24/7 Support. Pay Nothing Until We Win!
Katy plays an important role in Texas’s oil and gas industry. Situated just west of Houston, the city benefits from its proximity to major energy corridors and drilling operations. Many Katy residents work in or around the oilfields that help power the state’s economy. While these jobs are vital and often well-paying, they also come with serious risks.
Oilfield work is among the most hazardous professions in the country. Workers regularly operate heavy equipment, handle flammable chemicals, and perform duties in unpredictable environments. Accidents can happen in seconds—and when they do, the consequences are often devastating.
The lawyers at Houston-based Johnson Garcia have over 35 years of experience representing injured workers across Texas. If you were hurt on the job, you may have more options than you realize. We understand the complexities of oilfield injury claims and are here to help you take the next step by providing guidance, legal insight, and a clear understanding of your rights.
Oilfield work is demanding, fast-paced, and inherently dangerous. The combination of complex equipment, volatile materials, and long hours creates an environment where serious injuries can happen in an instant. While the risks are known, many accidents occur because proper safety protocols are not followed or enforced.
Oil extraction involves managing immense underground pressure. When control systems malfunction or pressure is misjudged, a blowout can occur—releasing oil or gas violently and without warning. These incidents often result in severe burns, crush injuries, or fatalities. Equipment failures are also a frequent issue, often due to worn components, improper maintenance, or design defects. Even a single malfunction can jeopardize an entire crew.
Much of oilfield labor takes place on elevated rigs, scaffolding, or confined platforms. A lack of guardrails, unstable footing, or defective safety harnesses can turn routine tasks into deadly hazards. Falls often cause traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage, leaving workers with permanent impairments.
Explosive gases, chemicals, and pressurized liquids are commonplace on drill sites. When safety procedures are skipped or equipment sparks unexpectedly, explosions can ignite within seconds. These incidents have the potential to destroy large sections of a worksite and cause extensive harm to everyone nearby.
Oilfield workers frequently rely on company trucks or transport vehicles to move between locations. When these vehicles are not properly maintained or operated by fatigued drivers, they pose a major threat. Collisions involving large trucks or heavy machinery are often severe and, in many cases, fatal.
In nearly every type of oilfield accident, negligence is a contributing factor. Whether it’s an employer failing to enforce safety standards, a subcontractor cutting corners, or a third party supplying faulty equipment, preventable decisions lead to serious consequences. Our lawyers understand the layers of responsibility in oilfield operations and will work to uncover where safety failed and who should be held accountable.
In the aftermath of an oilfield accident, determining who is legally responsible for your injuries is a critical step in pursuing compensation. While workers’ compensation may cover basic medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, it does not account for the full extent of damages in many cases.
Texas law allows injured workers to pursue third-party claims when negligence by an outside party contributed to the accident. Identifying these parties requires a detailed investigation and a clear understanding of how liability works in oilfield operations.
One common source of liability in oilfield accidents is subcontractors. Oilfield operations often involve multiple layers of contractors and subcontractors, each performing specific roles at the job site. When subcontractors fail to follow safety protocols, hire unqualified workers, or cut corners to save time or money, the results can be catastrophic. If your injury was caused by a subcontractor’s negligence, you may have grounds for a separate personal injury claim against their company.
Equipment manufacturers are another party that may be held accountable. Oilfield machinery operates under extreme conditions and must meet rigorous safety standards. When a piece of equipment fails due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lack of proper warnings, the manufacturer may be liable for resulting injuries. Defective valves, failed blowout preventers, and malfunctioning pressure gauges have all been linked to serious oilfield accidents. Pursuing a product liability claim requires extensive technical evidence, but it can be a critical component of full financial recovery.
Site owners and leaseholders may also bear responsibility. In some cases, the company that owns the land or operates the drilling site fails to maintain a safe environment. This could involve inadequate lighting, poor signage, unmarked hazards, or a general failure to oversee safety compliance. Even if the site owner was not directly involved in day-to-day operations, they may still be held liable if their negligence contributed to unsafe working conditions.
