Oilfield Lawsuits

Oilfield accidents can be catastrophic. If you’re injured on an oil rig or similar vessel, our oilfield injury lawyers can help. Here’s what you should know about filing a claim.

How Oilfield Accidents Happen

An oilfield accident can occur for many reasons. The types of accidents commonly experienced include:

• equipment malfunction
• explosions
• falling equipment
• fires
• gas leakes
• slips and falls

If you’re injured at an oilfield, whether your employer is responsible or not, you need a free consultation with our Houston oilfield injury lawyer to discuss your rights.

Oilfield Accident Injuries

Oilfield accident cases vary in severity in terms of the injuries sustained. However, common injuries include:

• back, neck, and spine injuries
• bone fractures
• burns and lacerations
• head trauma
• nerve injuries
• soft tissue damage

In severe cases, oilfield accidents may cause death or catastrophic injury e.g. limb loss.

Filing an Oilfield Accident Lawsuit

Oilfield accidents are unique in the sense that they quite often involve third parties. Oilfield sites usually have several companies working together at the same time. For example, there is usually a general contractor and several subcontractors at an oilfield work site. It is not unusual for an employee of one contractor to be injured by the negligence of an employee of another contractor.

Oilfield accidents generally involve Workers’ Compensation law, strict products liability, Jones Act and traditional principles of negligence. If you are injured on an oilfield work site, you should immediately contact a Houston oilfield accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. This is an area of the law that is very complex and requires careful analysis of the facts and law by an experienced oilfield injury attorney.

How Oilfield Workers Can Make Oilfield Accident Claims

You will often need evidence to support your claim, such as medical bills, proof of injury, and proof of lost wages. But if you were injured on a moveable vessel, you may have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act.

For purposes of the Jones Act, “moveable” vessels include offshore drilling rigs. If the rig is moveable, e.g. it floats from hole to hole, it’s considered a vessel. You may have rights against your employer if you’re injured on a moveable vessel such as:

• barges
• drill ships
• jack-ups
• semis

If you have a claim, your employer will be responsible for paying your medical bills and paying you a small daily allowance during the time you are injured. Contact us to discuss your case with an oilfield injury attorney.

Damages for Oilfield Accidents in Houston

If your employer is to blame for your injuries, or a vessel defect caused the accident, then you can claim damages for the harm done.

The damages available vary depending on, for example, the injuries you have and how severe they are. In general terms, you can claim for:

• disfigurement
• long-term care support
• loss of capacity
• medical bills
• mental anguish
• pain and suffering
• past and future economic loss
• rehabilitation

Other damages may be available according to maritime law – an oilfield injury lawyer in Houston can advise you what compensation is recoverable.

In some cases, it may also be appropriate to sue third parties. The Texas Workers’ Comp bar does not prevent an injured employee from suing third parties that are responsible for their injuries. This also includes manufacturers of products that are defective.

How an Oilfield Injury Lawyer Can Help

Oilfield accident claims can be complex. At the Alexander Law Firm, we will do everything we can to simplify the process and have your claim resolved as soon as possible.

• We provide free initial consultations with an oilfield accident attorney to determine if you have a case.
• We review the evidence and gather all the information we need to support your claim.
• While you focus on recovery, we handle the claim negotiations on your behalf.
• If a settlement offer is forthcoming, we will advise you if it’s fair. If not, we’ll advise you what options you have.
• Where necessary, we will take your case to trial to ensure you get fair damages for your injuries.

No matter what type of injuries you have, we are waiting and ready to support you through the claims process.

Call a Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyer Today

For over 20 years, Attorney Greg Alexander has been helping personal injury victims in Greater Houston and the surrounding areas get the justice they deserve. He understands how oilfield accident claims work and he will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure a fair result. Whether your case settles out of court or we need to go all the way to trial, Attorney Greg Alexander is with you every step of the way.

At the Alexander Law Firm, initial consultations are free. You owe it to yourself to know your rights! If you or a loved one has been injured at an oilfield site, please call 1-800-350-5110 then press 0 to speak with one of our Corpus Christi oilfield accident lawyers