Tulsa Oilfield Accident Lawyer

Accidents often occur in the thriving oilfields near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Suffering a severe injury in such a hazardous environment threatens your well-being and casts a daunting shadow on your financial stability and future. You need the resources to pay for your medical bills and other needs, and you need them right now.

At Edwards & Patterson Law, we stand ready to use our more than four decades of extensive legal experience to fight for the money you need after an oilfield injury. Let our dedicated Oklahoma lawyers handle all the complexities of filing a personal injury case or workers’ compensation claim to seek the money and benefits you need while you heal.

Call our Oklahoma law firm now or complete our contact form for a free consultation. We’re ready to provide the legal representation you need to recover damages for your losses.

What Are Common Oilfield Accidents?

Here are a few of the most common serious accidents that occur in Tulsa oilfields:

• Equipment Failure – Machinery and equipment failures can lead to catastrophic accidents, including spills, leaks, and even life-threatening injuries due to malfunctioning oil rigs or structural collapses.
• Fires and Explosions – Oilfields are highly susceptible to fires and explosions due to the flammable nature of the materials. Such incidents can result from leaks, spills, or ignition sources being too close to volatile substances.
• Vehicle Crashes – Collisions, overturns, and other mishaps during transportation can have grievous consequences for oilfield workers, including permanent injuries or even death.
• Well Blowouts – When pressure control systems fail on an oil rig, a well blowout can result in violent explosions, exposing workers to blast forces, environmentally detrimental spills, and other dangers.
• Falls – Slick surfaces, tripping hazards, and inadequate safety measures can contribute to oilfield worker falls. In turn, these falls can cause anything from minor injuries to debilitating conditions.
• Chemical Exposures – Oilfield workers often find themselves near dangerous chemicals, where accidental spills, leaks, or lack of proper protective equipment expose them to toxins that can trigger both acute and chronic health issues.
• Struck-By/Caught-In-Between Accidents – The activity on an oil rig frequently involves the movement of heavy machinery and equipment, elevating the risk of workers being struck by moving objects or caught between equipment.
• Electrical Accidents – Handling and being around electrical equipment, especially near flammable materials, heightens the risk of electrical shocks, burns, and other serious injuries.

What Injuries Occur from Oilfield Accidents?

Injuries in the oil and gas industry often cause severe, potentially lifelong injuries, including:

• Burns and Scalds
• Fractures
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Amputations
• Hearing Loss
• Vision Impairment or Loss
• Respiratory Issues and Lung Damage
• Chemical Burns
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Dislocations
• Muscle Strains and Sprains
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Electrical Burns
• Contusions and Bruising
• Blast Injuries

What to Do Immediately After an Oilfield Accident

Here’s what injury victims need to do after an oilfield accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma:

• Seek Medical Attention – Consistently follow your healthcare providers’ treatment plan, medications, and therapy to promote your recovery and establish a comprehensive medical history for seeking fair compensation.
• Notify Your Employer – Inform your employer about the incident and injuries in writing, ensuring they understand your situation and any associated work limitations.
• Maintain an Injury Journal – Keep a daily log detailing your physical pain, emotional struggles, and any challenges encountered in your daily activities, painting a vivid picture of your post-injury life.
• Secure Witness Statements – If possible, obtain statements and contact information from any witnesses to back up your claim.
• Retrieve Accident Reports – Ensure you have a copy of any accident reports.
• Avoid Communicating with Insurance Companies – Refrain from making statements or accepting settlements from insurance providers without consulting a lawyer.
• Limit Social Media Activity – Avoid discussions or posts about the accident or your injuries.
• Get Help from Our Oilfield Accident Attorneys – Enlist the services of a dedicated attorney, like those at Edwards & Patterson Law, who can handle the legal complexities of your claim and champion your rights with precision and unwavering commitment.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Oilfield Injury?

In general, you cannot sue your employer for injuries related to an oilfield accident, as that’s what workers’ comp is for. However, other parties may bear responsibility for the claim, such as:

• A company that hired you as an independent contractor
• Equipment manufacturers
• Property owners
• Transportation companies
• Third-party vendors
• Government entities

Am I Also Entitled to Workers’ Comp If I Am Injured in an Oilfield Accident?

In most circumstances, direct employees injured at work in the oil business qualify for workers’ comp benefits. The no-fault system provides financial support for medical expenses, physical therapy costs, and lost wages, among other associated costs, without having to prove your employer caused the accident.

However, it is crucial to note that oilfield workers who are not employees typically do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, independent contractors may need to explore alternative legal avenues to secure compensation for injuries sustained during an oilfield accident. This often entails pursuing a personal injury claim.

Keep in mind that many oil and gas industry employers misclassify workers as independent contractors when they are employees. Oklahoma law looks at the reality of the work relationship regardless of what the label says. Contact our Tulsa personal injury lawyer today.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in an Oilfield Accident Injury Claim?

An oilfield accident personal injury claim could enable you to pursue compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earnings due to a disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Damaged personal property
• Other losses

What If the Oilfield Accident Resulted in a Death?

Unfortunately, workers sometimes die in Tulsa oilfield accidents. In these heart-wrenching instances, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the immense emotional and financial void left after a loved one’s untimely demise. Compensation from a wrongful death claim may include money for the loss of companionship, funeral costs, loss of future earnings, and more.

The workers’ compensation system also provides death benefits to the survivors of qualifying workers who are killed in workplace accidents.

Talk to our lawyers for more information on wrongful death claims in Oklahoma.

Does Oklahoma Set a Time Limit for Filing an Accident Lawsuit Claim?

Oklahoma law allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Otherwise, you lose your right to pursue compensation in court.  Workers’ compensation claims must be filed within one year. Talk to our lawyers as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights.

Contact a Tulsa Oilfield Accident Attorney

Injured oilfield workers in Tulsa deserve compensation when they are hurt on the job. Edwards & Patterson Law is here to provide legal guidance through the process and provide the support you need in this trying time.

Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation and find out how our law firm can help you seek full compensation for your losses.

Visit Our Tulsa Oilfield Accident Law Offices