The oil and gas industry is a critical component of the Texas economy, providing jobs and fueling the state's growth. However, this industry is also inherently dangerous, with oil rigs and drilling sites presenting a significant risk of injury for workers. Injuries sustained in oil rig accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries that may result in fatalities. When these accidents occur, injured workers must receive appropriate medical treatment and fair compensation, including medical costs for their losses.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Who Are We?
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a Houston-based law firm specializing in representing oil and gas workers injured in the workplace. The firm's experienced team of attorneys understands the complexities of the oil and gas industry and the unique legal issues involved in oil rig accidents.
With our slogan, "We Go To War For You," clients can trust that our attorneys will fight tirelessly to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Oil and Gas Workers and the Industry
As one of the largest oil-producing states in the country, Texas has a long history with the industry and relies heavily on its continued success. The oil and gas industry also provides opportunities for workers from various backgrounds, from engineers and geologists to manual laborers.
The Risks of Working in the Oil and Gas Industry
Despite the many benefits of working in the oil and gas industry, there are also significant risks associated with these jobs.
Workers face a variety of hazards, from heavy machinery and exposure to hazardous chemicals to the risk of fires, explosions, and other accidents.
In some cases, workers may also be at risk of developing serious health conditions due to prolonged exposure to certain substances.
The Responsibilities of Oil and Gas Companies
Oil and gas companies are responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees.
This includes ensuring each worker has the proper safety gear, following established safety protocols, and providing appropriate training to help prevent accidents and injuries.
Moreover, when companies fail to meet these obligations, they may be held liable for any harm that results to their workers.
The Role of a Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyer
When an accident occurs, injured gas extraction workers need to seek the guidance of an experienced Houston oilfield accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can help injured workers navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
With a dedicated lawyer on their side, injured oil rig workers can focus on their recovery and leave the legal details to the professionals.
What Causes Oilfield Accidents?
People who work in the oil industry are aware that working in an oilfield is a risky job. Working with materials like oil, gas, and hot metal presents inherent risks, but there is also a chance that coworkers' negligence could result in an accident.
Consequently, a variety of factors can lead to oilfield accidents, including:
Motor vehicles: Large trucks and construction equipment frequently operate in oilfields. However, collisions between these vehicles and people, other vehicles, or equipment can potentially cause significant harm, especially when hazardous materials are present.
Flammable materials: Oil and gas handling errors can result in dangerous explosions and fires and have catastrophic effects.
Chemicals: Certain chemicals used in the oil and gas sector can seriously endanger employees' health. The risk of contracting illnesses or diseases linked to exposure is increased because some of these chemicals are potentially toxic and highly flammable.
Heavy objects: Heavy machinery and equipment are frequently used in the oil and gas sector. Injuries may result when employees are pinned, crushed, or stuck under these things.
Hot objects: Workers risk sparks flying onto their hands or faces because arc welders and the materials they are used on can quickly reach dangerous temperatures.
Heights: Employees who work on tall structures such as oil wells, workover rigs, and deep holes in the ground must drill for oil. These structures can pose a serious risk to workers who get too close to a ledge, whether or not they wear the proper safety equipment.
Other workers: Due to a moment of carelessness or a lack of focus, accidents in the oil and gas industry can occur instantly. A worker's capacity to maintain alertness and adhere to safety procedures may also be hampered by fatigue or overwork.
Furthermore, it cannot be overstated how crucial it is to adhere to safety procedures because doing so can reduce these risks. Ignoring safety precautions only makes accidents more likely to happen.
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Understanding Houston Oil Rig Accidents and Injuries
Oilfield accidents and injuries can occur in various ways. Here are the most common ways oil rig workers can be injured:
Slips, Trips, and Falls on Offshore Oil Rigs
Oil rigs are dangerous places to work due to the many environmental and safety hazards that are present. One of the most common oilfield accidents that can occur is a slip, trip, or fall.
These types of accidents can happen when offshore workers move around on slick or wet surfaces, trip over obstacles, or fall from heights due to a lack of proper safety equipment or fall protection.
Explosions and Fires on Texas Oil Rigs
Another significant hazard on oil rigs is the potential for explosions and fires. Because oil rigs can process and transport flammable materials, there is always a risk of an explosion or fire breaking out. These types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
Contact with Heavy Machinery and Equipment on Oil Rigs
Heavy machinery and equipment are necessary for drilling and extracting oil and gas, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Workers can suffer amputations, crush wounds, and other fatal injuries if they come into contact with heavy machinery or equipment.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials and Chemicals on Oil Rigs
Oil and gas drilling and production involve using hazardous materials and chemicals that can cause serious health problems if workers are exposed to them. Workers can suffer chemical burns, respiratory issues, and other severe injuries and illnesses if they come into contact with these materials and chemicals.
