What to Do Immediately After an On-the-Job Oil-Field Injury in Texas
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What to Do Immediately After an On-the-Job Oil-Field Injury in Texas
Oil-field workers perform some of the toughest — and most dangerous — jobs in Texas. Whether on a drilling rig, pipeline, or production site, accidents can happen without warning. When they do, knowing what to do in the minutes and days following an injury can protect both your health and your right to compensation.
At MLF Legal PLLC, our Texas oil-field injury lawyers guide injured workers through every step of the recovery and claims process. Here’s what you should do immediately after an oil-field accident.
Why Workers’ Comp Coverage Matters
Workers’ Compensation Basics
- Provides medical care and partial wage replacement.
- Protects employers from most lawsuits.
- Limits the damages workers can recover.
The Problem in Construction
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Texas. Without workers’ comp, injured workers may face uncertainty about medical bills, lost wages, and long‑term recovery.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your safety comes first. Even if you feel fine, always seek medical care immediately after an oil-field injury. Some injuries — like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries — may not show symptoms right away.
Tell the doctor that your injury happened at work and make sure this detail appears in your medical record. Accurate documentation strengthens your case and ensures your treatment is covered.
2. Report the Injury to Your Employer
Under Texas Labor Code §409.001, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Report it in writing to your supervisor or safety manager and keep a copy for your own records.
Failing to report on time could affect your eligibility for benefits or compensation. If your employer tries to ignore or downplay your report, contact an attorney immediately.
On-the-Job Oil-Field Injury Lawsuit in Texas – Q&A
A: Your first priority is your health. Seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible and make sure it’s documented in writing. If possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Then, contact an experienced oil-field injury attorney to protect your legal rights.
A: It depends. In Texas, some employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, while others do not (“non-subscriber employers”).
If your employer has workers’ comp, you may be limited to filing a workers’ compensation claim.
If your employer does not carry workers’ comp, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full damages, including pain and suffering.
An attorney can determine which type of claim applies to your case.
A: Besides your employer, other parties might be liable, including:
Subcontractors or third-party companies
Equipment manufacturers (for defective machinery)
Property owners or site operators
Trucking or service companies on the job site
A detailed investigation is key to identifying all potentially responsible parties.
A: Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Physical impairment or disfigurement
Mental anguish
Wrongful death damages (for families of fatal accident victims)
A: Oil-field work is dangerous, and injuries often result from:
Explosions or fires
Equipment failure or malfunction
Falls from rigs or platforms
Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
Inadequate training or supervision
Violations of safety protocols
A: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, deadlines can vary depending on the details of your case. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evidence.
Explosions or fires
Equipment failure or malfunction
Falls from rigs or platforms
Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
Inadequate training or supervision
Violations of safety protocols
A: Yes. Oil-field injury cases are complex, often involving multiple companies, insurance carriers, and technical evidence. An experienced Texas oil-field injury lawyer can investigate the accident, determine liability, handle negotiations, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Explosions or fires
Equipment failure or malfunction
Falls from rigs or platforms
Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
Inadequate training or supervision
Violations of safety protocols
A: Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no upfront fees. Your attorney only gets paid if they win compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict.
Explosions or fires
Equipment failure or malfunction
Falls from rigs or platforms
Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
Inadequate training or supervision
Violations of safety protocols
A: If you lost a family member in a fatal oil-field accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Surviving spouses, children, and parents can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, companionship, and emotional suffering.
A: Texas has unique laws governing oil-field accidents and workers’ rights. A local attorney familiar with the oil and gas industry, state safety regulations, and Texas court procedures can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Injured at work in Texas ?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
3. Document Everything
Evidence can disappear quickly at an oil-field site. If you are able, collect and preserve details such as:
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- The equipment involved
- Safety hazards or lack of protective gear
- Witness names and statements
Documentation helps your oil-field injury law firm build a strong case and prove who was responsible for your accident.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Before Talking to a Lawyer
After a workplace accident, company representatives or insurance adjusters may ask you to sign documents or give a recorded statement. Don’t.
Some oil-field employers in Texas are non-subscribers, meaning they don’t carry state workers’ compensation insurance. If that’s the case, you may be able to file a negligence claim for the full value of your losses — including pain, suffering, and lost earning capacity.
Before signing anything, speak with an experienced Texas oil-field accident attorney who can protect your rights.
5. Contact a Texas Oil-Field Injury Lawyer
Oil-field injury cases often involve multiple responsible parties — contractors, equipment manufacturers, or drilling companies. An attorney can identify every liable party and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
The attorneys at MLF Legal PLLC will:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Determine if your employer is a non-subscriber
- Seek recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
We fight for injured workers across Texas and have the experience to handle complex oil-field injury claims.
5. Contact a Texas Oil-Field Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our team at MLF Legal investigates every angle—workers’ comp, nonsubscriber claims, and third‑party liability—to maximize your recovery.
📞 Call us today at 214-357-17823 or
💻 Fill out our online form for a free consultation.
We only get paid if we win your case.