Common Causes of Oil-Field Injuries in Texas
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Common Causes of Oil-Field Injuries
Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production — and, unfortunately, also ranks among the highest in serious oil-field accidents. The combination of heavy machinery, extreme conditions, and long shifts creates daily risks for thousands of workers across the state.
At MLF Legal PLLC, our Texas oil-field injury lawyers represent workers injured in drilling, transportation, and refinery operations. Understanding the most common causes of oil-field injuries can help you stay safe — and know your rights if an accident occurs.
1. Equipment Failures and Machinery Malfunctions
Oil-field sites rely on powerful machinery like derricks, hoists, and drill rigs. When equipment fails due to poor maintenance, defective parts, or improper training, workers can suffer devastating injuries — including amputations, crush injuries, and fatalities.
Employers are legally required to maintain safe working conditions and inspect equipment regularly. When they cut corners, injured workers may have the right to pursue a negligence claim.
2. Falls From Heights and Falling Objects
Working on elevated rigs or platforms is a daily reality in the oil fields. A fall from even a few feet can cause serious back, neck, or head injuries. In addition, unsecured tools and materials can strike workers below, leading to traumatic brain injuries or broken bones.
Safety harnesses, guardrails, and proper site supervision are critical — and when they’re missing, liability may rest with the employer or contractor in charge.
3. Explosions, Fires, and Blowouts
Oil-field explosions and fires remain among the most catastrophic accidents in the industry. Faulty pressure control systems, gas leaks, or human error can trigger chain-reaction events that injure multiple workers at once.
Burn injuries, lung damage, and long-term disability are common outcomes. Victims of oil-field explosions should seek legal help immediately to ensure proper investigation and compensation.
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.
4. Vehicle and Transportation Accidents
Transportation is one of the deadliest parts of the oil and gas industry. Workers often travel long distances between drilling sites, sometimes after long shifts. Fatigue, poor road conditions, and heavy-duty trucks increase the risk of serious accidents.
These cases often involve third-party liability, which means your recovery might come from more than just your employer’s insurance.
5. Chemical Exposure and Toxic Fumes
Oil-field workers can be exposed to harmful chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, drilling muds, and other volatile gases. Long-term exposure may lead to respiratory damage, neurological issues, or chronic illness.
Employers must provide proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety training. Failure to do so may constitute negligence under Texas law.
6. Fatigue, Overwork, and Unsafe Work Schedules
Oil-field shifts can stretch 12 to 16 hours, often for days or weeks at a time. Fatigued workers are far more likely to make mistakes or overlook hazards. Fatigue is a hidden but major cause of workplace injuries in the Texas oil industry.
If an employer forces employees to work beyond safe limits or ignores OSHA standards, injured workers may have grounds for legal action.
Protecting Your Rights After an Oil-Field Injury
No matter how your accident happened, you have rights under Texas law. You may be entitled to medical benefits, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, learn what to do after an oil-field injury to protect your claim — or contact MLF Legal PLLC for immediate legal help. Our team has years of experience holding negligent employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers accountable.
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.