Being involved in an oilfield accident is stressful. There are many things you will need to deal with including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and workers’ compensation. You will likely have many questions when dealing with the aftermath of this type of accident. Here are some answers that can help.
1. Who is responsible for the oilfield accident?
This question isn’t always simple to answer. Accidents in the oilfield industry can be caused by many issues, from drunk drivers on the road to safety mistakes made by employers. It isn’t always possible to find the person responsible for your injuries right away either. Typically, a workers’ comp claim will be made on behalf of the employee that was injured to cover medical bills and some lost wages. There are situations in which workers’ compensation does not apply, however.
For example, there is sometimes more than one party responsible for oilfield accidents. It could be that an equipment defect caused your injury and that proper safety measures were not taken that could have prevented the accident. If there was only one party at fault and they are your employer, you will most likely be limited to workers’ comp.
2. What do I do if more than one party caused my injuries?
If more than one person or entity caused the oilfield accident, you can seek legal help with a lawsuit. This does not apply to your employer and your co-employees, though. Depending on the state in which you were injured, there may be other options. In Texas, if negligent behavior resulted in the death of an employee, certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A jury that serves in your oilfield accident lawsuit will determine fault based on a percentage. It is best to speak with a personal injury attorney about fault and damages to understand the lawsuit process.
3. What happens when a third party caused an oilfield accident?
Sometimes workers’ compensation is not your only option for recovering damages after an accident. Oilfield accidents are notorious for being dangerous and resulting in permanent damage. Victims often suffer from painful injuries, permanent disfigurement, and inability to work. If a third party caused this to happen to you, they can and should be held responsible.
In a third party oilfield accident lawsuit, victims can seek any type of personal injury damages allowed by law. Medical expenses, all current and future lost wages, disfigurement, and pain and suffering are just a few. If there is more than one party responsible, the damages may be split.
Contact an attorney who will fight for you
If you have been in an oilfield accident, you don’t have to deal with seeking damages alone. Attorney Dean Boyd and his Team are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us by email if you have any questions about our Oilfield Accident services, or for your free consultation. You can also visit us in person at 4423 SW 45th Ave, in Amarillo, Texas or 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas.
