Oilfield Accident and Explosion Victims in Midland

The Permian Basin of West Texas is the center of the oil and gas boom in the United States. Here, enthusiasm for oil is high, as economic gains in the past three years have bolstered nearly every industry in the area. Unlike previous booms, developers argue that what’s happening in Permian is unlikely to slow down any time soon, and the U.S. Department of Energy expects the numbers to stay steady, too, predicting that oil workers in the basin will handle roughly 3.9 million barrels per day in 2019. In a dangerous industry, that number is a lot to manage, and Midland oilfield employees need to know they are not alone if something goes wrong; a Texas oilfield accident attorney from Carabin Shaw is here to help.

What Makes Oilfields so Dangerous?

While most Texans know that oilfield work has its advantages—above-average pay, exceptional benefits, strong potential to advance up the ladder, and flexible scheduling—they also understand that it has its dangers. According to Jim Morris of the Center for Public Integrity, 1,566 oil and gas extraction workers died on the job between 2008 and 2017. In a chilling corollary, Morris continues, “About as many U.S. troops died fighting in Afghanistan during that period.” As the leading producer of crude oil and gas in the U.S., the majority of those accidents and deaths happen in Texas.

Oilfield accident and explosion victims in Midland know that their employers do not always share their safety concerns or send mixed messages about whether safety or productivity is more important. While oil and gas extraction is, by default, a dangerous industry, many Midland oilfield accidents are preventable, and it’s clear that some companies fall short of the federal standards. Some common oilfield dangers include:

• Heavy Equipment Failures: Oilfields use dangerous heavy equipment that can cause severe injuries if it fails. By law, all employees must receive proper training to operate heavy machinery, and all machines need to be adequately maintained for employee safety. If heavy equipment failure injured you, oilfield faulty equipment accident lawyers would like to help.
• Slips and Falls: Many gas extraction workers need to use raised platforms, cranes, or ladders to access specific equipment. Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers keep walking surfaces clean, falls from elevated equipment are common. Personal injury lawyers are familiar with this type of workplace accident because it occurs across many industries.
• Fires and explosions: At every oilfield camp, there is the risk of fire or explosion. The oil well and its surrounding equipment release flammable vapors. Friction, static electricity, open flames, and the like can ignite these gases to disastrous consequence. Midland accident lawyers are here for you.
• Vehicle Accidents: Perhaps surprisingly, the majority of oilfield accidents are vehicle-related, and unsafe roads and fatigue play a part. Our Midland attorneys can determine fault and make the case.

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning, collapsing rigs, well blowouts, fracking accidents, fatigue, insufficient training, and more can also lead to worker injury.

Finding the Right Attorney

The Midland oilfield injury attorneys of Carabin Shaw have assisted workers like you for decades, and we are ready to leverage our expertise to help you secure compensation for your work-related injuries. Our priority is client security and satisfaction, and we offer all potential clients a no-obligation free consultation with a lawyer. We’ll use this time to listen to you, review your case, and answer any questions you may have. All of our contracts are contingency fee, which means that we will not charge you unless we win your case.

To speak with an attorney in Midland, call 432-620-0544 or dial us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.

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