The 1901 oil strike at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas, marked the beginning of large-scale U.S. oil production. Texas was the epicenter then, and it still is today. In recent years, Texas has accounted for 34 percent of U.S. oil production, with output averaging 2.5 million barrels a day. The state also is responsible for 27 percent of the country’s natural gas production.
This bounty has a dark side, though. Texas also has the largest number of oil and gas-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. Many of these accidents are preventable. In fact, a Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that 78 percent of the fatal oil and gas industry accidents in Texas from 2008-2012 involved safety violations.
Unfortunately, conditions have not improved. The most recent boom in oil and gas development has led to a hiring and production frenzy, with many workers receiving insufficient training and working as long as 72-hour shifts. Some companies are in such a hurry to increase production that they disregard OSHA safety standards or fail to properly maintain equipment.
If you or a loved one is injured in an oil or gas industry accident, then you should seek legal help. We have years of experience handling these cases. Our job is to ensure you obtain the appropriate amount of compensation.
If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, then it will cover basic medical costs and some lost wages, but it will likely be insufficient if your injuries are significant. If that is the case, then additional claims may be necessary.
If an immediate family member was killed in an oil or gas-related accident, then you may need to file a wrongful death claim.
You don’t have to be an oil or gas field worker to seek redress, though. If you are injured or your property is damaged as a result of a pipeline explosion, oil spill or other oil/gas-related accident, please contact us so we can explain your options.
