Gas and oil extraction workers face a fatality rate eight times higher than the average of all other occupations, according to a recent NPR report. Fatalities most often occur from “struck by” oil drilling accidents.
Dangers of Oil Drilling
According to the Department of Labor, “struck by” is one of the more common causes of death at a drilling site. This type of accident can occur in various conditions, including when a worker is fatally struck by a loose portion of a rig or when a large piece of metal is sent airborne from high-pressure releases of oil and gas.
These dangers have increased with the use of inexperienced and unqualified workers. The oil industry is in a time of high demand using double the amount of rigs compared to last year. The rigs require workers, and companies are bringing in people to fill open positions that may have little to no experience in the oil field.
In addition to a poorly trained workforce, many rigs that were “mothballed” are now being put into use. These old rigs lack important safety features designed to decrease worker fatalities.
Texas Needs Improved Oil Drilling Safety Conditions
Fatal oil drilling accidents most often occur at smaller companies that are unable to provide adequate health and safety programs. Although current practices, including monthly meetings with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are a step in the right direction, more measures are needed to improve safety conditions for workers in the industry.
If you or a loved one were injured while working for an oil drilling company, remedies are available to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as lost wages and pain and suffering. It is important to contact an experienced oil drilling accident lawyer to discuss your claim and ensure all legal rights and remedies are protected.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
