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The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of Texas’ economy, providing thousands of jobs and fueling energy production across the state. Friendswood, located near some of Texas’ most active drilling operations, is home to many oilfield workers who face daily risks on the job. While these positions offer financial stability, they also expose workers to hazardous conditions that can lead to devastating injuries or fatalities.
When an oilfield accident occurs due to employer negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions, injured workers have the right to seek compensation. At the Houston-based firm of Johnson Garcia, we have over 35 years of experience representing oilfield accident victims in Texas. Our legal team understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to holding negligent employers, contractors, and third parties accountable. If a fair settlement is not offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Oilfield workers in Friendswood operate in high-risk environments where safety failures can lead to life-changing injuries. The physically demanding nature of the work, combined with exposure to heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, and high-pressure drilling operations, creates a dangerous workplace. Even when safety regulations are in place, employers who cut corners or fail to follow proper procedures put workers at risk.
Some of the most serious risks that oilfield workers face include:
Despite the well-documented risks, many accidents could be prevented if employers prioritized worker safety. Unfortunately, some companies neglect safety regulations to maximize production, putting employees in harm’s way.
While some oilfield accidents occur due to unforeseen circumstances, many result from negligence and preventable safety violations. Understanding the causes of these incidents is essential for injured workers who need to take legal action against those responsible.
Employers in the oil and gas industry must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to maintain a safe working environment. However, many companies fail to enforce these standards, leading to hazardous conditions that put workers at risk. One of the most common violations is neglecting routine maintenance on drilling rigs and machinery, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failures. Additionally, many companies do not provide essential protective gear such as fire-resistant clothing, harnesses, and respirators, leaving workers vulnerable to severe injuries.
Another widespread issue is the pressure employers place on workers to complete tasks quickly, which often results in rushed decisions and overlooked safety procedures. Employees working long shifts without proper rest are more likely to make mistakes due to fatigue, further increasing the risk of accidents. While workers have the right to report unsafe conditions, many fear retaliation or losing their jobs, preventing them from speaking up. When companies prioritize productivity over worker safety, preventable accidents become a serious concern.
Oilfield operations rely heavily on complex machinery and heavy equipment, which must be regularly inspected and maintained. When companies neglect routine maintenance or use outdated equipment, the chances of catastrophic failures increase. Drilling rig collapses are one of the most serious equipment failures, often trapping or crushing workers underneath falling structures. Hydraulic system malfunctions can cause uncontrolled pressure releases, leading to severe burns, lacerations, or even fatalities.
Another major issue is faulty safety valves, which can contribute to sudden blowouts and explosions. Malfunctioning cranes and lifts also pose a significant risk, as a dropped load can cause devastating injuries. When an accident is caused by defective equipment, multiple parties may be held accountable, including employers, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into safety records, maintenance logs, and equipment defects.
Oilfields are inherently dangerous due to the presence of flammable gases, high-pressure pipelines, and volatile chemicals. Without proper safety protocols in place, even a minor incident can escalate into a devastating fire or explosion. One of the leading causes of oilfield fires is undetected gas leaks, often resulting from malfunctioning monitoring systems. If gas leaks are not properly identified and controlled, workers may be exposed to highly flammable substances that can ignite with a single spark.
Improper storage and handling of volatile chemicals can also increase the risk of fires and explosions. Employers who fail to conduct regular inspections on aging pipelines create additional hazards, as pipeline ruptures can lead to uncontrolled fires and dangerous environmental conditions.
Beyond the immediate dangers of burns and blast injuries, prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause long-term health complications. Many oilfield workers develop chronic respiratory illnesses, lung damage, or neurological disorders after years of inhaling toxic fumes. Without proper protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and ventilators, workers may unknowingly expose themselves to dangerous substances that have lifelong consequences.
Oilfield accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Many injured workers face permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to work.
Head injuries are common in oilfield accidents, whether from falling debris, explosions, or equipment failures. Even with a hard hat, a severe impact can lead to a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). In serious cases, TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Fires and explosions frequently lead to second- and third-degree burns. Burn injuries can cause extreme pain, permanent scarring, and mobility issues. Many victims require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Falls from heights or being struck by heavy machinery can cause severe spinal cord injuries. These injuries often result in partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistive equipment such as wheelchairs.
Oilfield workers who become trapped under machinery or caught in high-powered equipment may suffer severe crush injuries or amputations. These life-altering injuries make it impossible for victims to return to physically demanding jobs, affecting their financial stability.
Workers exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals over time may develop chronic lung conditions, respiratory infections, and even cancer. Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances like hydrogen sulfide can have long-term effects on a worker’s health.
Injured oilfield workers have multiple legal avenues to seek compensation, depending on the circumstances of their accident. Workers’ compensation, third-party liability claims, and personal injury lawsuits are all potential options.
Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement for employees injured on the job. However, Texas law does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not provide coverage, you may need to pursue a lawsuit to recover damages.
If a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor, contributed to your accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Third-party claims allow workers to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
If an oilfield accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
After an oilfield accident, the actions you take—or fail to take—can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. Many injured workers unknowingly make mistakes that weaken their claims, delay their financial recovery, or give insurance companies an excuse to deny or minimize their settlement. Avoiding these common missteps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your case.
One of the biggest mistakes injured workers make is not seeking medical treatment right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, some conditions—such as concussions, internal bleeding, and toxic exposure effects—may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but also give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. A medical evaluation creates a documented record of your injuries, which is crucial evidence in a legal claim.
Failing to notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible can hurt your ability to recover compensation. Texas law requires workplace injuries to be reported within a specific time frame, and missing this deadline could jeopardize your claim. Providing a written report of the incident ensures that there is an official record of what happened. If possible, request a copy of the report for your own records in case your employer tries to dispute the details later.
After an accident, insurance adjusters may reach out and ask for a recorded statement. While they may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize the company’s liability and settle your claim for as little money as possible. Anything you say could be used against you, even if you do not intend to admit fault. Avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or potential settlement offers with an insurance representative before consulting a lawyer. A skilled oilfield accident attorney can handle these negotiations and protect your interests.
Injured workers often feel pressure to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, especially when facing medical bills and lost wages. However, initial settlement offers are typically much lower than what the case is actually worth. Once a settlement is accepted, you cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Before accepting any compensation, speak with an attorney who can assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential.
Sharing details about your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media can be damaging to your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your posts for any statements or photos that contradict your claims. Even an innocent post showing you engaged in a seemingly harmless activity could be misinterpreted and used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. The best approach is to avoid posting anything related to the accident until your case is resolved.
Oilfield injury claims are complex, and waiting too long to seek legal representation can weaken your case. Important evidence, such as witness statements and accident scene photos, can be lost over time. Additionally, Texas imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning you only have a limited time to take legal action. The sooner you consult an attorney, the stronger your case will be. A lawyer can guide you through the claims process, ensure that deadlines are met, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Navigating an oilfield injury claim can be complex, especially when dealing with large corporations and insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. A skilled oilfield accident lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties.
An attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs. If the responsible parties refuse to settle, an experienced lawyer will take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident in Friendswood, do not wait to take legal action. The aftermath of a serious workplace injury can be overwhelming, with mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. You should not have to navigate this process alone while dealing with aggressive insurance companies and employers who may try to minimize or deny your claim.
At Johnson Garcia, we have over 35 years of experience fighting for injured oilfield workers across Texas. We know how to hold negligent employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers accountable, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if the other side refuses to negotiate fairly. Our legal team will work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery.
Call 832-844-6700 today for a free, no-obligation consultation, or reach out to us online. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your future.
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