and benefits.
Who is Covered by the OCSLA?
The OCSLA covers employees and contractors who work in exploring, developing, and producing minerals on the outer continental shelf. This includes employees of oil and gas companies, renewable energy providers, and other entities involved in resource extraction.
What Protections Does the OCSLA Provide?
The OCSLA provides many of the same protections that are available to workers on the land, including:
- Access to medical care for workplace injuries
- Access to benefits for long-term injuries and disabilities
- Protection against discrimination and retaliation for whistleblower activities
- Access to safety and health information
- Right to training and education about workplace hazards
Hire An Experienced Oilfield Accident Attorney
When an oil field accident occurs, hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help you in several ways, such as:
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
- Representing you in court
The Benefits of Hiring an Oil Rig Lawyer
If you have been involved in an oil field accident, it’s critical to hire a lawyer who can support your case, ensure that your rights are protected, and guide you through the legal process.
Experienced Legal Representation
Hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly improve your chances of obtaining favorable outcomes in your case. A qualified lawyer specializing in oil field accidents has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you navigate your case effectively. With Walker Texas Lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in experienced and capable hands.
Proven Results
When you hire an oil field accident lawyer with a proven track record of success, you can trust that they have achieved favorable outcomes for other clients. A lawyer’s success rate is essential when deciding whom to hire for your case. James Walker has fought and won numerous cases for those injured on oil rigs.
Handling Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after an oil field accident can be a challenge. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their objective is to pay out as little as possible. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers skilled at minimizing the compensation they offer.
A lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies and ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation for your injuries or damages. With a lawyer by your side, you can be confident that your case is handled effectively and your rights are protected.
Ability to Navigate Complex Lawsuits
Oil field accidents involve several legal issues, including negligence, product liability, wrongful death, and worker’s compensation claims. These legal issues can be complex, and navigating them without a lawyer’s expertise can be challenging.
A Personal Injury Lawyer can help you understand the legal issues involved in your case, interpret legal documents, and determine the best course of action for your situation. An experienced oil field accident lawyer can help you navigate complex lawsuits, so you can focus on your recovery and moving forward
Maximizing Your Compensation
A key benefit of hiring a lawyer for an oil field accident is that they can help you maximize your compensation. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can be confident that all potential sources of compensation will be explored, and you will receive fair and just compensation.
Walker Texas Lawyer Is A Trusted Oil Rig Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries from an oil field accident, you need a lawyer with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to represent your interests. Walker Texas Lawyer is committed to helping oil field accident victims and has a proven track record of achieving favorable client outcomes.
For a free consultation, contact us today at 713-552-1117. Let us use our experience and legal expertise to help you move forward and obtain the compensation you deserve.