Transportation Accidents Involving Oil Rig Workers
Oil rig workers often have to travel long distances to reach their job sites, and transportation accidents can happen on the way to and from the rig. Accidents involving company vehicles or transportation provided by the employer can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
No matter how an offshore oil rig accident occurs, it can have severe consequences for the injured worker and their family. Understanding how oil rig accidents happen can help workers and their families know what to expect if an accident occurs.
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
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Common Types of Injuries from Oil and Gas Accidents
Oil rig accidents can result in various injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic and life-changing harm. Here are some of the oil rig injuries that workers can get while working:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Workers on oil rigs are constantly at risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some oil drilling sites' industry standards fall short of safety requirements, and employees frequently forget to wear hard hats, which increases their risk of suffering head injuries, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Forceful head trauma causes brain dysfunction, which is the result of traumatic brain injury. Memory loss, intensifying headaches, and problems with coordination are all signs of a TBI.
The extent of the injury determines how severe the TBI symptoms are. Temporary mood swings, such as insomnia, rage, personality changes, and brief unconsciousness, are frequently seen in mild cases of TBI.
However, severe TBI cases can result in life-threatening conditions like paralysis, prolonged unconsciousness, frequent vomiting, and amnesia.
Burn Injuries
According to the American Burn Association, over 700,000 people require emergency room treatment yearly because of burn injuries.
Risks in the oil and gas sector include the potential for unexpected explosions and spontaneous combustion. The presence of numerous heating elements, along with highly flammable objects such as fuel tanks and trucks, increases the risk. Unfortunately, fires that start suddenly can start in the blink of an eye.
Workers should seek medical attention and undergo a professional evaluation if they sustain burn injuries due to a sudden fire at work. First, second, or third-degree burn injuries require immediate medical attention, which may be essential to the victim's recovery.
Pain and Suffering
Oil rig injuries can have a significant emotional impact on people, frequently leading to struggles with mental health and breakdowns. The psychological harm can sometimes be just as bad as the physical harm, if not worse.
Following an incident or injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common problem for oil rig workers, and its effects can be severe. Due to unwanted flashbacks and increased anxiety, even returning to work can be intimidating.
Even the simplest tasks can seem complicated due to the trauma of a workplace injury, leaving workers feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
Many people seek help managing their mental suffering and pursuing recovery through psychotherapy, psychiatry, and prescription drugs.
Employees must get the support they require to deal with their injuries' psychological and physical effects.
Seeking Compensation for Injured Workers
When injured in an oil rig accident, it is essential to seek legal representation to pursue compensation. A Houston oil rig accident lawyer can help workers navigate the complex legal landscape of the oil industry and work to hold negligent parties accountable for their injuries.
Here are some essential steps to follow when seeking compensation for an oilfield injury:
The first and most crucial step in seeking compensation for an oilfield injury is to consult with a fantastic oil accident lawyer. We can help oilfield accident victims understand their legal rights, evaluate the case, and guide them through the process of pursuing compensation.
Determining Liability for an Oil Rig Accident
To hold a party liable for an oil rig accident, a Houston oilfield accident lawyer will investigate the case details to determine who is responsible for the victim's injuries.
This may involve reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts in the field. Potentially liable parties may include:
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The oil company
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Equipment manufacturers
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Contractors
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Others who may have contributed to the accident
Victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages when injured in an accident. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
An oilfield accident lawyer can help victims determine what types of damages someone may be eligible to receive and work to negotiate a fair settlement on their behalf.
Taking Legal Action for an Oil Rig Injury
In some cases, taking legal action may be necessary to secure the compensation the victim deserves for their oil rig injury.
Their oilfield accident lawyer can help them understand the lawsuit filing process and guide them through the steps involved. Attorneys can also work to represent anyone in court and fight to protect their rights and interests.
Holding Responsible Parties Accountable
When a serious oilfield accident occurs, it is critical to hold those responsible accountable. Negligent parties must pay for their mistakes and the harm they have caused.
By working with amazing oil rig accident lawyers, wounded oilfield workers can ensure that those responsible for their workplace injuries are held accountable.
After an oil rig accident, wounded workers may face high medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Seeking compensation can help alleviate the financial burden of an accident and allow injured employees to focus on their recovery.
Good oil rig accident lawyers can help wounded workers recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
Free Consultation
Victims do not have to go through the process if injured in an oil rig accident. Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys in Houston, Texas, for a free consultation with an experienced oil rig accident lawyer.
Our team of legal professionals is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured oilfield workers and can help employees recover the compensation they deserve.
Furthermore, our Houston lawyers will solve the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company to help the victim receive the full compensation to which they are legally entitled.