At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we understand how difficult this time can be.
But that is why we have dedicated our practice to helping injury victims and their families in some of the most trying times of their lives.
Give our team a call when you are ready to fight for the recovery you need and deserve. Let’s discuss your case and see how our Odessa oil field lawyers can help you.
Navigating a Texas oil field injury lawsuit is never easy, especially if you have never gone through the process before. However, having an idea of what you can expect makes things feel less overwhelming.
Here are a few important items to know about before proceeding with your Odessa oil field lawsuit.
Common Causes of Oil Field Accidents
Working in the oil and gas extraction industry can be extremely dangerous.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, some of the most common safety hazards associated with oil and gas extraction activities include:
- Vehicle collisions;
- Crane, derrick, and hoist safety hazards;
- Explosions and fires;
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Confined spaces;
- Ergonomic hazards;
- High-pressure lines and equipment;
- Electrical and other energy hazards; and
- Machine hazards.
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Each case is different, and there are many other hazards on oil field sites.
No matter how your accident occurred, make sure to seek immediate medical attention to assess and address your injuries. Then, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your rights and options for recovery.
Who Is Responsible for an Oil Field Accident?
When an oil field accident occurs, many people assume there is nothing you can do and nobody to hold responsible. After all, it was an accident, right? However, this is not necessarily the case.
In fact, in many situations, a victim’s injuries are not the result of an accident at all. Rather, they may be the result of someone else’s negligence.
And if another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you can seek damages from them to compensate you for their injuries.
For example, a negligent party from whom you might be able to seek compensation could include:
- Another oil field worker who failed to use proper safety precautions on the job;
- A landowner who failed to disclose known hazards on the property before operations began;
- The manufacturer of drilling or other equipment that was poorly manufactured or designed; or
- An employer who failed to properly train and supervise you and other employees.
Notably, however, you have to do more than just prove that another party was negligent. To have a viable legal claim, you also have to show that the opposing party’s negligence is what caused your injuries. In legal terms, you must be able to show a causal link between the negligent party’s actions and the harm you suffered as a result.
If you are not sure whom to sue or whether your case qualifies for an Odessa oil field lawsuit at all, give our team a call to discuss your options today.
What is the Average Odessa Oil Field Accident Settlement?
In the aftermath of an Odessa oil field accident, many victims want to know the average settlement or judgment amount in this type of case.
And while there is no “average” accident settlement amount, there are ways to help you determine what you might ultimately be able to recover through your lawsuit or settlement.
In an Odessa oil field lawsuit, you can typically seek damages to help compensate you for:
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Rehabilitation services;
- Lost wages for missed work;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Physical impairment and disfigurement; and
- Mental anguish.
Each case is different, so the total amount of compensation you will be able to seek varies depending on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations
It is also important to remember that there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Texas. This means that you must file your oil field injury lawsuit within two years after the date of the incident that caused your injuries.
Failure to do so within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to bring your legal claim at all. Evidence relating to a claim may start to disappear much faster than in the two-year period.
For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Do I Need an Oil Field Accident Lawyer in Odessa for My Case?
Many people are hesitant to hire legal counsel to represent them in their personal injury lawsuits. However, hiring an attorney is often one of the best things you can do for your case.
For example, an attorney can help you:
- Assess your legal claims;
- Gather crucial evidence to support your case;
- Negotiate potential settlements with opposing parties; and
- Prepare to take your case to trial when a fair and favorable settlement is not possible.
Lawsuits can be complicated and overwhelming. However, an attorney can help take some weight off your shoulders and give you your best chance at success.
Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP: Your Odessa Oil Field Lawyers
If you have suffered injuries in an Odessa oil field accident and are not sure where to turn, we are here to help.
At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our Odessa oil field lawyers have extensive experience handling catastrophic personal injury claims. So when you hire our team, you can be confident that your case will be in capable hands. But more than that, we will always give your case the personalized care and attention that it deserves.
When you are ready to get started, contact our team for a free consultation to discuss your case and see how we can help you fight for your rights today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely nothing. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe us nothing unless we win your case, whether that’s in the form of a settlement or a judgment. We offer a free consultation to anyone who thinks they might have a personal injury case.
We suggest speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Something to keep in mind is that all personal injury cases need evidence, and that evidence often degrades over time. As a result, many jurisdictions have a strict statute of limitations (or time limit) for filing a claim. In Texas, most victims have only two years from the date of injury to file, so it is important to start building your case immediately.
In the state of Texas, employers have the option of filing for workers’ compensation insurance. This policy covers them in case an employee suffers an injury on the job. However, some employers choose to be non-subscribers, which means they opt out of this coverage and lose certain legal protections. This means that if an injured employee sues them after a work injury, they may end up paying more damages. In addition, they may be liable for pain and suffering, punitive damages, and medical benefits. Learn more about non-subscriber injuries here.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) keeps track of employers that report their non-subscriber status. Currently, you can find a spreadsheet of every reported non-subscriber business in Texas under TDI’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage verification page. This includes the business address, business name, and filing dates. Learn more here.
There are a few different ways to manage your bills while waiting for your case to settle. For medical treatment, it is common to arrange a lien with the doctor’s office or hospital. A medical lien is essentially an agreement to pay back your treatment costs with a portion of your potential settlement. Another option for miscellaneous bills, such as rent, utilities, or other essential expenses, is lawsuit funding. Much like a lien, you pay these loans back with a portion of your settlement or judgment. However, these loans have high interest rates and fees, so be sure to discuss this option with your attorney.
