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Deadline for Filing Oilfield Accident Claims in Texas
If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence (improper maintenance, lack of safety protocols, etc.), pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim may be advantageous. In this case, you would need to meet the deadline set by the Texas statute of limitations, which is 2 years from the date of the injury. It is important to file a claim within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Common Oilfield Accidents We See
Oilfield accidents can take various forms. The specifics about how the incident occurred will likely have some influence on your personal injury claim. The most common oilfield accidents we see include:
- Inadequate training
- Transportation failures (oilfield truck accidents)
- Equipment failures
- Inadequate safety measures
- Well blowouts
- Entrapment (getting caught in some kind of equipment)
- Explosions and fires
- Falls from heights
- Electrocution
- Chemical exposures
- H2S poisoning (hydrogen sulfide gas)
Each of these accidents poses significant risk and can lead to serious injuries or death. It’s required for oilfield operations to adhere to stringent safety protocols to prevent these types of accidents. Regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and strict safety regulations are essential measures to protect workers. If any violations to these safety protocols lead to your injury, there’s a higher likelihood that you are entitled to compensation. Reach out to a Midland oilfield accident attorney to learn more.
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Common Oilfield Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, Texas sees more oilfield accidents every year than any other state. Naturally, there is a wide variety of oilfield injuries, but some of the more common ones include:
- Burns
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Respiratory issues
- Hearing loss
- Head trauma
- Back injuries
- Amputation
Whatever your injury is, it’s very important to see your doctor for an official diagnosis and to follow their advice regarding treatment. Not only will this help maximize your recovery, it will create an official paper trail to serve as important evidence in your on-the-job injury claim.
What to Do After a Midland Oilfield Accident
Your actions right after an oilfield accident are essential for both your health and any potential compensation claims. Below are the steps you should take:
- Report the Accident: It’s important to report the incident to a supervisor or safety officer right away. This official report helps to document the accident thoroughly and is critical for any legal claims.
- Prioritize Safety and Medical Care: First, ensure your safety and then seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the injury’s initial appearance. Medical documentation is vital for supporting any claims later on.
- Consult an Midland Oilfield Injury Lawyer: Consider consulting with a lawyer who has a background in oilfield accidents. They can guide you through the process of securing your rights and navigating any claims or legal actions you might pursue.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an oilfield accident, it’s important to act quickly in order to protect your rights and secure the necessary compensation. Insurance adjusters may tell you that they’ll take care of you, but they’re really going to try and pay you as little as they can for your injuries and losses. The insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and they will do what they can to minimize their expenses (which includes your compensation).
Benefits of Working With an Oilfield Accident Attorney
Having a Midland oilfield injury attorney who understands work injury laws and has helped many people in Texas secure fair compensation can help your case. Some benefits of working with Braker White’s oilfield accident attorneys include:
- Knowledge of Oilfield Regulations: An attorney specializing in oilfield accidents understands the complex regulations and industry standards that govern oilfield operations.
- Maximizing Compensation: An experienced attorney knows how to calculate the full extent of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, helping to ensure you pursue the highest compensation possible.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.
- Gathering Critical Evidence: From securing witness statements to analyzing safety reports, an oilfield accident attorney can gather the evidence needed to strengthen your case.
- Contingency Fee Arrangement: Our oilfield accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
At Braker White, our attorneys will take care of your case so you can feel confident that you’re looked after. If you’re unsure about what to do next or have any questions about your claim, we’re always ready to explain your options.
Midland Oilfield Accident FAQs
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and loss of future earning capacity. If a third party’s negligence caused the accident, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages.
In Texas, you may still be able to recover compensation under the state's comparative negligence laws. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident and are awarded $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you would be barred from recovering any compensation. An attorney can help ensure that your level of fault is accurately assessed and that you are not unfairly blamed for the accident.
The timeline for resolving an oilfield accident case depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial. Some cases can be resolved in a few months, while others may take a year or more. Your attorney can give you a better estimate based on the specifics of your case.
If you report a safety issue at your job, you might worry about losing your job, especially if it seems like it could cause trouble for your boss. The good news is that there are regulations to protect workers who speak up about unsafe conditions at work. These regulations are meant to keep you safe from being fired or punished just because you reported a problem. Workplaces need to be safe so that everyone can work without getting hurt, and these regulations help make sure workers can report dangers without fear.
Contact Braker White Today
Getting compensation after an oilfield accident can be complicated. After an accident, working with a skilled oilfield accident lawyer in Midland will greatly improve your chances of securing the full compensation you need. Contact Braker White today for a free case review.