Working in the oil and gas industry can be a dangerous job. With long hours, heavy equipment, and complex processes, it's no wonder that accidents happen. Unfortunately, when these accidents occur, oilfield workers often find themselves with life-changing injuries or worse. In situations like this, knowing your rights as an oilfield worker is essential.
In this blog, we'll explore the various injuries that oilfield workers can bring a lawsuit over, including equipment defects, fire/explosions, slip and fall accidents, truck accidents, confined space accidents, and other freak accidents.
1. Equipment Defects
Oilfield workers use a lot of powerful and potentially dangerous machinery. Unfortunately, these pieces of equipment can sometimes have manufacturing or design defects that lead to severe injury or even death. As an oilfield worker, if you're injured due to equipment failure, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment, depending on the circumstances.
2. Fire/Explosions
Oilfield workers often work with flammable materials and operate equipment that can quickly spark a fire or explosion if not correctly maintained. If you're injured in a fire or explosion on the job, you may be eligible for compensation from the party responsible for the unsafe conditions leading to the accident. In some cases, this may be the oil and gas company you work for, while in others, it could be a product manufacturer or third-party contractor.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents
The oil and gas industry often requires workers to operate on unstable or uneven surfaces both indoors and outdoors. Slip and fall accidents can result from improperly maintained surfaces, spills, or physical obstacles. If you're injured in a slip-and-fall accident on the job, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer or a third party who was responsible for maintaining the surface where the accident occurred.
4. Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a common occurrence in the oil and gas industry. Semi-trucks, flatbeds, and other heavy equipment vehicles are regularly used to transport equipment and materials in high-traffic areas. Injuries sustained in a truck accident can often be severe and life-threatening. If you're involved in a truck accident on the job, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver, trucking company, or the company responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle.
5. Confined Space Accidents
Workers in the oil and gas industry often have to work in confined spaces due to the nature of the job. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to severe accidents, including explosions or hazardous material exposure. Suppose you're injured in a confined space accident while working in the oilfield. In that case, you may be eligible for compensation under certain state and federal laws, including worker's compensation, the Jones Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
6. Other Type Of Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Even with the most strict safety protocols, things can go wrong. If you're injured in a "freak" accident while working in the oilfield, knowing your rights is essential. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the party(s) responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to the accident.
Oilfield Injury Attorneys in Bryan, TX
Working in the oil and gas industry can be challenging, but it shouldn't have to be dangerous. Understanding your rights as an oilfield worker can provide security, knowing that options are available in case of an accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in an oilfield accident, don't hesitate to contact The Payne Law Group at (979) 300-7406 today.
