Working on an oil rig or in a gas operation is inherently dangerous. Your employer is responsible for creating safe work conditions for you, and that responsibility extends to equipment maintenance. When companies cut corners to meet demand or maximize profits, you are the one that suffers. Equipment failure in an oil or gas operation can be catastrophic and result in serious and permanent injuries.
A dangerous field
These major accidents, often the case of poor equipment maintenance, can result in catastrophic injuries including brain or spinal cord trauma, broken bones, burns, permanent scarring, and loss of limb. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, “From 2003 to 2010, 823 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job-a fatality rate seven times greater than the rate for all U.S. industries (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries).”
When the machinery fails, oil and gas workers face serious injuries as a result of:
- Pipeline explosions
- Seismic activity caused by hydro-fracking accidents, leading to falls or motor vehicle accidents
- Toxic exposure from leaking tanks
- Toxic fume inhalation caused by those leaks
- Flying shrapnel from blow-outs
- Falling objects from rigs
- Crane collapse
When an accident leaves you hurt on the job, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Sometimes, however, injuries result in extenuating circumstances like pain and suffering, permanent disability, or need for rehabilitation. In those cases, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation by an experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyer who has extensive experience working with injured employees in the oil and gas field.
At Stipe Law Firm, we understand the fast-paced nature of the oil and gas industry and have great admiration for anyone who works in it. We work to protect victims of workplace negligence. Oil field accidents occur all too often, and our legal team advocates for your rights when an accident involves you or a loved one.
If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury on the job, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Stipe Law Firm can help get you the compensation you deserve. As a hard-working oil field employee, you deserve to have equally hard-working lawyers on your side. Stipe Law Firm is here to protect your rights when accidents occur. Our practice serves all of Southeastern Oklahoma; contact us today to schedule your free consultation at our McAlester office.