Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Legal Guidance from a Team of Qualified, Experienced Oilfield Accident Attorneys in South Texas
Working in the oilfield is undoubtedly challenging. It demands physical strength and constant vigilance and carries inherent safety risks. The transportation of resources and the presence of heavy machinery inevitably lead to accidents. However, it's important to remember that negligence can also contribute to oilfield injuries.
Legally speaking, negligence occurs when someone's careless or reckless actions result in harm to another person. This could involve inadequate safety protocols, improper equipment maintenance, or insufficient worker training. If you've been injured in an oilfield accident due to negligence, it's crucial to understand your legal rights.
Our team at Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys understands that negligence has no place in the oilfield. A single mistake can have devastating consequences and those responsible–whether workers or employers – must be held accountable. Companies have a fundamental duty to prioritize employee safety. When employers neglect safety protocols, fail to maintain equipment properly or provide inadequate training, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.
When companies and employees fail in their duty and do not make safety a top priority, dangerous situations can and do occur.
Our Oilfield Accident Practice Areas
Because the job involves working with numerous moving parts and heavy machinery, oilfield workers in South Texas face numerous risks of injury. When you factor in long hours and the threat of adverse weather conditions, the likelihood of injuries and fatalities increases significantly.
Our attorney handles all types of oilfield accidents, including the following:
- Explosions
- Malfunctioning machinery or equipment
- Gas leaks
- Falls from oil derricks
- Pipeline blowouts
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
While these are all different types of injuries resulting from different issues, they are all preventable when workers and employers take necessary caution.
At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys, we are committed to fighting for oilfield workers. Contact our Corpus Christi oilfield accident attorney to start fighting for compensation today.
Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield accidents can occur for various reasons, often stemming from negligence on the part of employers, co-workers, or equipment manufacturers.
Companies are obligated to provide a safe working environment. Despite this, some of them cut corners to increase production and profits. This can lead to shortcuts in safety measures and inadequate training, putting workers at increased risk.
Explosions
The extraction, processing, and transportation of oil and natural gas involve highly flammable and volatile substances. If workers do not follow safety protocols—or if their workplace lacks adequate safety protocols—they may make the mistake of improperly handling them. This is an issue because these materials can easily ignite, leading to devastating explosions.
Many factors can trigger explosions in oilfields, including:
- Equipment malfunctions: Faulty wiring, leaking valves, and malfunctioning pressure relief systems can all contribute to the buildup of flammable gases, increasing the risk of explosions. Regular maintenance and inspection of equipment are crucial to prevent these types of failures.
- Human error: Improper handling of hazardous materials, failure to follow safety procedures, and inadequate training can all lead to accidents that result in explosions. Companies must prioritize comprehensive safety training programs and enforce strict adherence to safety protocols.
- External factors: Lightning strikes, static electricity, and even sparks from tools or vehicles can ignite flammable gases and cause explosions. Oilfield operators must implement safeguards to mitigate these risks, such as grounding equipment and providing lightning protection systems.
The consequences of an oilfield explosion can be catastrophic. Workers may suffer severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, and other life-altering injuries. In some cases, explosions can lead to fatalities and widespread damage.
Malfunctioning Machinery or Equipment
Oilfield operations rely heavily on a wide range of heavy machinery and specialized equipment, including drilling rigs, pumps, pipelines, and transport vehicles. These machines operate under extreme conditions and are subject to wear and tear, making regular maintenance and safety inspections crucial to prevent malfunctions.
Machinery malfunctions can be the consequence of:
- Poor maintenance: Neglected upkeep, such as failing to lubricate moving parts, replace worn components, or conduct routine inspections, can lead to equipment failures and increase the risk of accidents.
- Defective parts: Manufacturing defects or the use of substandard parts can compromise the integrity of equipment and increase the likelihood of malfunctions.
- Operator error: Inadequate training, fatigue, or improper operation of machinery can also contribute to malfunctions and accidents.
When a machinery malfunction occurs, workers can suffer crush injuries, amputations, lacerations, burns, and other traumatic injuries. These injuries can result in permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and significant emotional distress.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are a persistent danger in oil and gas fields, posing risks of explosions, fires, and asphyxiation.
These leaks can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Damaged pipelines: Corrosion, ground shifting, or accidental damage during excavation can cause pipelines to leak.
- Faulty valves and connections: Valves and connections in pipelines and equipment can fail due to wear and tear, improper installation, or manufacturing defects.
- Inadequate ventilation: In enclosed spaces, such as wellheads or processing facilities, inadequate ventilation can allow gases to accumulate, creating a risk of explosions or asphyxiation.
Natural gas is highly flammable and can also displace oxygen, posing a risk of asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.
Even at lower levels, H2S exposure can lead to various health problems, including:
- Respiratory issues: Breathing difficulties, coughing, and lung damage.
- Eye irritation: Burning, redness, and blurred vision.
- Neurological effects: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, and seizures.
Companies must have strict protocols for detecting and responding to gas leaks, including the use of gas detectors, evacuation procedures, and emergency response plans.
Falls from Oil Derricks
Working on an oil derrick presents significant fall hazards. These towering structures demand that workers perform tasks at substantial heights, increasing the risk of severe or fatal falls.
These falls can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:
- Slippery surfaces: Rain, oil spills, and other substances can make surfaces on derricks slippery, increasing the risk of falls.
