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request free consultation request free ConsultationA career in the oilfield is one which is common throughout the state of Texas. Oil and gas has been one of the main industries in the state for decades, especially in south Texas in recent years. However, along with the lucrative oil and gas job opportunities comes the heightened risk of workplace accidents. This is common in an industry where employees come and go without receiving appropriate training. Oil and gas companies often do not want to spend the time to properly train employees or manage their oilfield construction equipment, which can have dire consequences to all employees at a given site.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the occupational injury rate for oil and gas workers is the second highest after the injuries reported in agriculture.[1] Additionally, as many as 1 in 100 oil and gas workers suffers an injury while on the job across the country. Combining oil and gas work with construction only increases the danger many employees find themselves in. The number of fatal work injuries reported throughout the oil and gas industry reached a low in 2009 after the economic downturn. However, the oil and gas industry experienced a boom in activity shortly after, and the amount of workplace fatal injuries nearly doubled between 2009 and 2010.
The amount of heavy machinery, inexperienced workers, and toxic chemicals set the stage for accidents to occur on a daily basis. Injuries can stem from chemical exposure, falls, blowouts, improper guardrails, inexperienced heavy machinery workers, and unsecured machinery. These accidents can all lead to dangerous situations that could put both the workers and neighboring communities at risk, including devastating burn injuries for workers. Companies should be held liable for their actions in failing to adequately train or supervise their employees.
Oil and gas serves an important role in the Texas economy, and the workers who spend weeks and even months away from their families deserve to be treated with the appropriate safety standards. However, oil and gas companies are in the business to make money, and will often cut corners when it is easy to do so. Unfortunately, this often involves a reduction in training and safety standards. If you or a loved one have been injured in an oilfield construction accident, you may be eligible to bring a claim for damages against the company for your resulting injuries.
A claim for damages could include medical expenses, as well as lost wages you experience while on sick leave. Most oilfield construction workers are hourly workers and the inability to attend work will have dire repercussions on the victim and their family. The attorneys of Sadler and Sadler understand how devastating the loss of a family member’s paycheck can be on a family who relies on this monthly amount to make ends meet. The responsible party should be held liable for this loss of income and related expenses.
If you or a loved one were injured in an oilfield construction accident, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of Sadler & Sadler. Our attorneys have been involved with oil and gas industry claims for over 30 years, and will work closely with you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The oil and gas industry would not be where it is today without the loyal assistance of its hardworking employees. These companies should express their gratitude for their employees by following appropriate safety standards and assisting workers after accidents occur in the oilfield. Contact our San Antonio offices today for your initial free consultation.
[1] http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0013.pdf.