Home > Undefeated Oilfield Accident Lawyers > Barnett Shale
The Barnett Shale in Texas

The Barnett Shale in Texas spans approximately 5,000 square miles and contains trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. Recent advancements in extraction technology have made it profitable for companies, though this activity also poses risks to local communities and workers. If you’ve been injured, Zehl & Associates can help when you reach out at (713) 491-6064.
Our Texas oil and gas injury lawyers know that the oil and natural gas industry is essential to Texas’s future and prosperity. However, this doesn’t mean that these businesses can operate with impunity. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- How Zehl & Associates Can Help After an Oil or Gas Accident in Houston, TX
- What To Know About the Barnett Shale Formation
- Examples of Barnett Shale Injury Accidents
- The Dangers Presented by Commercial Trucks
- Contact Our Texas Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
How Zehl & Associates Can Help After an Oil or Gas Accident in Houston, TX

Oil and gas companies operating in the Barnett Shale region are notorious for putting profits over worker safety. When a serious injury happens, these same corporations stop at nothing to avoid responsibility — by discrediting your injuries, shifting blame, and doing everything possible to pay you as little as they can. That’s where we come in.
At Zehl & Associates, our undefeated oilfield injury lawyers have recovered Billions for injured oil and gas workers across Texas and the United States. We know exactly what it takes to stand up against the largest oil and gas companies in the world and not only win, but recover record-setting compensation on behalf of our clients.
When you hire us, you get a team that will:
- Immediately investigate the accident and preserve critical evidence before the company has a chance to hide or destroy it.
- Identify every party responsible, from the operator to third-party contractors, so we can hold them all fully accountable.
- Connect you with top medical specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care for your injuries.
- Cover your reasonable living expenses while your case is pending, so you can focus on what matters most.
- Take the time to get to know you and your family and accurately assess your injuries, your losses, and the full compensation you’ll need to rebuild your life.
- Never accept less than full compensation for all of your injuries and losses.
- Prepare your case for trial from day one. If the company refuses to pay what you’re owed, we’ll take them to court, where we’ve never lost a case.
From start to finish, we do whatever it takes to recover the justice and compensation you deserve—and stand by you and your family every step of the way.
What To Know About the Barnett Shale Formation
The Bartlett Shale covers an area that extends from the city of Dallas to Fort Worth and southward and sits beneath no fewer than 12 counties, including:
- Cooke County
- Denton County
- Erath County
- Hill County
- Hood County
- Jack County
- Johnson County
- Montague County
- Palo Pinto County
- Parker County
- Tarrant County
- Wise County
While some of these areas are far removed from civilization, Barnett Shale can also be found near major cities. In addition to natural gas, extractable deposits of oil have also been located.
The development of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” has made it easier for oil and gas companies to tap into the vast hydrocarbon reserves contained in the Barnett Shale.
As activity in the Barnett Shale increases, so does the risk of accidents that can impact workers and others unfortunate enough to be near the accident site.
Examples of Barnett Shale Injury Accidents
Any oil and gas exploration and extraction venture carries considerable risks to individuals. Workers on rigs are often the ones who suffer the most injuries and fatalities, but others can also be affected if an incident occurs close to a populated area.
Some of the dangers those living or working near the Barnett Shale should be aware of include:
- Explosions and “blowouts”
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and solvents used in drilling and excavation
- Falls from heights
- Head trauma caused by falling objects
- Being struck or crushed by heavy machinery
These and other injury accidents can leave victims dealing with lifelong complications that require ongoing medical treatment. Without adequate compensation, these victims may struggle to get the help they need to make as complete a recovery as possible.
The Dangers Presented by Commercial Trucks
When most people think of the oil and gas industry and places like the Barnett Shale, trucking isn’t what comes to mind. However, commercial vehicles can be essential for operations in remote areas. Drivers moving people and materials to and from rigs and fields can cause serious accidents if they’re rushed, exhausted, or inattentive to their duties.
Along with the driver themselves, the company that employs them will frequently bear liability if the driver’s actions cause an accident. Other entities and individuals may also be responsible for paying damages. It’s critical to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston after any accident connected to the oil and gas industry.
Contact Our Texas Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident on or around the Barnett Shale in Texas, don’t be intimidated by the oil and gas companies. Turn to Zehl & Associates for help obtaining compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Contact our office to set up a free case review with a Texas oil and gas injury lawyer and learn more about how we can assist you.
Call 888-603-3636 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. Our record-setting accident attorneys work on contingency, so we only get paid if you do.
FREE CASE REVIEW
Fill Out the Form Below for a Free Case Review with our Undefeated Personal Injury Lawyers
All communications are private and confidential. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.