- Lack of fall protection equipment: Workers should be provided with and required to use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, and safety nets when working at height.
- Inadequate safety training: Workers must receive comprehensive safety training on how to work safely at height, including proper use of fall protection equipment and procedures for identifying and mitigating fall hazards.
Falls from oil derricks can cause a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, sprains, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. The severity of the injuries often depends on the height of the fall and the type of surface the worker lands on.
Pipeline Blowouts
A pipeline blowout is a sudden and violent release of oil or gas, often accompanied by an explosion or fire. The force of a blowout can cause serious injuries to workers nearby, and the release of hazardous materials can pose a threat to the environment and surrounding communities.
Pipelines transport vast quantities of oil and gas across long distances, but they can be susceptible to:
- Corrosion: Over time, pipelines can corrode due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors.
- External damage: Excavation activities, natural disasters, and even vandalism can damage pipelines and cause blowouts.
- Overpressure: Exceeding the pressure limits of a pipeline can cause it to rupture, leading to a blowout.
Not only do blowouts pose a severe threat to worker safety, but they can also cause significant financial damage. Production halts, equipment is destroyed, and the environmental cleanup costs can be astronomical.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Oilfield workers are exposed to a wide range of chemicals throughout their workday, many of which are known to be hazardous to human health.
These chemicals include:
- Drilling fluids: These fluids are used in the drilling process and can contain various chemicals, including heavy metals, biocides, and lubricants.
- Solvents: Solvents are used to clean equipment and dissolve substances and can pose inhalation and skin contact hazards.
- Acids: Acids are used in various oilfield processes and can cause severe burns and respiratory problems.
- Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, can be present in oil and gas and can cause various health problems, including neurological damage and cancer.
Exposure to these chemicals can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. The health effects of chemical exposure can vary depending on the substance, the level and duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility.
Some chemicals can cause immediate irritation or burns, while others may have long-term health consequences, such as:
- Respiratory illnesses: Asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer
- Cancer: Leukemia, lymphoma, and other types of cancer
- Neurological disorders: Memory loss, tremors, and Parkinson's disease
- Skin diseases: Dermatitis, rashes, and skin cancer
Companies must implement measures to minimize worker exposure to toxic chemicals, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing engineering controls to reduce exposure levels, and providing regular health monitoring for workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much is my case worth?
It's impossible to determine the value of your oilfield injury case without a thorough review of the specifics. Every case is unique.
Factors that heavily influence the compensation available in your case include, but are not limited to:
- The severity of your injuries: The extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life, both now and in the future, are critical factors. This includes medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Liability: Who is responsible for the accident? Was it your employer's negligence, a faulty piece of equipment, or the actions of a third party? Establishing liability is crucial in determining who will pay for your damages.
- Your role in the accident: If you share any responsibility for the accident, it may affect the amount of compensation you can recover.
To get a realistic assessment of your case's value, contact Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. We can review the details of your situation, explain your legal options, and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
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Why Should I Pursue Compensation?
Oilfield accidents often result in catastrophic injuries with lasting consequences. These injuries not only cause physical pain and emotional distress but also lead to financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages, and potentially diminished earning capacity.
Pursuing compensation is about more than just money; it's about:
- Accountability: Holding negligent parties responsible for their actions helps prevent future accidents and protects other workers.
- Financial security: Securing the compensation you deserve can help cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages, providing financial stability during a challenging time.
- Peace of mind: Focusing on your recovery and rebuilding your life is easier when you have the financial resources to do so.
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Why choose Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys?
Here's why Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys is the right choice for you:
- Experience that matters: We've been serving the Coastal Bend area since 1992, handling over 2,000 cases and recovering over $200 million for our clients. We have a deep understanding of the complex legal issues surrounding personal injury, maritime law, oilfield accidents, and more.
- Trial-ready approach: We prepare every case as if it's going to trial.
- Client-focused commitment: We're available 24/7 to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the support you need throughout the legal process. We also have Spanish-speaking staff available to assist you.
- No fee unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not need to pay an attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
- Reputation for excellence: We have earned a reputation for excellence through their unwavering dedication to client advocacy and a proven track record of success. This commitment is reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions we've received, including Texas Super Lawyers, membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and inclusion in the Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame, among others.
Why choose our firm our unique approach sets us apart from other firms
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Trial-Tested & ReadyWe prepare every case as if it's going to trial.
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Accessibility RedefinedWe believe in open communication and responsiveness. You can contact your attorney 24/7.
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Client-Centered ApproachYour needs and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do.
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Embracing TechnologyWe leverage technology to enhance your experience.
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Champions of Diversity in South TexasWe are committed to advocating for all individuals, regardless of their background.
Contact Us
Oilfield accidents can turn a worker's life upside down in an instant. Serious injuries often mean a long and painful recovery, an inability to return to your previous job, and mounting financial stress. If you're in this difficult situation, you don't have to face it alone. At Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys, we understand the complexities of oilfield injury cases.
We have the experience and resources to investigate your accident, determine liability, and pursue full compensation for your losses. Don't settle for less than you deserve. Let our skilled legal team in Corpus Christi fight for your rights.
We are available 24/7 and offer free in-person and virtual consultations. Contact online or call (361) 310-5299 to speak with an oilfield accident attorney in Corpus Christi today.
