At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we understand the critical importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by those involved in oilfield accidents. Our dedicated legal team, led by Board-Certified Injury Lawyer Shane R. Kadlec, is committed to providing compassionate and professional legal support to the hardworking individuals in Harris County, TX.

This page is designed to offer valuable information and guidance for those who have experienced the harrowing aftermath of an oilfield accident. We are here to stand with you, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. If you need to get in contact with an attorney right away, please click here to schedule your free consultation.

What Damages Could I Recover After an Oilfield Accident?

  • Medical Expenses: Covering both current and future medical treatments.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or misconduct.
  • Wrongful Death: Compensation for the family in case of a fatal accident.

What Steps Should I Take Following an Oilfield Accident?

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Ensure you get the necessary medical care for your injuries.
  • Report the Accident: Inform your employer about the accident as soon as possible, following company protocols.
  • Document Everything: Keep a record of what happened, including photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
  • Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses, get their contact details.
  • Do Not Sign Any Documents: Avoid signing any documents from your employer or their insurance company without legal consultation.
  • Consult a Lawyer: Contact an experienced oilfield accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

What Makes Working in The Oilfield Dangerous?

Texas Oilfield Workers

Oilfield environments are inherently hazardous, posing numerous risks to workers daily. The combination of heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, and volatile substances makes the oilfield a place where safety must be the top priority.

Unfortunately, even with strict safety protocols, accidents can occur due to equipment failure, human error, and environmental factors. The complex nature of oilfield operations, often involving multiple contractors and companies, adds another layer of risk, making it challenging to ensure consistent safety practices across different teams. At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we recognize these dangers and are dedicated to supporting those affected by such perilous conditions.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Oilfield Workers Get?

  • Burns and Scalds: From explosions and fires.
  • Head Injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Broken Bones: Often caused by falls or being struck by heavy equipment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or severe mobility issues.
  • Hearing Loss: Due to constant exposure to loud noises.
  • Chemical Exposure: Resulting in respiratory problems or skin diseases.

Why Have There Been Increases in Injuries?

A number of factors help explain why injuries and deaths have risen so dramatically for oil field and refinery workers:

  • Increase in drilling: Business is booming in the Texas oil industry. In recent years, many workers were added to the workforce, and with more people in oil fields and on rigs, there is likely to be an increase in accidents that cause injuries and deaths.
  • Inexperienced workforce: In the 1980s, when oil prices bottomed out, a great deal of oil and gas workers left the industry. Now, with prices at a high once again, more people have been attracted to the field. Many laborers are still young and inexperienced, however, and they often learn their skills on the job. Novices tend to make more mistakes that can injure and kill fellow workers.
  • Lack of compliance with safety rules: Safety regulations have long been ignored in the industry, and some of the heavyweight companies spend millions lobbying to reduce safety restrictions. This may be changing soon, though, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration vowing to crack down on the industry.
  • Drug and alcohol use: With lax regulations and unusually long hours, some workers have taken to using drugs or alcohol on the job. If they are not sober, the risk of mistakes increases exponentially.

Oil Rig Accidents FAQs

Answer: Texas requires riders under 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 + may ride without one only if they’ve completed a state-approved safety course or carry qualifying medical-benefits insurance (proof must be shown on demand).
Not wearing a helmet can still reduce your payout under Texas’ modified-comparative-fault rule—juries can trim damages if they believe a helmet would have lessened your injuries.

Answer: Most policies say you must give “prompt” notice, typically within 30 to 90 days, or risk losing coverage. Once the insurer gets your claim, the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act gives it 15 business days to acknowledge receipt and another 15 business days (after you submit documentation) to accept or reject the claim.

Answer: Texas gives you two years from the crash date to sue for personal injuries or wrongful death (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). Miss the deadline and the court will likely dismiss your claim.

Answer: Sometimes. The Texas Tort Claims Act waives governmental immunity for certain roadway-defect cases, but you must give written notice, often within 6 months, and damage caps apply. Fast legal action is critical.

Answer: Not before consulting a lawyer. Adjusters record statements to minimize payouts; a brief, factual report to your insurer is fine, but let your attorney handle all negotiations with the at-fault carrier.

Answer: Yes, properly preserved video can show who ran the light or how fast cars were moving. Texas courts generally admit dash cam footage if you authenticate it (date/time stamp, testimony from the owner, or chain-of-custody proof). Download and back up the file immediately, then give a copy to your lawyer.

Answer: Texas product-liability law (Chapter 82, Civil Practice & Remedies Code) lets you sue the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer for design, manufacturing, or warning defects. Strict liability rules mean you don’t have to prove the company’s negligence, just that the defect caused your injuries. An attorney can secure engineers and recall data to build the case.

How Can a Houston, TX Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

Dealing with the aftermath of an oilfield accident can be overwhelming. As your trusted personal injury law firm, our team is committed to easing this burden. First and foremost, we will provide a thorough evaluation of your case, ensuring every detail of the accident is scrutinized for legal implications.

Our team will handle the complex legal processes, including negotiations with insurance companies and responsible parties, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We possess a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing the oil industry, equipping us to advocate effectively for your rights.

Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether it involves negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial. With our support, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands, fighting to get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Consult With An Experienced Texas Injury Attorney

Hazards and mistakes can result in severe injury or even death. You deserve to be protected at work. If you have been involved in a severe injury on an oil rig, you will need to speak with a Texas attorney who understands the oil drilling industry.

Contact Us

At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, our primary concern is getting your life back on track, which is why we always try to reach settlements quickly and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Shane Kadlec has two decades of experience helping injured Texans put their lives back together and recover lost wages. Contact his office online, or call 281-643-2000 to learn how Shane can assist you. We represent injured oil industry workers throughout the greater Houston area and the surrounding regions.