Texas oil industry is huge. Recent data suggests that almost 14% of this state's employees work in the oil rig sector. Additionally, more than 2,500,000 Texans work for oil companies. Unfortunately, even though this job pays well and workers have excellent benefits, accidents can happen and are more common than many people think. Under Texas and federal laws, employees must ensure that their facilities are safe enough so that their employees can perform any activity without being at risk of accidents. However, many companies fail to meet this requirement. Consequently, workers can suffer severe or catastrophic injuries that affect their lives forever. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have an experienced team of lawyers ready to help oil rig workers fight for their rights and seek the compensation they deserve if they have suffered workplace accidents and sustained injuries.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Understanding Oil Rig Accidents in Dallas, Texas
Accidents related to the oil and gas industry can result from many different causes and happen anywhere, including oil rigs or fields.
In many cases, workers don't face risks on oil rigs but on roads, especially while transporting flammable substances.
However, whether accidents happen where workers extract oil and gas or on the highway, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries.
What Are the Common Causes of Oil Rig Accidents?
As mentioned, oilfield accidents can happen for different reasons. These are some of the most common:
Oil Rig Explosion
Handling highly flammable substances can be difficult and must involve maximum precaution. However, some people and companies fail to comply with safety regulations and cause explosions that can claim lives or severely injure others.
Lack of Safety Equipment
Many workers suffer serious injuries because they don't have the proper safety equipment while working. In these cases, employees may face legal action for negligence.
Heavy Machinery Malfunction
On an oil rig, employees must use different types of heavy machinery to perform certain tasks and operations.
If these machines are not adequately operated, secured, or properly maintained, they can cause accidents and severe injuries.
Inadequate Training
Local and federal laws also state that companies must hire experienced personnel to handle complex machinery and dangerous operations on oil rigs.
In addition, employers must train their staff regarding the best practices to identify risks, comply with safety regulations, and avoid or reduce accidents.
Oilfield workers must also know how to use equipment and have all the necessary safety gear to perform their tasks without putting their integrity, health, and well-being at risk.
In an oil field, not having proper training can cause accidents. If this occurs, the gas or oil company may be held accountable for its negligence.
Therefore, if someone has suffered an oilfield accident, we can lend them a hand! At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have an experienced team ready to help all victims build a strong case to fight for their rights and held at-fault parties responsible for their actions.
OSHA Violations On Oil Rigs
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must follow certain safety protocols to ensure that their workers are not at risk.
However, many fail to meet these standards. It is not only a gross violation of federal laws but can also cause deadly accidents and permanently affect victims' lives.
Fatigued Workers
Many oilfield accidents are linked to fatigued workers who have to work for hours without rest.
Federal laws establish the working hours allowed for people in this industry. If a sleep-deprived driver or oilfield worker loses the ability to focus or react to hazards and causes an accident, victims can take legal accidents against them.
Many oilfield accidents are linked to fatigued workers who have to work for hours without rest.
Federal laws establish the working hours allowed for people in this industry. If a sleep-deprived driver or oilfield worker loses the ability to focus or react to hazards and causes an accident, victims can take legal accidents against them.
Other Possible Causes of Oil Rig Accidents
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Severe sea storms
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Inclement weather
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Fires
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Blowout
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Falls
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Improper chemical handling
Dallas Oil Rig Accident Information Center
Why Are Dallas Oilfield Accidents Complicated?
Even if victims know that the oil rig accident was caused by the company's negligence, these cases can be so complicated. The following are some of the reasons:
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The company denies doing anything wrong or being linked to the cause of the oilfield accident.
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Injured oil rig workers were involved in accidents caused by the employer's violation of state or federal safety regulations.
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The firm's insurance company denies the victims' injury claim, citing a pre-existing medical condition.
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The employer refuses to share records related to safety violations.
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Injured workers were involved in an accident that happened after they were forced to return to work, even if they had not fully recovered.
Anyone who has been injured in an oilfield accident caused by employers' negligence or carelessness has the right to recover compensation for all damages and losses suffered.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a team of Dallas oilfield accident lawyers with extensive experience in these cases.
Our experts will always go the extra mile to help oilfield accident victims fight for their rights, file a claim against a negligent employer, and seek fair compensation.
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Steps That Injured Workers Should Take After an Oilfield Accident
Victims who plan to file an oilfield accident claim should act as soon as they can after the incident, as it can greatly influence their cases' success.
Although it is necessary to report the oilfield accident to employers, companies, and managers will not protect employees more than their profits. Therefore, this is what victims should do if they were injured in one of these incidents:
Stop Working Immediately After the Oilfield Accident
Many injuries appear days and even weeks after oilfield accidents. Therefore, anyone involved in one must stop working immediately.
Report the Oilfield Accident to the Employer
Additionally, injured workers should report the oilfield accident to their employers or anyone else in charge of workplace safety. This step is decisive in workers' compensation cases.
Seek Medical Care
Injured oil rig workers should also seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if they did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Those who plan to file a workers' compensation claim must see doctors approved by their employer.
However, if there is an emergency, injured workers can choose any hospital to get immediate treatment and a comprehensive evaluation of their injuries.
Don't Sign Any Documents
Companies will always try to protect their businesses and profits. Some will go out of their way to deny a claim or show they were not responsible for the incident. Therefore, anyone who has been involved in an oilfield accident does not have to sign any document or statement.
Also, victims should be quite careful about what they say in front of the employer's insurance company or insurance adjusters. Most of the time, they will try to get injured workers to accept unfair compensation or prevent them from taking further action against them.
Hire a Seasoned Dallas Oil Rig Accident Lawyer
Finally, victims have the right to call an experienced oilfield accident lawyer and take legal action against their employer or file a claim to get workers' compensation benefits.
Our Dallas oil rig attorneys can be affected workers' best allies and help them build a strong case to seek justice and obtain fair compensation for their lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' team is willing to work for victims and go the extra mile to hold employers accountable for their negligence or recklessness.
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
What We Can Do For Victims
As seasoned oilfield accident lawyers, we can help victims know their rights and understand how Texas law protects workers who were injured on the job.
In addition, we can collect evidence to prove that the incident was not caused by them but by an employer who did not comply with safety regulations, did not properly train their staff, or did not perform proper maintenance on the machinery.
Our attorneys have extensive experience with oilfield accident cases and know that gas companies often try to deny a claim and get workers to accept low settlements, even if they were seriously injured after an accident.
Therefore, a qualified oilfield accident lawyer from our firm is ready to fight for affected workers' rights and help them get the compensation they deserve, which may include the following:
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Doctor's visits and other medical bills
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Emergency care
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Lost wages
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Physical and rehabilitation costs
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Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
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Carer's allowance
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Medical appliance costs
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Death benefits, if the oil rig worker dies as a result of the accident
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Funeral benefits, in wrongful death cases
Want to Take Legal Action Against a Negligent Worker for An Oil Rig Accident? We Are Here to Help!
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' team members have several years of experience working on behalf of workers who are injured in workplace accidents.
Our Dallas oilfield accident attorneys know all the tricks and tactics employers and insurance company harness to get workers to accept settlements much lower than they deserve.
Fortunately, we are here to help victims! We know all the legal systems' intricacies and how to file a successful workers' compensation claim.
Furthermore, we truly care for the victims and want to help them recover from such a devastating experience. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' team serves those who have been affected by an oil rig accident.
Call us today and get a free consultation! We'll review each case and provide clients with the legal help they need as soon as they contact us! Remember that we go to war for you!