Tulsa Oil Field Accident Lawyer

Oil Field Accident Attorney in Tulsa, OK

The oil and gas industry creates some of the most dangerous jobs. Workers on these job sites face a variety of deadly hazards, including strong and potentially life-threatening chemicals, as well as heavy pieces of machinery, and conditions that can pose a risk to overall safety. Whether you work for an oil company near Point South or a business near the Arkansas River in West Tulsa, when an injury occurs, you need to speak with an experienced Tulsa oil field accident lawyer.

Hire an Oil Field Accident Lawyer

For decades, the lead attorney at Fulmer Sill has been protecting and empowering injured people across the state of Oklahoma as a trusted Tulsa personal injury lawyer. Oil field accident injuries can prove complicated, as there are various parties who could be responsible, and several legal options available to pursue compensation.

The team at Fulmer Sill has experience handling these difficult cases and can help you navigate the intricate maze of workers’ compensation and personal injury law.

Our attorneys are recognized for their familiar and compassionate approach to injury cases, and yet, we have proven time and time again that we are formidable in the courtroom. We prepare every case as though it is headed for trial. That way, nothing surprises us. We have delivered consistent results over the years, and while we cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here to stand in the gap and advocate for your rights to compensation and justice after injury.

Common Causes of Tulsa Oil Field Accidents

According to a recent study, Oklahoma holds the highest share of gas production of any of the US gas and oil states at 75%. The state currently sustains around 50,000 jobs in the oil and gas industry, and with the national average of worker fatalities being 3.3 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees, Tulsa area oil and gas workers face a sobering reality: there is danger around every corner on these job sites.

Because of the high risk these job sites pose, there are a range of different causes that can lead to oil field accidents and injuries. These include:

• Vehicle accidents. On many drilling sites, various modes of transportation are being used. When these vehicles crash, they can harm workers inside the vehicle or in the nearby vicinity. These accidents can lead to horrific injuries and even death.
• Slip and fall. When an oil field or rig is wet or has uneven or slippery surfaces, it can lead to workers slipping and falling, which can result in devastating and sometimes fatal injuries.
• Untrained workers. When an individual is hired to work on an oil field and does not have the necessary or required training, they can easily make a mistake that can lead to injuries and even the wrongful death of themselves or fellow employees.
• Electrical burns. When faulty wiring or handling of certain equipment occurs, it can result in burns. Sometimes these burns can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Toxic chemical exposure. On oil rigs, workers often encounter deadly and dangerous chemicals. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious health complications such as cancers or respiratory conditions.
• Fires and explosions. In an environment with so many flammable materials present, like an oil field, fires and explosions are all too common. These fires and explosions can lead to serious injuries, burns, and even death.
• Insufficient safety measures. When there has been inadequate training of employees or a lack of property safety or protective gear is present, it can increase the risk of accidents.
• Defective equipment. Sometimes, an installation or manufacturing defect can lead to malfunctioning equipment, which can result in accidents and the loss of life.
• Equipment accidents. Oil fields are populated with heavy pieces of equipment and machinery. Machinery can break, roll, or drop from above, leading to serious and even deadly crushing or pinning injuries.
• Lack of supervision. When proper supervision is not present on an oil rig, this can lead to potential negligence or reckless behavior, which can often result in serious accidents.
• Falls from great heights. On oil fields, many workers will be required to work from great heights, such as on scaffolding or atop ladders. If this equipment has not been properly maintained or is not properly being used, it can lead to falls, serious injuries, or death.

Understanding the cause of your oil field accident is often the first step toward determining what compensation you might be able to recover. Being aware of the common causes can also help you prevent these injuries from taking place.

Injuries Sustained in Oil Field Accidents

Thanks to the many dangerous factors present on an oil field, injuries are common, and death is not unheard of. Between fires and explosions, heavy machinery, and flammable substances, oil rig employees can sustain serious and life-threatening injuries. The most common oil field accident injuries include:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Chemical burns
• Injuries to the arms, hands, feet, or legs
• Severe thermal burns
• Vision or hearing loss
• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, which can result in complete or partial paralysis
• Cuts, bruises, or lacerations
• Amputation or crushing injuries
• Lung damage
• Internal bleeding or nerve damage
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Damage to muscles, ligaments, and other tissues

If you have suffered any kind of physical injury on an oil rig, you are likely also to deal with emotional injuries such as fear, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. While most workers’ compensation claims will not cover these damages, you may be able to seek a third-party liability claim in specific situations, which can allow you to recover additional forms of compensation.

What to Do Following an Oil Field Accident in Ok?

The aftermath of an oil field accident is terrifying. You likely will find yourself feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. There are certain actions that you can take to protect yourself and any future claim for damages. These actions include:

• Seek medical attention. It is important that you seek medical attention right away, even if you do not feel physically injured, as you could be suffering from invisible injuries. You should also seek follow-up care with your primary doctor and follow all their recommendations.
• Report on the accident. It is essential that you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. If you don’t do so in the necessary timeframe, you could lose out on your chances of damage recovery.
• Collect evidence. It is important that you document the scene of the accident and gather evidence, including pictures of the accident and any visible injuries, and collect all the records relating to your medical expenses following the accident.
• Speak to a lawyer. Finally, it is vital to speak with an attorney who can advise you regarding all of your legal options. At Fulmer Sill, we are here to protect your rights, both to provide workers’ compensation and potential third-party liability compensation.

FAQs

Can I File Both a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Personal Injury Claim?

In certain cases, yes, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim when you have suffered harm in an oil field accident. In cases where your catastrophic injury has been caused by a negligent third party, such as a contractor or vendor, you may be able to file both claims, therefore pursuing a higher amount of compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Oil Field Injury Accident?

In cases of third-party liability in an oil field accident, there are several parties whose negligent actions could have resulted in your injury and who can therefore be held liable. These parties include contractors or subcontractors, the property owner of the oil field, equipment or parts manufacturers, and third-party vendors.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A personal injury lawyer can help you in several ways following an oil field accident in Tulsa. First, they can review your case and help determine if a negligent third party has any kind of liability in your accident and injury. They can also uncover evidence to help support your claim and enter negotiations with all the parties involved to seek fair and full compensation.

Should I Accept the Settlement Offered by the Oil Company?

You should not accept a settlement offered by the oil or gas company involved without first speaking with your attorney. While a quick settlement might appeal to you right away, it often comes with compensation that does not fully cover the damages you’ve sustained. It is important that you talk with your attorney before accepting any potential offers from your company’s insurance carrier.

Tulsa Oil Field Accident Lawyer

Following an injury, it is essential to hire an oil field accident lawyer as quickly as possible. The sooner you can secure legal intervention, the sooner you can work toward recovering your due compensation. Oil and gas companies are huge and have powerful insurance companies backing them. We aren’t afraid of going up against these companies and standing up for what is right. Contact our offices to learn more today and schedule your initial consultation.