Many people in other states don’t realize just how much oil New Mexico produces for the rest of the country. In fact, in 2021, our state became the second-largest crude oil-producing state, after Texas, when it surpassed North Dakota. While the oil industry produces many jobs for workers, it also results in a high number of injuries for those workers. If work in the oil industry and have suffered a job-related injury or illness, contact a New Mexico oil field accident lawyer residents rely on from Davie & Valdez P.C. to find out what legal options you may have. We offer free consultations.
- Types of Accidents
- Types of Accidents Infographic
- Injuries Suffered
- Types of Accident Claims
- Let Our Firm Advocate for You
- FAQs
- New Mexico Oil Field Accident Lawyer Statistics
Types of Accidents
While injuries can occur in many different ways, the most common kinds of oil field accidents our law firm has handled include the following:
- Motor vehicle and other transportation
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Contact with equipment or other objects
- Fires and explosions
- Exposure to harmful substances (i.e. chemicals)
Types of Accidents Infographic
Injuries Suffered
Working in oil fields is one of the most dangerous jobs there are. Our law firm has handled many cases where oil workers suffered catastrophic injuries while performing their expected job duties. Some of the more common include:
- Amputation of limbs or digits
- Back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Chemical burns
- Crushed limbs
- Electric burns
- Fractured bones
- Gas burns
- Head injuries
- Lung damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sludge-related injuries
Types of Accident Claims
There are two different types of compensation a New Mexico oil field accident lawyer can pursue on an injured worker’s behalf. The first is workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include covering all medical treatments and continued rehabilitation and therapy. Workers are also entitled to disability benefits to cover the lost wages the worker is suffering from being unable to work.
Suppose the worker does not survive the accident. In that case, their family is eligible to receive death benefits which are meant to cover the victim’s lost income and benefits, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
Another legal action an injured worker can pursue is a third-party liability claim against any party whose negligence was responsible for the worker’s fall. For example, if the worker fell because the scaffolding they were on collapsed, and that scaffolding was shown to be defective, the injured worker could sue the manufacturer of the scaffolding.
Workers’ compensation only allows the victim to collect actual financial damages. In contrast, a third-party claim allows the victim to pursue damages for noneconomic damages, such as pain, suffering, emotional anguish, scarring, and disfigurement. An oil field injury lawyer can evaluate a victim’s case to determine which legal course of action would benefit them the most and what damages they may be entitled to.
Let Our Firm Advocate for You
If you are an injured oil worker, contact our office to meet with our oil field accident lawyer to find out how we can help. There may be several complex liability issues that concern your case that require the legal expertise and skill that our legal team offers. We have extensive experience in handling both workers’ compensation and third-party liability cases and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve for the losses you have sustained.
Oil Field Accident Lawyer Statistics
According to the CDC, in 2017 alone across the U.S. there was a total of 69 fatalities for those working in the oil and gas industry. If you or someone you love has been injured working in an oil field, you should contact a lawyer to help receive the benefits you deserve; the amount of benefits you receive will depend on the type of case you have and the extent of your injuries.
Oil Field Accident Lawyer FAQs
Our oil field accident lawyer in New Mexico has successfully represented numerous oil injury cases and can help you with yours. The following are some of the more common questions injured workers have. For more detailed information about your case, call our office for help.
How dangerous is working in an oil field?
There are multiple dangers that jobs in oil fields present. Oil is a highly flammable material and the risk of being injured or killed in a fire or explosion is a major risk. With all of the heavy machinery that is needed in the field, there is also a high risk of a worker getting hit by moving parts or even getting caught in the machinery. There is also the loud noise of all that machinery and the operation of oil rigs that can have a significant impact on a worker’s hearing – making it difficult to communicate and warn others that a hazardous condition is about to occur.
What are some of the most common types of oil field accidents?
Although there are many ways an oilfield worker can become injured, some of the most common include:
- Falling cargo from delivery vehicles
- Falling pipes
- Falling tools
- Falls from oil derricks
- Pipeline blowouts
- Slip and fall accidents
- Use of dangerous equipment
What steps should a worker take if they sustain an oil field accident injury?
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if you think that the injury is only a minor one. It is not uncommon for accident victims to not realize they have been injured following an accident due to the adrenaline rush that often occurs. There are also many injuries that have silent symptoms, such as a brain or internal organ injury.
