Undefeated Midland Oilfield Accident Lawyers

West Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers with the Largest Wins in History

The Permian Basin is undeniably the lifeblood of the Midland-Odessa Region.

In fact, the vast formation is recognized as the top-producing oilfield in the world, outpacing even the Saudi Arabian Ghawar Field.  According to a study commissioned by the Texas Taxpayer and Research Association, the Permian accounted for nearly 40% of total crude oil production in the United States that year. Additional data collected during the same period indicates that the oil and gas industry directly employed more than 87,000 workers across West Texas and southeast New Mexico.

Although energy production is vital to the economies of Midland, Odessa, and the rest of West Texas, the industry is not without its dangers. Tragically, accidents and explosions are all too frequent and often result from the negligence of drilling and oilfield services companies all too willing to cut corners in the pursuit of profit. These companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their workers, and when they fail to fulfill this obligation, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be catastrophic for the injured workers and their families.

Our West Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers Have Recovered the Largest Verdicts and Settlements in History

Our Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorneys are known for winning the largest settlements and verdicts in history against the largest oil and gas companies in the world.

In the past 5 years alone, our Oilfield Accident Lawyers have repeatedly set records for oilfield accident victims and their families across Texas, including:

• #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlement in US History
• #1 Largest Oilfield Burn Injury Settlement in US History
• #1 Largest Accident Verdict in Texas
• #1 Largest Accident Settlement in Texas
• #2 Largest Accident Settlement in Texas
• Billions for Injured Workers across Texas and the United States

If you or a loved one was injured or tragically killed while working on a Permian Basin oilfield, our Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accident Lawyers will commit whatever resources and time are necessary to hold the responsible companies accountable and ensure you and your family receive the maximum compensation possible for all of your injuries and losses.

Call 1-888-603-3636, click the “live chat” button, or send us a confidential email through our Contact Form by Clicking Here.

All consultations are free—and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.

Common Causes of Permian Basin Oilfield Accidents and Explosions

The Permian Basin encompasses over a dozen counties in Texas, including:

• Big Spring
• Fort Stockton
• Lamesa
• Midland
• Monahans
• Odessa
• Pecos
• Andrews
• Borden
• Crane
• Dawson
• Ector
• Gaines
• Glasscock
• Howard
• Loving
• Martin
• Midland
• Pecos
• Reeves Terrell
• Upton
• Ward
• Winkler

As a result of the drilling boom, Midland, Odessa, and many other communities throughout the region have been transformed from once rural ranching towns into vibrant industrial centers. Yet while oil and gas drilling has undoubtedly boosted the West Texas economy in terms of both jobs and revenue, it has also escalated levels of air and water pollution, noise, and traffic congestion. Moreover, the increase in drilling activities has led to a substantial rise in oilfield accidents, resulting in severe injuries, fatalities, and lasting trauma for the workers involved and their families.

Our oilfield accident attorneys have successfully represented more than 1,000 workers and their families in connection with some of the worst oilfield accidents and explosions in history. In our experience, the vast majority of these tragedies are entirely preventable and directly result from an oil or gas company’s failure to follow vital safety regulations and industry standards intended to ensure the health and safety of their workers.

Some of the most common causes of oilfield accidents and explosions include:

• Inadequate Training: It’s undeniable that workers without proper training are more likely to be involved in serious accidents. This puts not only the individual at risk but also compromises the overall safety of the workplace. Yet, in their relentless pursuit of profit, some oilfield companies overlook the necessity of comprehensive training programs, neglecting their responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for their employees.
• Faulty Equipment: Oilfield operations rely heavily on complex machinery. When this equipment is not properly maintained or is defective, it becomes a ticking time bomb, ready to cause disastrous accidents and explosions that can have severe consequences for both the workers and the environment. Ensuring regular maintenance and thorough inspections are crucial to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: While there are stringent safety regulations in place for oilfield operations, we’ve seen first-hand how often companies prioritize cost-cutting over their workers’ well-being. By neglecting safety measures, they not only jeopardize the lives of their employees but also expose them to significant risks that could have been prevented.
• Fatigue from Overwork: The oil and gas industry is widely known for its demanding and arduous work hours, which can take a toll on workers’ physical and mental well-being. The persistent fatigue that accompanies these long shifts can not only compromise their judgment and reduce their reaction times but also increase the likelihood of critical errors that may have catastrophic consequences. It is crucial for companies in this industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees by implementing effective fatigue management strategies and providing adequate rest periods to mitigate the risks associated with exhaustion.
• Hazardous Materials: Workers in the oilfield are often exposed to a wide range of toxic and flammable substances. These can include corrosive chemicals, volatile gases, and highly reactive materials.  Improper handling, storage, or disposal of these substances can lead to catastrophic incidents such as fires, explosions, and serious injuries from chemical exposure. It is imperative for all workers to receive proper training and follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risks and ensure a safe working environment.
• H2S Poisoning: Hydrogen sulfide gas, commonly known as H2S, is a hazardous byproduct frequently found in oilfields. When present in high concentrations, this colorless gas can pose a grave threat to human life. Its effects on health range from mere eye irritation to severe complications like pulmonary edema, and in extreme cases, it can even result in sudden death. Unfortunately, many companies often neglect to provide adequate safety equipment, leaving workers vulnerable to this silent killer. As a consequence, incidents of H2S poisoning have become a concerning issue that demands immediate attention and action.
• Oilfield Truck Accidents: In the oil and gas industry, the transportation of machinery, equipment, and hazardous materials heavily relies on large trucks. In the Permian, these trucks must typically navigate rough, poorly maintained rural roads, creating an environment that increases the likelihood of accidents. Moreover, the drivers operating these trucks are frequently pushed to their limits, experiencing fatigue and impaired judgment. This combination significantly heightens the risk of catastrophic oilfield truck accidents that can have devastating consequences for workers as well as other motorists sharing the road with these rigs.

