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oilfield-leading-source-of-work-injuries
08/09/2018

Oilfield injuries are still the leading source of workplace injuries

Brian Beckcom

Brian Beckcom

08/09/2018

People who work in the oil and gas industry are injured at a higher rate than any other industry in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While only a few hundred thousand people work in the oil and gas industry, the number of injuries per worker make it the most dangerous industry. Despite safety regulations and companies spending millions of dollars on safety training and procedures, the oil and gas industry remains dangerous to workers. These graphs show the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics about oil and gas injuries:


Top causes of oilfield injuries

While some employers have excellent safety records, safety isn’t always the priority for employers hoping to maximize their profits. Although the safest rig site can experience a deadly blowout, some injuries and incidents are more likely to happen if an employer puts profits over safety. These include:

  • Pipeline explosions
  • Electrical accidents
  • Equipment failures
  • Injuries due to operator error
  • Amputations of fingers and limbs by machinery
  • Falls
  • Machine malfunctions
  • Single or multi-vehicle crashes
  • Well blowouts and explosions

These are some of the main causes of deaths or injuries in Texas oilfields. Because oil and gas extraction is so complex, a single work site can be crewed by multiple employers. This means that your injuries could be caused by a third party – a company other than your employer. Third party cases can be pursued in addition to your worker’s compensation case or your non-subscriber claim.

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial damages. Oilfield injury cases can be complicated and expensive to prove, which is why we recommend that you consult an attorney about your case before you give any statements or sign any papers. While you’re trying to navigate the claims process and recover from the incident, the companies responsible for your injuries have adjusters, lawyers, and experts working to make your claim go away.

Getting help if you or a family member has been seriously hurt in the oilfield

Like you, many oilfield workers and their families are often at the mercy of skilled legal teams, company representatives, and insurance personnel after an injury. And many are unaware that their legal rights may be at risk. We have helped people across the oil and gas industry and across the oil and gas support industry, including:

For more information about getting compensation and avoiding claim-ruining mistakes after an oilfield injury, reach out to our experienced Houston injury team today, or request your free copy of our book, How to Win Your Injury Case.