Why Do I Need to Follow Medical Advice After an Injury?
When you show up to work, you likely expect to do your job and leave without incident. Unfortunately, for those working on oilfields in West Texas, this may not be the case. There are a number of incidents and injuries that can occur on oilfields, ultimately leaving workers in serious pain with mounting medical bills. As such, if you or a loved one has been injured on an oilfield due to the negligent actions of another party, seeking legal representation is in your best interest. Contact an Odessa, Texas oilfield injury lawyer with The Mathis Law Firm today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.
Odessa Oilfield Injury Lawyer Fighting for Injured Workers Across Texas
Those injured during incidents on oilfields may be assured by the oilfield companies and their insurance that they are on the workers’ side. However, this is often far from the truth, as the goal of insurance companies is to save as much money as possible, even if it means reducing or denying your claim. The team at The Mathis Law Firm remains committed to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve following an injury.
Common Oilfield Injury Cases Our Firm Handles
At The Mathis Law Firm, our dedicated legal team handles a wide array of injuries and incidents that happen at oilfields. This includes:
- Failing objects: Unfortunately, many injuries and fatalities arise from objects falling from basket trucks and ladders. This includes tools, equipment, and debris. As such, if you were injured because the oilfield company failed to supervise and train employees on how to adequately secure their equipment, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
- Heavy machinery incidents: Many serious injuries are the result of issues with heavy machinery, including malfunctions, crane collapses, and inadequately maintained equipment. Complex machinery, like rotary tables, mud pumps, and plate pressure purifiers, can cause serious harm to workers when oilfield companies fail to train or supervise employees.
- Oil truck accidents: Like most collisions between motor vehicles in Texas, accidents between trucks are often the result of negligent drivers. This can include those operating these vehicles under the influence, fatigued, or distracted. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these vehicles and where the collision occurs, injuries may be catastrophic, if not fatal.
- Blowouts and explosions: One of the most dangerous incidents that can occur on an oilfield is an explosion. When blowout preventors fail, explosions, fires, and well-releases can occur, often with devastating impacts. These incidents are often the result of improper installation or maintenance of blowout preventers.
What Are the Steps to Take After an Oilfield Injury?
Sustaining an injury on a Texas oilfield can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the most important steps to take to protect not only your health and well-being, but also your ability to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. As such, you should:
- Immediately report the injury to your supervisor
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the hazardous conditions responsible for your injuries
- Retain all medical records
- Contact an attorney with experience handling these claims
Should I Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Texas is one of the few states that does not require employers to carry and provide workers’ compensation insurance. As such, if you have suffered an injury on an oilfield, you will likely need to pursue a third-party claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which is a no-fault system designed to compensate workers injured on the job, a third-party claim requires you to prove fault. As such, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve sustained.
However, by filing a third-party claim, you are not subject to a cap on recoverable damages. Additionally, you can seek compensation for the non-economic damages you have suffered, which are unavailable in workers’ compensation claims.
Contact an Odessa, Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyer
When you suffer injuries on an oilfield in San Angelo, Odessa, Tom Green County, or anywhere in West Texas, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced Odessa, Texas oilfield injury lawyer with The Mathis Law Firm. Our team will examine your circumstances to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. Contact us today to learn more.