Common Injuries Sustained in Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accidents

Because volatile chemicals, heavy equipment and other hazards are a constant feature of oilfield work, it’s highly likely that anyone caught up in an accident or explosion will suffer severe, debilitating and even fatal injuries, such as:

• Burn Injuries: The presence of flammable substances and high heat in oilfields leads to a high risk of burn injuries. From first-degree burns to life-threatening third-degree burns, these injuries can cause immense pain and disfigurement that results in the need for long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Crush Injuries: Malfunctioning machinery and equipment and falls from heights can cause serious fractures and crush injuries on the oilfield. These types of injuries can potentially lead to long-term or permanent disability, resulting in a greatly diminished quality of life.
• Chemical Exposure: The handling of hazardous chemicals can lead to toxic exposure. This can cause a range of health issues, from skin and eye irritation to more serious conditions like cancer and organ damage.
• Hearing Loss: The blast produced by an explosion and even the constant exposure to loud noise on an oilfield can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. This is a significant and often overlooked issue that can permanently impact a worker’s life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls from heights and machinery accidents are among the incidents that can result in severe spinal cord injuries on the oilfield. Such injuries are particularly devastating as they can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A blow to the head or severe jolt can cause traumatic brain injuries, resulting in cognitive issues, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral changes, and lifetime care needs.
• Amputations: Oilfield workers can suffer amputations directly as a result of an accident or explosion, or they may experience injuries so severe that they require surgical amputation of a limb. This not only changes the course of a worker’s life forever but also puts a significant emotional and financial burden on them and their families.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Apart from physical injuries, oilfield workers often suffer from psychological injuries like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the wake of an accident or explosion. The traumatic events they face can leave lasting mental health issues that require professional help.

Injured in an Odessa Oilfield Accident? Here’s What You Need to Do to Protect Your Legal Rights.

If you or a loved one were injured in an oilfield accident, it’s critical that you take steps to protect yourself and your family as soon after the accident as possible.

While your company and its insurance adjusters (claims reps) may tell you that they’re going to “take care of you,” the truth is that they’re focused on one thing: paying you as little money as possible for your injuries and losses.  

No matter what they promise, the company will NEVER:

• fully compensate you for your injuries and losses
• pay all your past and future medical bills
• provide you with the best medical care available, or
• ensure you have the financial resources to provide for yourself and your family for the rest of your life.

So what should you do in the aftermath of an oilfield injury to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible?

