Get Compensated for Your Work-Related Injury
Accidents can happen anywhere, even in the workplace. While employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their workers, accidents, and injuries can still occur. If you have been injured at work due to the negligence of your employer or a co-worker, you may be entitled to compensation. This is where a Workplace Injury lawyer comes in. A Workplace Injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, file a claim, and get the compensation you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a Workplace Injury Lawyer:
- Experience and Expertise: A Workplace Injury lawyer handles work-related injury cases. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.
- Legal Representation: A Workplace Injury lawyer can represent you in court and negotiate with the insurance company.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: A Workplace Injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced WorkPlace Injury lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind during a stressful and challenging time.
What to Expect When Working with a Workplace Injury Lawyer:
- Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, the Workplace Injury lawyer will ask you about the details of your injury and gather information about your case.
- Investigation: The lawyer will investigate your case, gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and accident reports.
- Negotiation: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Court Representation: If necessary, the lawyer will represent you in court to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
How to Choose the Right Workplace Injury Lawyer:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with experience handling work-related injury cases.
- Reputation: Read reviews and ask for referrals to ensure the lawyer has a good reputation.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who communicates well and is responsive to your needs.
- Fees: Ask about the lawyer's fees and how they are structured. Many WorkPlace Injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
We will listen to your story, investigate your situation, and then present you with your best legal options.
Oilfield Safety Regulations
Oilfield operations are subject to regulation and oversight at both the federal and state levels. On the federal level, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued specific regulations regarding the oil and gas well-drilling, servicing, and storage industry.
Specific OSHA safety standards have been issued for the Oil and Gas Field Service Industry, Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas, Drilling Oil and Gas Wells, Oil and Gas Field Exploration Services, and Oil and Gas Field Services Not Elsewhere Specified.
On the state level, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates oil industry operations, as its own mission statement reads: “... to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans.” The RRC derives its authority largely from the Texas Natural Resources Code.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will also have a say on oilfield operations when it comes to issues of air and water quality standards.
The Jones Act
Moving off land-based oil extraction and production operations, the federal Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act, concerns maritime workers on seagoing vessels, but it can extend to oil rigs if they are a jack-up rig or other type of mobile rig. If the rig is stationary, then the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) applies. Both acts hold the employer responsible for injuries to workers.
Common Oilfield Injuries
The IOGP study asserts that 20 percent of oilfield injuries are the result of slips and falls, and another 18 percent the result of being “struck by another object.” The same percentages seem to apply to work on construction sites in general.
Other causes of oilfield injuries include being struck by a vehicle, along with gas poisoning, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Faulty equipment can also cause injuries, as well as inadequate training provided for operating the equipment.
Steps to Take After an Injury
The first consideration, if you're injured on the job, is to seek medical attention, although it should be noted that some injuries don't show up until hours or even days later. An adrenaline rush can mask the pain and give you a false sense of “I'm fine.” For your own health and welfare, and for any claim you may need to make to recover your medical expenses, you should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Provided you're not so injured that you need to go to a clinic or doctor's office immediately, you should gather and document the facts of what happened by taking videos or images using your smartphone.
If there are witnesses, you should get their statements and contact information. When you have a chance, either write down or record everything that you experienced in your own words. Your on-site and post-accident documentation will go a long way toward a successful workers' compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit
An injury on an oilfield can present more complex challenges than an injury in a manufacturing plant run by a single employer. There are often different contractors working on the site at the same time. Some may have workers' compensation and others may not.
Also, there's the consideration that your injury might stem from another contractor's negligence, such as being struck by one of their vehicles or by a falling object they were working on. You really need to enlist the aid of an experienced oilfield personal injury attorney to determine who's at fault and how best to recover compensation for your injuries.
Even if the injury is clearly covered by workers' compensation, if the injury stems from an equipment malfunction, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, designer, or supplier. Your attorney can help determine that option for you.
Workers' compensation insurance companies are for-profit institutions. You can expect any claim you file to be examined closely and your medical and other evidence challenged. After all, the insurer wants to keep their liability as low as possible in terms of the compensation they provide.
Therefore, even if you're just filing a “routine” workers' compensation claim, the process can take time and prove challenging. An attorney who knows insurer tactics can help you navigate the system.
Workplace Accident Attorney Serving Houston, Texas
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident, contact our legal team at The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm. We will listen to your story, investigate, and then present you with your best legal options to recover the compensation owed to you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages or losses you suffered. We will fight for your rights every step of the way. Reach out immediately for a free consultation.
What should I do if I am injured at work?
If you are injured at work, report the injury to your supervisor and seek medical attention immediately. Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses.
How much compensation can I expect for my work-related injury?
The payment you can expect to receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case. A Workplace Injury lawyer can help you determine the appropriate compensation for your injuries.
How long will it take to resolve my work-related injury case?
The length of time it takes to resolve a work-related injury case depends on the complexity of the case and the legal process involved. A Workplace Injury lawyer can give you an estimate of how long your case is likely to take.