Texas is famous for its oil production. Whether you work on an off-shore rig or a land-based drilling station, oil drilling can be one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. If you or a loved one works on an oil rig, you face the risk of serious injuries from the heavy machinery, high oil pressure, and general work conditions. If you receive serious injuries from an oil drilling accident, you could face high medical expenses, lost wages, and serious pain and suffering.
Talk to an attorney today about your options for filing a lawsuit for your injuries. If you can sue your employer for injuries you sustained while drilling for oil, you may be able to recover high compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation on your case, call the Odessa oil drilling accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, at (817) 476-1797.
Oil Drilling Injuries
Oil rigs have numerous moving parts, high pressure oil, and potentially unsafe premises. All of these require intense focus and attention to avoid dangers. If you were poorly trained to perform your job, were not given adequate safety gear, or the machinery and drills were defective or poorly maintained, you could face catastrophic injuries during an accident.
Because of the many moving parts and pieces of machinery on an oil rig or other drilling platform, it is possible that one slip-up can cause serious injuries. The torque involved in many drills and other machines is often enough to crush or break bone if you get your sleeve or pantleg caught in the works. This can often cause so much destruction that it is common to lose fingers or limbs to the injury.
The pressure involved in many of the oil wells, pumps, and pipes on an oil rig is enough to cause serious injury if there is a malfunction. If oil pressure becomes too high, the devices may malfunction or catastrophically fail. The intense pressure is enough to knock a person off their feet, potentially causing serious head and brain injuries. If a piece of shrapnel or other item hits you, it can be more serious than a gunshot wound.
Lastly, the places oil drilling occurs are not well suited to safety. Especially on offshore drilling platforms, there are often narrow or high catwalks for workers to get around. If the surface is wet from rain or ocean spray, or slick with oil, you could easily slip and fall. This can cause serious injuries, especially if you fall into moving machinery.
Suing for Oil Drilling Accidents
If you were injured at work, you may be able to sue your employer for your injuries. In some cases, Texas law requires you to file a claim through workers’ compensation, but it is always important to talk to an attorney before filing any claims. Workers’ compensation may be able to cover some medical expenses, but often requires pre-approval for medical care. It may also cover your wages while you recover from your injuries, but it may do so at a reduced rate. Your employer may also require you to use their doctor of choice, rather than take your injuries to your own doctor. Talk to an attorney about whether you can file a lawsuit for your injuries, instead.
If you file a lawsuit, you may need to cover the initial costs of medical care and other expenses, but you sue to have any costs reimbursed. The compensation from a personal injury lawsuit can cover any and all medical expenses related to an accident, including emergency hospitalization, surgeries, imaging (e.g. X-Rays and MRIs), transportation, and rehabilitation/physical therapy. A lawsuit may also be able to cover your full wages while you are unable to work, not some fractional amount.
Lastly, you may be able to recover additional damages that workers’ compensation does not pay. First, this includes damages for pain and suffering. If your injuries are severe, your experience of pain and discomfort may be extremely high. This can be directly compensated in a lawsuit. Though it is difficult to put a price tag on your pain, a jury can award you as much money as they see fit, since Texas has no “cap” or legal limit to these damages.
You may also be able to sue for “punitive” or “exemplary” damages. If your employer’s actions were especially unsafe or illegal, you may be entitled to additional damages. The court will use these damages to punish or make an example of especially bad, repetitive, or illegal conduct on behalf of your employer.
Odessa Oil Worker Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured working on an oil rig, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Talk to an attorney today about filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to an oil rig accident, a wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate to help compensate you for your loss. For a free consultation with an Odessa oil worker injury lawyer, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. today. Our phone number is (817) 476-1797.