Common Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield work is one of the most hazardous occupations in Texas, particularly in and around Houston, where the oil and gas industry plays a central role in the local economy. Oilfield injuries occur far too often, leaving hardworking individuals facing painful recoveries, mounting medical expenses, and lost income. These injuries can be severe and life-changing, and when safety protocols are ignored or equipment fails, the consequences are devastating. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we are committed to guiding injured oilfield workers through the legal process, helping them secure the compensation and justice they deserve during a difficult and overwhelming time.

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Burns

Burn injuries are one of the most frequently reported oilfield injuries. The presence of flammable substances such as gasoline, methane, and hydrogen sulfide significantly increases the risk. Workers may suffer burns due to the following:

• Equipment malfunctions or improper maintenance
• Pipeline ruptures or blowouts
• Chemical spills or exposure

The severity of burn injuries varies widely. According to Safety Talk Ideas, burns are classified into three degrees based on depth and tissue damage. While some cases involve surface-level redness, others require extensive hospitalization, surgery or even permanent disability.

Explosions

Explosions are a catastrophic risk in oilfields due to the volatile substances involved. When containment systems fail or human error occurs, the consequences can be deadly. Common causes of explosions include:

• Ignition of flammable gases occurs when vapors from substances like methane or propane are exposed to sparks, flames, or heat, resulting in highly dangerous and sometimes deadly explosions.
• Pressure buildup in confined tanks or pipes creates hazardous situations that can cause ruptures, fires, or blasts if proper pressure relief systems or routine inspections are not in place.
• Faulty electrical wiring or equipment in oilfields often leads to sparks or overheating, which can ignite volatile chemicals or gases and contribute to devastating explosion-related injuries.

Explosions often cause multiple injuries at once, including burns, blunt force trauma, and hearing damage. Victims may require long-term care, especially if they are severely disfigured or disabled. As Houston oilfield accident attorneys, we have seen firsthand the life-altering consequences these incidents bring to workers and their families.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

In the oilfield, a single fall or blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury. These injuries might not be immediately noticeable, but their impact can be profound. According to the CDC, TBIs disrupt the normal function of the brain and can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

TBIs are commonly caused by:

• Falling equipment or collapsing structures
• Falls from heights without proper fall protection
• Vehicle collisions on-site

Long-term effects can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and, in severe cases, permanent cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential.

Crush injuries

Heavy machinery, trucks, and moving parts are constantly on oilfield job sites. Workers can become pinned, trapped, or crushed when something goes wrong, leading to catastrophic outcomes. These injuries are often the result of:

• Equipment rollovers
• Trench collapses
• Being caught between two heavy objects

Crush injuries frequently cause broken bones, internal bleeding, and nerve damage. In extreme cases, amputation or fatal organ damage may occur. Victims of these accidents often require multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and, in some cases, prosthetics. As Houston personal injury lawyers, we fight to ensure that our clients receive full compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income.

Hearing loss

Oilfields are loud environments. From drilling operations to high-powered engines and tools, continuous exposure to high decibel levels can lead to permanent hearing damage. Unfortunately, hearing loss is an often-overlooked oilfield injury because it tends to occur gradually over time.

Workers are at particular risk when:

• Proper hearing protection is not enforced
• Equipment is not maintained and emits excessive noise
• Explosions or sudden high-volume blasts occur

Even with OSHA regulations in place, many oilfield employers neglect essential safety practices, exposing workers to dangerously loud environments without proper protection. This negligence often leads to permanent hearing damage, disrupting communication, reducing job performance, and diminishing quality of life.

Slips and falls

Uneven surfaces, spilled chemicals, and poor lighting can turn oilfield job sites into hazardous zones. Slips and falls are among the most common oilfield injuries and are a leading cause of serious accidents.

These incidents are typically caused by:

• Slippery surfaces due to oil or mud can lead to unexpected falls, especially when workers are rushing or operating heavy machinery in fast-paced, high-pressure conditions.
• Poor housekeeping practices—such as leaving tools, hoses, or debris in walkways—create unnecessary hazards that dramatically increase the chance of preventable accidents.
• Inadequate safety protocols or equipment often result in unaddressed hazards, leaving workers vulnerable to serious harm in situations that could have been mitigated with proper planning and enforcement.

Common resulting injuries include:

• Sprains and fractures are common in slip-and-fall accidents, often resulting from twisting motions or awkward landings that place intense stress on the joints, ligaments, and bones in the body.
• Head and back injuries can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, herniated discs, or even permanent neurological damage, especially if not treated promptly and appropriately after a fall.
• Dislocations and spinal trauma may require surgical intervention and extensive physical therapy, as these injuries often affect mobility, nerve function, and a worker’s ability to return to their previous job duties.

Falls from heights—especially from rigs or platforms—are especially dangerous and can be fatal. Proper safety harnesses and guardrails can prevent many of these incidents, yet they are too often overlooked.

Call a Houston oilfield accident attorney today

If you’ve suffered from one of these common oilfield injuries, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our experienced Houston oilfield accident attorneys are committed to helping you recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical costs. We take pride in serving our community as trusted Houston personal injury lawyers, and we’re here to stand by your side through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s fight for the justice you deserve.

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Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

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