The worker should also notify their supervisor that they have been injured, following any type of protocol the employer has in place for such notifications. Under workers’ compensation laws, an injured worker usually has a limited amount of days to make this notification. In New Mexico, that deadline is 15 days, although, in some situations, it can go up to 60.
How much will I receive for benefits?
Under a workers’ compensation claim, all of your medical expenses will be covered. You will also receive a percentage of your weekly pay while you recover. If you are left with permanent damage, then you may also qualify for future disability benefits.
In some cases, your claim may fall under a personal injury claim. For example, if you were injured by dangerous equipment due to a manufacturer defect, a third-party personal injury claim could be filed against the company.
Do I need a lawyer?
Although not legally required to go through the workers’ compensation process, you should consider contacting a New Mexico oil field accident lawyer for legal assistance. Having an attorney advocating for you as soon as possible in the workers’ compensation process can help it go smoother than not having an attorney, especially if your employer and/or the insurance company is trying to deny your claim.
Our team has more than 50 years of combined experience. When you are ready to get legal help, reach out to our trusted New Mexico oil field accident lawyer from Davie & Valdez P.C.
3 Things You Need To Know About Oil Field Accidents
Our New Mexico oil field accident lawyer can explain what you need to know about workplace accidents in the oil and gas industry. Oil field work comes with significant risks, and when accidents happen, the consequences can be severe. Workers may face serious injuries, long-term medical treatment, and financial strain from lost wages. Families often struggle with the impact of these accidents, wondering what steps to take next. Knowing your rights and legal options is essential when dealing with an oil field injury.
1. Common Causes Of Workplace Injuries
Oil fields are high-risk environments where accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include equipment failures, explosions, fires, and falls from significant heights. Workers may also suffer injuries due to being struck by heavy machinery, exposure to toxic chemicals, or vehicle crashes involving company trucks and transport equipment. In many cases, these incidents could have been prevented with better safety measures. Long work hours and fatigue can also play a role in increasing the likelihood of an accident. When a worker is injured, identifying the exact cause of the accident is an essential step in determining who may be responsible for covering the damages.
2. Employers Have A Duty To Maintain Safety
Oil and gas companies are required to follow industry safety regulations to protect their employees. This includes providing adequate training, maintaining equipment in safe working conditions, and enforcing proper safety procedures. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners to save time or reduce costs, which can put workers at greater risk of injury. If an employer fails to follow safety standards or knowingly allows hazardous conditions, they may be held responsible when an accident occurs. While workers should report unsafe conditions to supervisors or regulatory agencies, the ultimate responsibility falls on the company to create a safe work environment. When they fail to do so, injured workers have the right to seek legal action from our board-certified New Mexico oil field accident lawyer to recover damages.
3. Third Parties May Be Liable
Not all accidents are the direct result of an employer’s actions. Many injuries occur due to defective equipment, unsafe working conditions created by subcontractors, or negligence by other companies operating on the same site. For example, if a piece of machinery malfunctions due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the company that produced the equipment may be held responsible for damages. Similarly, if a contracted company fails to maintain a safe worksite or properly inspect equipment, they may be liable for resulting injuries. A thorough investigation is often required to determine if a third party should be held accountable. In some cases, workers may have multiple legal options for pursuing compensation beyond just workers’ compensation benefits.
Legal Help Can Make A Difference
Recovering from an oil field injury can be a long and difficult process, especially when dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment. Many injured workers are unsure of their legal rights or whether they have a case for additional compensation. The reality is that workplace injuries often involve more than just a simple workers’ compensation claim. In some cases, an employer’s negligence or a third party’s actions may provide grounds for a lawsuit that could result in a much larger settlement. If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil field accident, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Contact our New Mexico oil field accident lawyer today at Davie & Valdez P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your options. With over thirty-five years of experience, we can help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Client Review
“My case took longer than expected due to COVID however they always kept me informed on where we were at. What I really liked is the genuine interest in helping you that all the staff shows, very easy to get a hold of them at all times and they explain really well every step of the process. Also appreciate that they are very honest with you and tell you exactly what to expect of the outcome of the case. Highly recommend Davie & Valdez!”
Aly Lozano
