Working in the oilfields is nothing like working an ordinary nine to five job. Every day on the job, oilfield workers face hazardous conditions and risk their lives—dangerous chemicals, heavy machinery, and commercial vehicles all pose serious threats to oil and gas workers in Las Cruces every single day.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an oilfield accident lawyer in Las Cruces, you’re probably worrying about how to pay for medical bills and may be worried about insufficient workers’ compensation payments. If you’re wondering about getting help after your Las Cruces oilfield accident or are looking for the right Las Cruces injury lawyer, our experts are here to help. Read on to learn more.
What to Do After an Oilfield AccidentThe aftermath of a workplace accident is always stressful, and injured employees are often subjected to a drawn-out process that is complicated and frequently unfair. But knowing what to do will help victims have a better chance at getting the money they deserve for their injuries and losses.
1. Report the AccidentThere are several steps you should take following a workplace accident in the oilfields to increase your odds of getting fair compensation. First and foremost, it’s crucial to report your accident as soon as possible to your employer or immediate supervisor. Failure to do so may result in termination, or could negatively impact your ability to recover compensation for injuries.
In your report, it is crucial to be as detailed as possible about your injuries, even those that you may deem to be minor. Symptoms may continue to develop and progress in the weeks or months following the accident, and your failure to thoroughly list each symptom can severely hinder your odds of recovering compensation. Many workers mistakenly believe that minor symptoms will go away on their own and therefore fail to report them, and this may render them unable to collect compensation if symptoms worsen.
2. Seek Medical AttentionIt’s also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Failure to do so may also be used against you, because insurers may claim that you are not as hurt as you say if you refused treatment. It’s also important to get a diagnosis or medical assessment in the event that you choose to pursue a legal claim against your employer for negligence. Keep in mind that if you are unhappy with the doctor your workplace selected, you have a right to request your own doctor.
3. Consult With a Personal Injury LawyerIf negligence played a role in or caused your accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against your employer. In the case of serious workplace accidents (such as those that result in permanent disabilities), workers’ compensation is often not enough to cover the full extent of lost income and medical expenses. A personal injury claim may be your best shot at receiving the full amount of damages you are owed so that you can secure the best possible future outcome for yourself.
Ready to Consult With an Attorney? Call New Mexico Lawyer James Shaw Today for a Free ConsultationYour initial consultation with an oilfield accident lawyer in Las Cruces is free and without obligation. And if you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident, we want to help you get justice and compensation. New Mexico lawyer James Shaw is a local expert in New Mexico oilfield injury law and a managing partner for Carabin Shaw, and his client-first philosophy drives all that he does. He can help you determine the value of your potential claim, understand your legal rights, and decide your next steps.
So call our office today for a free consultation at 1-800-555-0101 to find out what our experienced Las Cruces injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw can do for you.