Oil and gas drilling is big business in Texas – and Tarrant County is no exception. There are currently 6515 active oil and gas wells in Tarrant County, most of which can be found right here in Fort Worth. The Texas Railroad Commission accounted for over 165,000 producing oil wells in Texas and 86,000 gas wells. Midland is, by far, the county that produces the most crude oil in Texas and the second-highest total gas-producing county, coming in behind Reeves County.

Unfortunately, more wells mean more on-site accidents. Oil and gas workers are exposed to inherently hazardous work environments, including long hours, dangerous machinery, and hazardous chemicals. Oftentimes, oil and gas companies are more concerned about profits than workers’ safety, leaving employees or their families in devastating predicaments after a serious accident or death.

If you have been injured or a loved one was killed while working on an oil or gas site in North Texas, call our oil and gas accident attorneys as soon as possible. At Varghese Summersett, we will thoroughly investigate the accident, determine everyone who is responsible, and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible. In this article, our Fort Worth oil and gas field injury lawyers will explain oil and gas field injuries, the process for recovering compensation, and how our law firm can help. We work on contingency, which means you won’t pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket. We get paid only after we recover compensation for you.

Why are Oil and Gas Drilling Sites So Dangerous?

Workers in the oil and gas industry face unique risks daily, and when accidents occur, the consequences can be devastating. Here’s a look at why oil and gas sites are so dangerous for workers.

Heavy Machinery: The equipment used at oil and gas sites is often large and complex, including drilling rigs, pumps and compressors, cranes and hoists, monitoring equipment, and trucks and transportation vehicles. Accidents can occur due to equipment failure, improper use, and lack of proper training.

Highly Flammable and Toxic Materials: Oil and gas sites often contain highly flammable and toxic materials, such as natural gas, crude oil, and hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to these materials can lead to fires, explosions, and health issues such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches.

Working at Heights: Workers at oil and gas sites may need to work at heights, such as on drilling rigs or elevated platforms, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Exposure to Extreme Weather: Oil and gas sites are often located in remote areas with harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, high winds, and heavy rain or snow. Exposure to these conditions can increase the risk of heatstroke, hypothermia, and other weather-related injuries.

Transportation Risks: Workers at oil and gas sites may need to drive long distances to reach the job site, often in remote areas with limited access to emergency services. Transportation accidents can occur due to fatigue, poor road conditions, and other factors.

Overall, working at oil and gas sites requires proper safety training, equipment, and procedures to mitigate the risks and ensure worker safety. When the proper protocols are not followed, workers can become seriously injured or even lose their lives. That’s where the Fort Worth oil and gas injury lawyers at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group step in.

Who Bears Responsibility for Oil and Gas Site Accidents?

In Texas, employees are generally unable to file a lawsuit against their employer for workplace injuries if they are covered by worker’s compensation. However, a number of third-party claims can arise out of oil and gas field accidents due to negligence. These parties could include:

Contractors and Subcontractors

Contractors and subcontractors are responsible for ensuring that employees adhere to safety standards and proper procedures. Negligence on their part could lead to liability for accidents and injuries.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of equipment and machinery used in the oil and gas industry can be held responsible if a defect in their product causes an accident.

Property Owners

Oil and gas field owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their property. They may be held liable if their negligence contributes to an accident.

Oil and Gas Companies

Oil and gas companies may be held liable for negligence in the exploration, extraction, processing, transportation, or storage of materials.

What is the Diagnosis and Treatment of Oil and Gas Field Accident Injuries?

Receiving prompt and accurate medical care following an oil and gas field accident is crucial. Injured workers should seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, may be necessary to determine the extent of the injury, which then may require:

• Surgery: Injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or severe burns may require surgical intervention.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation and physical therapy may be necessary to help injured workers regain strength, mobility, and function.
• Medication: Pain management and other medications may be prescribed to address symptoms and facilitate recovery.
• Occupational therapy: Injured workers may need occupational therapy to relearn essential skills or adapt to new limitations.

How Can a Fort Worth Oil Field Injury Lawyer Help?

‘If you have been injured or a loved one was killed while working on an oil or gas site in North Texas due to an individual or corporation’s negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our Fort Worth oil and gas injury lawyers will:

1. Investigate the accident: A thorough investigation is crucial for identifying all responsible parties and gathering evidence to support your claim.
2. Document your treatment journey: We will make sure that all medical records and bills are properly documented so we can assess the full impact of your injuries.
3. Determine the value of your claim: Our lawyers can help evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
4. Negotiate with insurance companies: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex injury claims and dealing with insurance companies. We will aggressively negotiate on your behalf to see if a fair settlement can be reached.
5. Represent you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our Fort Worth oil field injury lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover for An Oil and Gas Injury Claim?

The types of compensation that can be recovered for an oil and gas injury claim can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In general, compensation can be divided into three main categories:

Economic Damages

These are damages that compensate the injured party for the financial losses they have suffered as a result of the injury. Economic damages may include:

• Medical expenses, including past and future costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy;
• Lost wages and future earning capacity;
• Property damage, such as damage to personal property or loss of use of property;
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury, such as travel expenses for medical appointments.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that compensate the injured party for non-financial losses, such as  pain and suffering,  emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

These are damages that are intended to punish the party responsible for the injury and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases of extreme misconduct, such as intentional harm or gross negligence.

If you have been injured in an oil and gas accident or a loved one has been killed, an experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand the types of compensation available.

What Must be Proven to Win an Oil and Gas Injury Lawsuit in Texas?

To win a claim or lawsuit for an oil and gas injury, you must prove that the individual or corporation responsible for your injury was negligent. Negligence is defined as a failure to use reasonable care to prevent harm to another person. To prove negligence in an oil and gas injury case, you generally need to prove the following elements:

Duty of Care

You must establish that the party responsible for your injury, such as an oil and gas company or a third-party, owed you a duty of care. This means that they had a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety while you were on their property or involved in their operations.

Breach of Duty

You must show that the party responsible for your injury breached their duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent your injury. This could include failing to properly maintain equipment, failing to provide adequate training or supervision, or failing to follow safety regulations.

Causation

You must establish that the breach of duty was the direct cause of your injury. This means that your injury would not have occurred if the party responsible had fulfilled their duty of care.

Damages

You must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s important to gather and present evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements, medical records, and documentation of the accident scene. An experienced personal injury will gather evidence, build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

How Long Do You Have to File an Oil and Gas Injury Claim in Texas?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit for damages. Waiting too long could result in missing out on the compensation you deserve, so it’s important to contact a Fort Worth oil and gas injury lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Varghese Summersett offer free consultations, so there is no risk in discussing your claim with us. We will review your case and help you determine the best way to move forward. Contact us today at 817-297-4878 to learn more.

 How Much Will a Fort Worth Oil and Gas Injury Lawyer Cost?

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we understand that you may be worried about the cost of a lawyer. That’s why our Fort Worth oil and gas injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs and you only pay us if we negotiate a settlement or win a judgment for you. We also offer free consultations which means you will never pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket.

FAQs About Fort Worth Oil and Gas Injury Claims

Speak to a Fort Worth Oil and Gas Injury Lawyer Today.

With countless oil and gas operations throughout the Fort Worth area, accidents, injuries, and death are sadly all too common. Our team has the knowledge, expertise and resources to navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact our Fort Worth oil and gas injury today lawyers at 817-297-4878 (HURT) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve so you can begin to move forward with your life.