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Following an oilfield accident, your first priority should be seeking immediate medical care. Even if you believe your injuries are minor or non-existent, it’s crucial to get thoroughly examined by a medical professional. Some injuries might not manifest immediately or may be internal, so a full medical examination is essential.
• Document the Incident: If it’s feasible and safe, try to document the accident scene. Take photographs of your injuries and the surroundings, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses, and make a note of the incident details while they’re still fresh in your memory.
• Report the Accident: Report the incident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Doing so in a timely manner is usually necessary to receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits. However, keep your report straightforward — don’t speculate about fault or provide any information that could be used against you in the event you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• Don’t Speak with the Company’s Insurance Adjusters: In the aftermath of an oilfield injury, insurance adjusters may attempt to contact you. But while they may appear sympathetic and promise to help, the insurance adjuster’s primary goal is to protect the company’s interest and pay out as little money as possible. No matter how much the adjuster pressures you, DO NOT provide any recorded statements, sign any documents, or discuss any details of the accident or your injuries with them.
• Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident – this could include clothing, equipment, or other materials involved. Don’t launder anything or alter items in any way, and store everything in a clean plastic bag.
• Follow Medical Advice: Follow all medical advice and treatment plans given by your healthcare provider. Failure to do so may be used against you, suggesting that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
• Keep Records: It is important to maintain a detailed record of all medical bills, loss of wages, and any other expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident. These records will play a crucial role in determining the appropriate compensation for you.
• Avoid Social Media: In the age of digital communication, be mindful of your social media activities. Assume that the company’s attorneys are monitoring your social accounts. Anything you post about the oilfield accident or your injuries might be used against you during the legal proceedings.
• Be Careful Who You Speak To: In the wake of an oilfield accident, you must limit your conversations about the event and your injuries. These discussions should be confined exclusively to your attorney and your spouse. Any statements made to anyone else can be potentially used against you, reducing your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Finally, it’s absolutely crucial that you consult with an experienced oil field accident attorney as soon as possible. While you’re recovering and deciding whether to hire an oilfield injury attorney, your employer (and any other companies and contractors involved) will already have a team of lawyers taking statements, getting rid of important evidence, having an “investigator” secretly follow and take pictures of you in an effort to undermine the severity of your injuries, and doing everything else they can to avoid responsibility for the accident.

An experienced oilfield injury lawyer will have the resources, knowledge, and track record to take on the largest oil companies in the world and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible so that you never have to rely on the company to do (or pay for) what’s best for you and your family.

What Distinguishes Our West Texas Oil Field Accident Lawyers from Other Law Firms

1. We are trial lawyers who—in addition to being Undefeated—have recovered the #1 largest oilfield accident verdicts and settlements in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana and the United States

2. Our clients and their families receive the best medical care available and the maximum recovery possible

3. We’ve successfully represented over 1,000 workers injured in the worst oilfield and workplace accidents and explosions in history and not only won – but set records

But our commitment to those we represent goes far beyond the verdicts and settlements we’re able to recover for our clients.

When oilfield workers are injured on the job, their injuries often prevent them from continuing to work and provide for themselves and their families. We understand that the bills don’t stop after an accident and that it’s a lot harder to focus on your recovery when you’re worried about covering next month’s bills.

That’s why we’re always willing to assist our clients with their living expenses and medical bills for as long as their cases are pending. This way, you get to focus on what matters most – your recovery – while we focus on getting you to the best doctors and medical providers available and recovering the maximum compensation possible for you and your family. To see for yourself what our clients say about their experience with our Oilfield Injury Lawyers, just visit our Client Testimonial page or our firm’s YouTube Channel.

Contact our Undefeated Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here

In addition to being Undefeated, our West Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyers have recovered Billions and consistently won the #1 largest verdicts and settlements in history for injured oilfield workers and their families across Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana and the United States.

If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in an oilfield accident, it’s important that you take steps to protect and secure your and your family’s future.

Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form

We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and make sure that you have the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.

All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accident FAQs

• Who Can I Sue After an Oilfield Accident? Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to sue the oil and gas company, drilling contractor, equipment manufacturer, and other individuals or entities involved in the operation.
• What Damages Can I Recover? You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident. If your spouse was hurt on an oilfield, you may be entitled to damages for loss of consortium. If you lost a loved one in an oilfield accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering prior to their death, as well as lost wages, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and other substantial damages. 
• How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit? The statute of limitations for filing an oilfield accident lawsuit in Texas is two years, but it’s important to take action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
• What’s the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and a Personal Injury Lawsuit? Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits for injured workers and never comes close to fully compensating an injured oilfield worker for all their physical and financial losses.  A personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, allows you to seek full compensation for all of your losses, including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and more.
• Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit If I’m Getting Workers’ Compensation? In most cases, you cannot sue your employer if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the actions of a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer,  contractor or subcontractor, caused or contributed to your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
• What if My Employer Doesn’t Carry Workers Compensation Insurance? Unlike every other state in the nation, Texas does not require employers to carry Workers’ Comp insurance. However, if you are hurt on the oilfield, and your employer does not provide workers comp, you are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages for the injuries and losses sustained as a result of your injuries.
• Does Texas Allow Oilfield Workers to Pursue Punitive Damages for Injuries Sustained in an Accident or Explosion? Yes, Texas allows injured workers to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. However, you must prove that your injuries were the result of gross negligence on the part of the responsible party. This means showing that the company knew or should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to take reasonable steps to address it.