Oil Field Accidents

aerial view of a drill rig with two workers below installing piping

The roughnecks in Oklahoma’s oil fields are some of the hardest-working people in the United States. These brave individuals work some of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100 people were killed in oilfield accidents in a single recent year.

Suppose you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, such as an Oklahoma oil field explosion, a motor vehicle accident on the way to your work site, or any other kind of accident while working on an Oklahoma oil field. In that case, you need the help of the experienced oilfield injury lawyers at Cain Law. Call the oil rig injury lawyers at Cain Law immediately to find out how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Oilfield Accidents

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), common types of accidents oil and gas workers are involved in include the following:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Struck by, caught in, or caught between accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Slip and fall and fall from height accidents
  • Confined space accidents
  • Ergonomic hazards
  • High-pressure line accidents
  • Electrical accidents
  • Machine hazards

Motor vehicle accidents are the single most common type of oilfield accident, accounting for four out of every ten on-the-job fatalities in the oil and gas industry. Struck by, caught in, and caught between accidents are the second most common type, causing three out of every five fatalities.

Common Causes of Oklahoma Oilfield Accidents

According to OSHA, one of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents in the oil industry is the remote location of many oilfields. Workers spend many hours at work and must then drive long distances across remote areas where there is little enforcement of traffic regulations. Drivers may be fatigued, driving too fast, and distracted by mobile phones or other distractions. The result is a significantly increased risk of serious or fatal motor vehicle crashes.

Struck by, caught in, and caught between accidents are often caused by failure to follow OSHA regulations and safety protocols. Slip and fall accidents are often a result of inadequate training and safety gear, as are accidents involving falling objects. Oil companies may fail to protect workers with hard hats, safety glasses, fall protection equipment, and other safety devices. Chemical exposure can also lead to severe injuries when oil and gas workers come into contact with crude oil, toxic chemicals, and other harmful substances. They may suffer respiratory issues, burn injuries, eye injuries, and other serious injuries due to this exposure.

A blowout is one of the most dangerous oilfield accidents. A blowout happens when the pressure control system fails, and oil is released suddenly from the well. A blowout can happen because of a pressure imbalance or a buildup of formation fluids in the wellbore. If the oil gushing out of a blowout comes in contact with an open flame, the result can be a catastrophic explosion. Modern oil wells have blowout preventers installed, but a blowout can still occur if a blowout preventer has a manufacturing defect or is not adequately maintained.

Oilfield accidents often have multiple causes, including:

  • Long work hours
  • Lack of sleep
  • Lack of training
  • Lack of supervision
  • Lack of personal protective equipment
  • Inadequate maintenance
  • Harsh weather conditions
  • Failure to clean up spills and other hazards

Because of the dangerous nature of the oil production business, strict adherence to safety measures is necessary to protect workers.

Who Is Responsible for Oilfield Accidents?

Several different parties can be responsible for an oilfield accident, including:

  • The employer
  • The manufacturer of defective equipment
  • Third-party contractors
  • The company responsible for maintaining the equipment
  • Property owners

Accidents on the job are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which covers a portion of your lost wages and all reasonable and necessary medical care in exchange for your agreement not to sue your employer. However, other parties may also be liable for your injuries, which can allow you to seek maximum compensation following devastating injuries. You must act quickly after an accident and speak to a personal injury attorney with legal experience in this arena. Cain Law offers a free case evaluation to discuss your case and legal rights. Contact us today to learn more.

What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After an Oilfield Accident?

According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, workers’ compensation can provide coverage for:

  • Lifetime medical care for necessary treatment for compensable injuries
  • Disability benefits for a set period
  • Funeral expenses
  • Death benefits

The key to understanding oil rig injury claims and rights is knowing that you may have more than one means of obtaining compensation for a work-related injury. If you’re an employee, workers’ compensation provided by your employer should cover your injuries. However, multiple companies often work at the same oilfield due to the frequent use of contractors and subcontractors, so oil rig injuries can also involve third parties.

If you were injured by someone other than your employer, you may be entitled to compensation from them.

Potential causes of a third-party personal injury claim include:

  • Drivers speeding to or from a worksite
  • Defective safety equipment
  • Defective machinery
  • A property owner’s or contractor’s failure to clean up a spill or another fall hazard
  • Violations of safety regulations

Through a third-party claim, you can seek full compensation for your injuries, including for pain and suffering, the full amount of your lost income, and any resulting permanent disabilities and impairments.

To hold a third party liable for your injuries, you can file a personal injury claim and seek the help of an oilfield accident attorney. Your attorney can determine whether you have any potential third-party claims.

Contact the Experienced Oilfield Injury Lawyers at Cain Law for a Free Consultation

In pain? Call Cain!

Cain Law is a firm of oilfield accident lawyers serving Oklahoma City. We have won over $100 million for our clients here in Oklahoma. We take pride in being a local Oklahoma law firm. We have extensive experience with the law and the court system in Oklahoma. You should always verify that you are working with a local law firm, as your lawyer’s experience with the local courts and laws can make a difference in your case.

If you were injured in an oilfield accident in Oklahoma, don’t delay. Call the oilfield injury attorneys at Cain Law immediately.