Experienced Odessa Oil Field Accident Lawyer Fighting For Injured Persons’ Rights
Texas is filled with oil fields and work sites dedicated to extracting natural resources. Unfortunately, these areas can be extremely dangerous. When safety precautions are not taken, it can lead to serious injury. I am Brent A. Biggs, founder of The Biggs Firm and a lifelong resident of the Odessa area. I have over 30 years of experience helping clients throughout the community as an oil field accident attorney.
A Proven Litigator For Oil Field Accident Cases
Our state is unique in that not all businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This leaves drillers, oil rig managers, engineers, truck drivers and engineers at risk. That being said, it is important to remember that you have rights. As your Odessa oil field injury lawyer, I understand the complexities of these cases.
Workers who are hurt may file a personal injury claim if the circumstances of the accident were not caused by the company you work for. You can also do so if your employer failed to get proper insurance. Even if you are not an employee of the oil field you are hurt on, you can still file a personal injury claim.
As an experienced oil field accident attorney, I will aggressively pursue the maximum amount of compensation your injury case deserves. Over the last three decades, the money I have recovered for clients has been used to cover medical costs and lost wages.
While your pain does not have a price, financial relief can help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later. I aim to hold these companies responsible when they are at fault. Whether it was faulty equipment or failure to protect the public by the owner, I will do everything I can to advocate on your behalf as your dedicated Odessa oil field injury attorney.
Common Types Of Oil Field Accidents And Their Causes
Workers in the oil and gas industry face numerous hazards on a daily basis. Understanding the common accidents that can occur and their causes is crucial for both prevention and knowing your legal rights if an injury occurs.
Vehicle And Transportation Accidents
Oil field workers frequently travel between sites and operate heavy machinery. These conditions, combined with rural roads and challenging terrain, can lead to serious vehicular accidents. Transportation incidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries in the industry.
Hazardous Chemical Exposure
Workers often encounter dangerous substances including hydrogen sulfide gas, drilling fluids and other toxic chemicals. Exposure to these materials can cause severe respiratory issues, burns and long-term health complications that may not be immediately apparent.
Explosions And Fires
The presence of flammable gases and materials creates a constant risk of explosions and fires. These catastrophic events can result in severe burns, blast injuries and devastating consequences for workers and their families.
Fatigue-Related Accidents
Extended shifts and demanding physical labor can lead to dangerous levels of worker exhaustion. When workers are overly tired, their reaction times slow and judgment becomes impaired, increasing the risk of accidents.
Equipment Malfunctions
From drilling equipment to pressure control systems, mechanical failures can have devastating consequences. Proper maintenance and inspection protocols are crucial for preventing these types of accidents.
Falls And Struck-By Incidents
Working at heights on derricks and platforms poses significant fall risks. Additionally, workers can be struck by falling equipment, tools or debris, leading to serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of oil field accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. As your Odessa oil field injury attorney, I can evaluate your case, determine the best path forward and fight to protect your rights and interests.
Contributing Factors And Employer Responsibility
Many accidents result from preventable circumstances, such as:
- Inadequate safety training or supervision
- Failure to provide appropriate personal protective equipment
- Poor maintenance of equipment and facilities
- Insufficient safety protocols and procedures
- Pressure to meet production quotas at the expense of safety
Whether your case involves workers’ compensation or requires a personal injury claim, understanding these factors is crucial for building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Field Accidents And Injuries
Many oil field jobs are dangerous, frequently resulting in serious or catastrophic injuries to workers. If you were injured while working in the oil field industry, you likely have many questions about what kinds of compensation are available and who, if anyone, is liable for your injuries.
On in this section, I’ve provided answers to some of the questions clients most frequently ask about oil field accidents.
Do I need to prove that someone was at fault in order to receive compensation?
It depends on whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. If it does, you could file a workers’ comp claim without needing to show that anyone was at fault. If your employer doesn’t have coverage and the company or a coworker caused your injuries, your employer could be held legally liable. In this case, however, you would need to prove fault with the help of an attorney.
What are my options if my accident was caused by someone other than my employer or a co-worker?
Oil fields are a lot like construction sites, in that there are typically workers from numerous companies working side by side. If you were injured because of the negligence of one of these workers, my firm could help you file what’s known as a third-party liability claim against their employer.
Third-party claims are essentially personal injury lawsuits stemming from workplace accidents and injuries. They can sometimes be pursued in addition to workers’ comp benefits, and other times instead of worker’s comp.
Can I take legal action if a family member was killed in an oil field accident?
The answer is often yes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. I can help you pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. We can seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other expenses that would normally be part of a personal injury suit. But you may also be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and loss of lifetime earnings, if your loved one was financially supporting the family.
Why should I hire The Biggs Firm to represent me?
Early in my career, I represented insurance companies when they needed to defend claims. I have an insider’s knowledge of how these companies work, what evidence they’re looking for and why they make the decisions they do.
Moreover, I’m not afraid to go up against insurers or the multimillion-dollar corporations they insure (i.e., oil and gas companies). I have a strong track record of success both in and out of the courtroom, and I work tirelessly to help my clients obtain the compensation they need and deserve.
Talk To An Experienced Accident And Injury Attorney Today
With these cases, it is important to act sooner rather than later. In order to discuss your options, call my office in Odessa at 432-268-0153 to schedule a consultation today. Based in Odessa, I also represent clients in Midland and throughout West Texas. You can also email me, and I will be in touch with you shortly.