Transportation companies can also play a role in oilfield accidents, especially when workers are injured in vehicle collisions while on the job. If a third-party transportation provider was responsible for transporting workers or hauling equipment and caused an accident through driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or reckless driving, they may be held liable for your injuries. These companies often carry significant commercial insurance policies, which can be a critical resource in high-damage claims.
In rare but serious situations, gross negligence on the part of your direct employer may open the door to additional damages. If your employer showed a conscious disregard for known safety risks—such as ignoring repeated safety violations or forcing workers to operate under dangerous conditions—you may be eligible to seek punitive damages. These are awarded not just to compensate you, but to punish egregious behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine all parties who may share responsibility for your injuries. By identifying every potential source of liability, we strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering the full compensation you are entitled to receive.
A serious oilfield accident can disrupt every aspect of your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Recovering compensation is not just about covering medical bills; it’s about restoring your stability and helping you move forward. Texas law allows injured workers to pursue several types of damages, depending on the circumstances and severity of the injury.
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for the direct financial impact of the injury. These include both current and future expenses:
For many workers, these losses extend well beyond the first few weeks after the accident. In severe cases, individuals may be unable to return to the same job—or any job at all—resulting in long-term financial strain.
Some losses are not reflected in hospital bills or pay stubs, but they are no less real. Non-economic damages provide compensation for the pain and disruption an injury causes in everyday life:
These damages help recognize the full impact of an injury, beyond the financial consequences.
In cases involving extreme misconduct—such as willful disregard for safety protocols or intentional wrongdoing—the court may award punitive damages. These damages are not tied to your specific losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a warning to others in the industry.
Every oilfield injury case is different. The severity of the injury, the identity of the at-fault party, and the available evidence all affect the value and direction of a claim. Our lawyers will conduct a detailed investigation, consult with medical experts, and present a clear and compelling case on your behalf.
We know the tactics used by oil companies and insurers to minimize payouts, and we work proactively to counter them. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and help you regain control of your future.
The aftermath of an oilfield accident can be overwhelming. Between the pain of injury and the uncertainty of what comes next, it is easy to make mistakes that could affect your health, your recovery, and your legal rights. Taking the right steps early on can help protect your claim and ensure you receive the support you need.
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries appear minor or you feel stable, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Internal injuries and soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away but can worsen without treatment. Prompt medical care not only safeguards your well-being but also establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is critical for any future claim.
If your condition allows, document the accident site in as much detail as possible. Take photographs of the equipment involved, the surrounding conditions, and any visible injuries. Save damaged clothing or gear. Speak with witnesses and collect their contact information. These details may become key pieces of evidence in determining liability.
After an incident, it is common for employers or insurance representatives to reach out quickly. They may request a recorded statement or present documents for you to sign. It is important to avoid making any detailed statements or agreeing to terms before you have spoken with a lawyer. Even seemingly harmless comments can be used against you.
Our legal team is available to speak with injured workers in Katy and throughout Texas. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and identify your options. During this time, we will evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and provide clear next steps. While you focus on recovery, we manage the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Oilfield accident cases are rarely simple. They require an in-depth understanding of both the energy industry and personal injury law. Our team brings decades of experience and a strategic approach to every case we handle.
Our lawyers don’t rely on form letters or templates. We investigate every case from the ground up—interviewing witnesses, analyzing safety protocols, reviewing equipment logs, and consulting experts when needed. We build strong, evidence-backed claims that can stand up in court.
Before founding Johnson Garcia, our attorneys represented large corporations and insurers. That experience gives us insight into how the other side thinks and prepares their cases. Today, we use that knowledge to advocate for injured workers like you.
Insurance companies know which firms are willing to go the distance. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That approach not only strengthens your case—it often leads to better settlement offers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident in Katy, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Call Johnson Garcia at 832-844-6700 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our lawyers are here to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE
© 2024 Johnson Garcia LLP. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy
CALL NOW
