Working in oil fields ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs in America because employees are often surrounded by heavy equipment, flammable liquids, and high-pressure machinery. Federal workplace safety records show that many injuries are reported every year in the oil and gas extraction industry. Traffic accidents, equipment malfunctions, slips and falls, and explosions are among the most common causes of severe injuries and deaths.
Austin Oil Field Injury Lawyer
Oil Field Injury Attorney in Austin, TX
Oil and gas industry employees often work in some of the most dangerous conditions in Texas. Heavy equipment, high-pressure machinery, explosive chemicals, and extreme weather conditions often lead to oil field accidents. These can cause catastrophic injuries to workers and their families for years to come. An Austin oil field injury lawyer can represent these workers in their legal claims after a serious accident.
About The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, advocates for injury victims all over Austin and throughout Texas. Our attorneys have worked on thousands of accident and injury cases involving serious injury, commercial negligence, and life-altering injuries. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The firm caters to both English speakers and Spanish speakers. The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, focuses on pursuing compensation for victims while protecting their rights after serious injury accidents.
Causes of Oil Field Accidents
Oil fields present an unfortunate combination of heavy equipment, combustible materials, high-pressure machinery, and strenuous labor.
Employees can be seriously injured when equipment fails. If oil rig equipment breaks or safety features are not properly engaged, workers can be at risk for crushed limbs, burns, and traumatic amputations.
Transportation is another leading cause of oil field worker injuries in Texas. Many employees must drive long distances on rural roads while transporting materials in large trucks, tankers, and commercial vehicles.
Oil fields also pose a high risk for explosions and fires. If there is a natural gas leak or workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals, it can take something as small as welding equipment or a cigarette to set off an explosion.
Falls frequently occur in the oil fields when workers are on platforms, ladders, rigs, tanks, or scaffolding, which can be slippery or unstable. Falling from a significant height can cause serious injury, but even falling from a lower height can also lead to a significant injury.
Common Injuries in Oil Field Accidents
Oil field injuries can be severe due to the extreme nature of drilling and extracting oil. Many workers are taken to emergency rooms for surgery, and they often require extensive recovery time after their accident. Some common injuries include:
- Burns
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Crushes limbs
- Neck injuries
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
Austin workers may travel to Dell Seton Medical Center, Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, or St. David’s Medical Center for special care.
Fatalities also occur in oil field accidents. In 2024, there were 65 fatal occupational injuries in the oil and gas extraction industries. In 2023, there were 78; in 2022, there were 83.
Available Compensation After an Oil Field Injury
Every oil field injury case is different, and many factors could determine the amount of compensation that you could be entitled to. Medical bills are usually associated with injury cases. Surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and future treatments are factors when calculating damages.
Because oil field injuries are frequently so severe, workers often cannot return to work, at least not in the same capacity. Some workers may become disabled and cannot return to work ever again. Some injuries can limit the future earnings a person can obtain. In cases of severe injury that leave the worker with permanent disabilities or disfiguration, compensation for pain and suffering can be awarded.
Liability in Oil Field Claims
In Texas, several companies could be held liable for your injuries. If your injury was caused by negligence, your employer could be at fault. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, they are called a non-subscriber, and you could be entitled to file an oil field injury claim against your employer.
In addition to the main employer, subcontractors, manufacturers of the equipment, transport companies, and those who own the land could also face liability. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The Texas Labor Code may also have a role in your injury claim if you work for a non-subscriber or when another party was negligent.
Although civil cases can be heard in multiple courthouses, the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility is commonly a venue for Austin oil field injury claims. It is located at 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701.
FAQs
Hire an Oil Field Injury Lawyer
Clients commonly hire an oil field injury lawyer due to the complexity of these cases and how heavily they are often contested. An Austin oil field injury attorney can gather evidence, assess safety violations, determine equipment failures, and identify negligent parties. The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, can provide comprehensive representation. We understand oil field injury laws and can pursue your case. Contact us today for a consultation.
