Injured in an Oklahoma Oil Field Accident? Here’s What You Should Know

If you work in the Oklahoma oil fields, you’re likely aware of the many occupational hazards. However, knowing the dangers doesn’t make them any less devastating if they occur.  

Even if you do everything right, there are just some accidents you can’t foresee. While you work hard and hope for the best, the Colbert Cooper Hill Wolf Pack will work for you when you need to deal with the worst.  

Our skilled Oklahoma oil field accident attorneys are on your side to help you receive the compensation you need to get your life back. 

Common Hazards of Oklahoma Oil Fields 

Working in an oil field comes with significant risks. Any one of the potential site hazards could lead to life-altering injuries or even fatalities.  

On top of the already volatile materials on the job, many oil field workers may be working long and strenuous hours, which can open the door to more mistakes and accidents no matter how careful one may try to be.  

Some of the most common hazards on an oil field worksite include the following. 

Toxic exposure and asphyxiation. Oil fields and drill sites can expose workers to dangerous materials such as hydrogen sulfide gas, which may cause long-term respiratory harm or even cancer. Exposure to such substances in tighter spaces without proper ventilation may also lead to potentially fatal asphyxiation.  

Heavy machinery accidents. The large equipment used at oil drilling sites can cause significant injuries, especially if the machinery is poorly maintained or used improperly. Workers may be hit, crushed, or lacerated by heavy equipment, leading to life-altering injuries or even death. 

Explosions, fires, and blowouts. Oil fields are rife with volatile substances that can easily ignite. Fires, explosions, and blowouts can cause severe burns or injuries from steam, caustic chemicals, metal shrapnel, or debris. 

Slips and falls. Workers in oil fields can easily slip on slick surfaces or fall from platforms. Falling items might also hit workers on the ground from above. 

Oil field workers may also risk exposure to extreme hot or cold, large truck accidents, or injuries from improper or insufficient personal protective equipment and safety training.  

Due to the isolated locations of many oil fields, injured oil field workers may also experience delays in emergency response when an accident does occur. Lost time in receiving medical attention can often significantly worsen injuries.  

Because oil field accident cases can be particularly complex, it’s important that you receive support from a skilled Oklahoma oil field accident attorney in pursuing your case. 

Why are oil field accident cases more complex? 

Workers’ compensation claims can already be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re pursuing a case while trying to recover from your injuries or, in the case of a wrongful death, are grieving a family member.  

But oil field accident cases have even more potential hurdles: 

Complex regulations. Oil field companies are often regulated by industry-specific organizations at both the state and federal levels. This can make it more difficult to determine fault in the case of an oil field accident. An Oklahoma oil field attorney can help identify the key players in a workers’ compensation claim. 

Multiple compensation avenues. The injuries or fatalities of an oil field accident often exceed the costs that would be covered by workers’ compensation alone. In order to cover medical expenses, long-term care, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident, it may be necessary to also file a personal injury claim. 

Long-term effects of oil field work. Oil field workers may never experience an on-site accident. However, this doesn’t mean that they’ll be completely free of work-related health issues. Working around hazardous materials may cause respiratory issues or cancer later in life. Oil fields often produce what’s called naturally-occurring radioactive materials, which can have serious health effects. A skilled attorney can help you hold the proper parties accountable and prove causation, even when these health issues occur years after you’ve worked in an unsafe environment. 

In addition to these factors unique to oil field accidents, a skilled attorney will also analyze other factors that may have contributed to the cause of the accident. Such factors may include:  

• Faulty machinery or personal protective equipment from the manufacturer 

• Failure to maintain equipment by employer 

• Poor training in safety protocols 

• Failure to follow safety protocols by other parties 

• Reckless behavior on the part of others at the scene of the accident, or others operating machinery under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

BLOG: What to Expect When You Consult with a Lawyer 

Our Oklahoma oil field accident attorneys can help 

If you’ve been injured in an oil field accident or believe you’re experiencing long-term health problems due to past work in Oklahoma oil fields, our attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to get your life back and focus on your recovery.  

If you’ve lost a loved one due to an accident working in an Oklahoma oil field, our attorneys can advocate for you in a wrongful death claim to help cover the costs of memorial services, bereavement, pain and suffering, and other needs. 

Colbert Cooper Hill will fight to get the best results possible for your oil field accident claim. The Wolf Pack works on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us legal fees unless we win a settlement on your behalf. Contact our Oklahoma City oil field accident lawyers today to get the representation you deserve. Just call (580) 271-9672 or complete our free online form. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. 

Sources:  

https://www.osha.gov/oil-and-gas-extraction/health-hazards#:~:text=Diesel%20Particulate%20Matter,Temperature%20Extremes

https://www.naspweb.com/blog/safety-moments-in-oil-extraction-hazards-controls-resources