Oilfields in Odessa are known for being some of the most dangerous workplaces. The combination of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and physically demanding tasks means that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. At Braker White, we understand the unique dangers of working in the oil and gas industry. Our attorneys help oilfield injury victims pursue third-party claims, holding contractors, equipment manufacturers, and other negligent parties responsible for their role in oilfield accidents. If you’ve been injured, an Odessa oilfield accident lawyer from Braker White is here to navigate Texas laws and help ensure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
Suffering From an Oilfield Injury in Odessa, TX?
Our experienced team at Braker White is here to help you seek justice and compensation after an oilfield injury. Schedule a free consultation with an Odessa oilfield accident lawyer today.
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Table of Contents
- Common Causes of Odessa Oilfield Accidents
- Common Oilfield Accident Injuries
- Compensation Available for Oilfield Accident Victims in Odessa
- What To Do After an Oilfield Accident
- How an Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorney Can Help Your Claim
- Oilfield Accident Lawyer FAQs
- Speak to an Oilfield Accident Lawyer in Odessa for Free
- Related Articles & Info
Common Causes of Odessa Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield accidents can occur for various reasons, with some of the most common causes including:
- Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning drilling equipment, blowout preventers, or safety systems can lead to catastrophic injuries. Texas law allows injured workers to hold manufacturers liable for defective products.
- Lack of Proper Safety Protocols: Failing to follow industry-standard safety measures can result in serious accidents. Employers are responsible for ensuring that safety regulations are met by all subcontractors and third parties on site.
- Negligent Contractors: Third-party contractors may fail to maintain equipment or create dangerous working conditions that lead to accidents.
- Explosions and Fires: Accidents involving oil rigs can cause fires or explosions, often due to the improper handling of flammable materials by contractors or equipment manufacturers.
Common Oilfield Accident Injuries
The physically demanding nature of working on an oilfield combined with heavy equipment and hazardous conditions creates a dangerous environment for workers. Oilfield accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can be devastating and require long-term recovery. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Due to falls or blunt-force trauma from heavy machinery.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often caused by falls or being struck by falling objects, these injuries can lead to paralysis.
- Burns: Caused by fires or explosions, oilfield workers may suffer second- or third-degree burns, which require extensive medical treatment.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: These injuries can result from falling, being crushed by machinery, or equipment malfunctions.
- Amputations: Machinery accidents may result in the loss of limbs, which can be life-changing.
Suffering from one of these severe injuries can change your life in an instant, leading to extensive medical treatments and a long recovery period. Understanding your rights and seeking the help of an experienced oilfield injury lawyer can help ensure you get the support and compensation you need to move forward.
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Compensation Available for Oilfield Accident Victims in Odessa
If you’ve been injured in an Odessa oilfield accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covering past, present, and future medical bills related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work, including any loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages related to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that affect your quality of life.
Workers’ Compensation vs Third-Party Work Injury Claims
Texas workers’ compensation provides benefits such as medical coverage and wage replacement for injured employees, and typically prevents workers from suing their employer directly. However, workers’ comp may not fully cover all the damages suffered in a serious accident. At Braker White, we do not handle workers’ compensation cases but instead focus on pursuing third-party negligence claims.
Under Texas law, third-party negligence allows injured workers to seek damages directly from responsible parties, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors. If you believe a third party’s negligence contributed to your oilfield accident, consult with an attorney to explore your legal options. An oilfield accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Texas law and pursue the full compensation you may deserve from the responsible parties.
What To Do After an Oilfield Accident
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an oilfield accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries. However, taking specific steps immediately after the incident can protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Here’s what you should do following an oilfield accident to safeguard your rights and build a strong case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical help for your injuries.
- Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor and document the accident, making sure you report any unsafe conditions.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, defective equipment, and your injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect the contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Consult with an Attorney: Reach out to an Odessa oilfield injury lawyer at Braker White who can assess your case and help ensure your rights are protected.
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How an Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorney Can Help Your Claim
Hiring an Odessa oilfield injury attorney can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you may deserve. An attorney will not only help you understand your legal rights but also ensure that all necessary steps are taken to build a strong case. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigating the Accident: We conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and identify any third-party negligence or defective equipment that contributed to your injury.
- Handling Complex Paperwork: Legal claims involve detailed documentation and filing deadlines. We ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Negotiating With Insurers: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. We negotiate on your behalf to help ensure you receive the full compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
- Calculating Damages: We work with medical and financial experts to accurately assess your past, present, and future losses so that your claim reflects the full scope of your damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
- Providing Legal Guidance: Throughout the process, we provide clear, honest advice and keep you informed of your case’s progress.
By having a skilled oilfield injury lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on obtaining the compensation you need to move forward.
Oilfield Accident Lawyer FAQs
A third-party claim allows injured workers to seek compensation from parties other than their employer, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors. These claims can provide compensation beyond what an employer’s insurance may cover.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including oilfield accidents, is typically 2 years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation, so it’s important to act quickly and consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Proving fault in an oilfield accident often involves demonstrating negligence on the part of a third party. This may include showing that equipment was defective, safety protocols were ignored, or a contractor was careless in maintaining machinery. Our team will gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case proving third-party liability.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
The timeline for settling an oilfield accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. We work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This way, you can seek qualified legal representation without worrying about any upfront costs.
Our Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorneys
Speak to an Oilfield Accident Lawyer in Odessa For Free
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options. At Braker White, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. With extensive experience handling work injury claims, specifically focusing on third-party liability cases, we have successfully helped numerous clients secure the compensation they deserve after serious oilfield accidents. Let an Odessa oilfield accident lawyer help you navigate the complexities of your claim and pursue the justice and financial recovery you need. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.