Oilfield Workers Deserve Protection
Oilfield work is dangerous, but that does not mean explosions, fires, and catastrophic injuries should be accepted as “part of the job.” Many oilfield accidents happen because someone failed to follow safety rules, maintain equipment, train workers, inspect hazards, or protect people on the jobsite.
Attorney Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist helps injured workers and families pursue justice after serious oilfield accidents in Texas.
Common Causes of Oilfield Explosions
Oilfield explosions may be caused by:
- Ignition of flammable gases or vapors
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Defective valves or pressure control systems
- Failure to monitor gas levels
- Hot work near combustible materials
- Lack of proper ventilation
- Electrical failures
- Unsafe welding or cutting
- Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures
- Well control failures
- Inadequate safety training
- Lack of proper personal protective equipment
After an explosion, companies may move quickly to protect themselves. Injured workers should have someone protecting them too.
Serious Injuries Caused by Oilfield Explosions
Oilfield explosions can cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- First-degree, partial-thickness, or full-thickness burns
- Inhalation injuries
- Blast injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hearing loss
- Eye injuries
- Fractures
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Wrongful death
Burn injuries can require extensive treatment, including wound care, debridement, skin grafting, infection monitoring, pain management, and long-term rehabilitation.
Can You Sue After an Oilfield Injury in Texas?
The answer depends on the facts. Some injured workers may have workers’ compensation claims. Others may work for employers that do not carry traditional workers’ compensation coverage. In many oilfield cases, there may also be a third-party claim against another company, contractor, equipment manufacturer, maintenance provider, or property owner.
A third-party claim can be important because it may allow an injured worker to pursue damages beyond basic workers’ compensation benefits.
What Evidence Matters?
Important evidence in an oilfield explosion case may include:
- Incident reports
- Safety meeting records
- Maintenance logs
- Gas detection records
- Hot work permits
- Training records
- OSHA investigation materials
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Equipment inspection reports
- Witness statements
- Contractor agreements
- Prior safety complaints or violations
Attorney Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist can help investigate what happened, who was responsible, and what compensation may be available.
Get Justice with Jessica
If you were injured in an oilfield explosion, fire, or serious jobsite accident, you do not have to face the company or insurance carrier alone.
Contact Attorney Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist today for a free consultation. Get Justice with Jessica.
