Legal Options After an Oil Industry Accident in Austin 

 Posted on September 13, 2022 in Personal Injury

Texas is the leading crude oil producer in the United States, producing over 40 percent of the nation's crude oil in 2021. Oil refineries are responsible for millions of jobs in Texas and help ensure that individuals across the country have access to reliable energy sources. Unfortunately, working in the oil industry comes with certain risks. Severe worker injuries and fatalities occur in the oil and gas industry at a much higher rate than injuries and fatalities in other industries. Some of these injuries and fatalities are unavoidable, while others are the direct result of another party's negligence or wrongful actions.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury while working in the oil industry, you may be able to take legal action and pursue monetary compensation for damages.

Common Oil Industry Injuries in Texas

There are many different types of injuries that can occur in the oil industry. Some of the most common include:

• Burns - Burns are some of the most common injuries suffered by workers in the oil industry. Workers may suffer burns from contact with hot liquids, exposure to flames, or electrical shock.

• Inhalation injuries - Workers in the oil industry may be exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes. Inhalation injuries can occur when workers are exposed to these harmful substances.

• Lacerations - Lacerations are deep cuts that can occur when workers come into contact with sharp objects or machinery.

• Fractures - Fractures can occur when workers fall from a height or are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• Head injuries - Head injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries and can occur when workers fall or are hit by falling objects.

• Spinal cord injuries - Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and can occur when workers fall or are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• Wrongful Death - Workers in the oil industry may be killed on the job due to an explosion, fire, or motor vehicle accident.

Potential Liable Parties for an Oil Field Accident

Liability for an oil field accident varies. Parties who may be legally responsible for injuries or death caused in an oil field accident include:

• Employers - Non-subscriber employers may be held liable for an oil field accident if they did not take steps to ensure a safe work environment or if they failed to provide workers with proper safety equipment.

• Contractors -  Contractors working on an oil field may be held liable for an accident if their substandard work caused or contributed to the accident. 

• Manufacturers or designers - Manufacturers or designers of defective equipment or products may be held liable for injuries or death caused by that equipment or product. A rental company may also be liable for dangerous equipment.

• Negligent drivers - If a driver causes an auto accident in which a worker is seriously hurt or killed, the driver or the driver's employer may be liable.

• Trucking companies - Trucking companies may be held liable for an accident if their driver was negligent or if the trucking company failed to properly maintain the vehicle.

If you or a loved one were injured in an oil field accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and determine who may be held liable for your injuries.

Contact an Austin Oil Field Accident Lawyer

Victims of oil industry accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. To learn more, contact the knowledgeable Austin, Texas personal injury attorneys at Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC.. Call us today at 512-474-2222 and set up a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.eia.gov/state/index.php?sid=TX