Dallas Oilfield Accident Lawyers: Explosion & Fire Claims

Who Is Liable for Oilfield Explosions & Rig Fires?

When you are injured due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of another person, company, or entity, you typically have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party and seek financial compensation for your damages. However, in cases involving oilfield and oil rig accidents, the issue of liability becomes very complex.

In some cases, injured workers may be covered by workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system that allows you to seek benefits regardless of who or what caused the accident. However, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and many do not. This can make it difficult for injured workers to recover compensation after an on-the-job accident, as they are required to bring a standard personal injury claim, meaning they must prove that their employer or another third party was negligent.

That being said, oil rig workers are generally protected by the Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act protects maritime workers who are harmed due to employer negligence. For example, if your employer required you to work under unsafe conditions, and you were injured in an oil rig explosion or fire as a result, you could have grounds to file a claim against your employer under the Jones Act.

Common Types of Oilfield Accidents

An oilfield accident refers to any incident or mishap that occurs at an oil drilling site, typically involving workers or equipment. Oilfields are inherently dangerous work environments due to the presence of heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, toxic chemicals, and flammable materials. Accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities and can be caused by equipment failure, human error, or environmental factors.

Common types of oilfield accidents include:

• Explosions and Fires: Explosions or fires in oilfields often result from the ignition of flammable gases like methane. These incidents can occur due to operational errors, poor maintenance, or equipment malfunction.
• Blowouts: A blowout happens when crude oil or natural gas is uncontrollably released from a well due to a failure in pressure control systems. This can lead to significant environmental damage and serious injury to workers.
• Falls: Oilfield workers frequently operate at heights, increasing the risk of falls. Inadequate safety gear or unstable surfaces can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Equipment Failures: Malfunctions in heavy machinery, such as drills or pumps, can cause serious injuries. Equipment failure often stems from poor maintenance or improper use.
• Vehicle Accidents: Oilfields rely on large trucks and machinery, and collisions are common during the transportation of equipment or materials. These accidents can lead to serious injuries for workers on-site.
• Chemical Exposure: Workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, which can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances may lead to chronic health conditions.
• Caught-In/Crushed-By Accidents: Workers can be crushed or trapped between large machinery or materials. These accidents often result in severe injuries, including broken bones or amputations.
• Electrocution: High-voltage equipment and power lines pose the risk of electrocution in oilfields. Improper handling or poor insulation can lead to deadly electrical shocks.
• Structural Collapses: Oil rigs or platforms can collapse if they are poorly constructed or overloaded. Such accidents can lead to multiple injuries or fatalities.

Fatigue-Related Accidents: Long working hours in harsh conditions can cause worker fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue-related errors are a common cause of oilfield incidents.

How Lyons & Simmons, LLP Can Help

Our oilfield explosions and rig fires attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation.

We are well-versed in various state and federal laws regarding these types of accidents, and can help you fight to protect your rights. We also understand the devastating impact of oilfield and oil rig injuries, which is why our team provides compassionate, personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.

We offer free consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you hire our attorneys. Instead, we only collect legal fees if/when we recover compensation for you.

Our firm can help you seek maximum compensation for your damages, possibly including but not limited to:

• All current and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
• Lost income/wages, including future earnings
• Lost or reduced earning capacity/disability
• Lost quality of life
• Disfigurement and inconvenience
• Wrongful death damages, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and more