In 2010, 11 men lost their lives in the Gulf of Mexico due to an oil spill and explosion. Ever since then, the oil field industry has been considered to be one of the most dangerous.
Fatigue from long hours can cause transportation mishaps and create a hazardous environment overall. All it takes is a single slip-up from your employer to put you in serious danger.
The question is, will you have a case if worse comes to worst? What should you even do if you’re part of an accident? Keep reading to learn the answer to these questions and more.
What Causes an Oil Field Accident?
Those who work in the oil field industry are likely to encounter transportation mishaps. Fatigue from working long hours and poor road conditions are a deadly combination.
Drilling causes exposure to dangerous gases. All it takes is a small oil spill or spark to cause an explosion.
Confined spaces leave workers vulnerable to dangerous chemicals. Breathing them in can lead to long-term medical issues.
On top of gases and chemicals, there are also numerous electrical hazards on the job site.
What Do You Do After an Accident?
Proper training can reduce the chance of a worker being injured on the job, but accidents do happen.
If you’re involved in a mishap, you’ll need to check yourself for injuries and get yourself to safety as soon as possible. From there, it’s a matter of contacting the authorities and getting in touch with a lawyer.
Check Yourself for Injuries
After an accident, your health and safety are of the utmost importance. Look yourself over for injuries. If you don’t seem to be in any immediate danger, check on the other victims.
Even if you don’t have any open wounds or burns, you should still seek medical attention. You may have life-threatening internal injuries that you couldn’t possibly diagnose yourself.
Going to the doctor will also give you physical records that you can use if you decide to file a claim.
Get Yourself to Safety
If you’re able to move without straining your wounds, get off the oil rig. Many accidents can cause a domino effect that will lead to further danger.
As you leave, try to evacuate as many people as you can. Everyone needs to know about the possible hazard.
Call the Authorities
Once you get to a safe area, contact the authorities. If you need to go straight to the hospital, ask a supervisor or co-worker to do it for you.
The police will make a report, document the scene, and talk to any witnesses that can be helpful when filing a claim.
Take Pictures of the Scene
Even though the police will document the scene when they make their report, it never hurts to have a second account. If you’re physically able, take pictures and video of the scene yourself.
Get contact information from the other people involved in the accident, and gather any other evidence that you think might be beneficial.
Get in Touch With an Attorney
No matter what, don’t sign any paperwork from the oil rig company or make a formal statement until you get the chance to talk to a lawyer. While you can represent yourself, it’s not the best idea.
An oil field injury lawyer can help you fill out any legal paperwork. Thanks to their industry expertise, they can prevent you from accepting an unfair settlement.
What If Your Boss Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance?
Texas employers aren’t required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. That doesn’t mean non-subscribers are above the law. They have to adhere to strict disclosure terms.
While your employer might not be required to pay for your lost wages and medical injuries, you still have options. An experienced attorney can tell you what kind of settlement you can get.
Do You Have a Case in the Event of Retaliation?
You saw your supervisor do something that could directly lead to an accident. Not wanting anyone to get hurt, you decide to report it. A few weeks later, your employer lets you go.
This is an example of wrongful termination. Employers can’t retaliate against workers for reporting hazards. Contact a lawyer to make a claim as soon as possible.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available?
If you’re injured on the job, you can sue your employer for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future hospital bills.
If you’ve lost a relative and primary income source due to an oil rig accident, you can get the compensation you need to cover your household bills.
How Long Will the Legal Process Take?
The length of the legal process can vary depending on your situation. If your injuries and the nature of the accident aren’t too complicated, you could see your settlement after a year.
The more serious the situation, the more research your attorney will need to do. It might take them a while to gather the evidence they need to close your case.
Get Compensation for Your Oil Field Accident
With the number of oil field accidents that happen every year, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you’ll need to seek out medical attention right away to access your injuries and get the documentation you need for filing a claim.
Depending on the complexity of the situation, you should receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages within a year. If you’re ready to get started on the process, contact us for a free case evaluation.
