Five Common Causes of Oil Field Accidents in San Antonio

For many Texans, working in the oil industry is a lucrative job that provides financial stability. Recently, the Texas Railroad Commission reported that the oil and gas industry employs over 300,000 residents. In 2017, the average annual wage for those in the oil and gas industry was $109,498. The availability of jobs coupled with the competitive pay makes working in an oil field an enticing option for many people living in and around San Antonio, Texas. However, working in an oil field also comes with serious risks. The dangers of the job are real, primarily due to five common causes of oil field accidents in San Antonio. Between 2003 and 2010, 823 workers suffered fatal injuries on the job and reported fatality rates have generally remained consistent since the beginning of the 1990s.

The expert lawyers at Carabin Shaw have worked on cases concerning any types of oil field accident in South Texas. If you or a loved one ever experience such an accident, you should call our San Antonio accident attorneys for legal advice.

Severe injuries in the oil field industry are something with which the team at Carabin Shaw is all too familiar. Our lawyers have encountered five common causes of oil field accidents in San Antonio. They are:

• Insufficient Training: With all the hazards that come with working on an oil rig, proper training is imperative. However, many times companies rush the training process so employees can start sooner. Young, inexperienced workers need proper, extensive training to be able to work effectively in the dangerous environment of an oil field. Proper training means a safer work environment, and oil field companies near San Antonio need to take responsibility for this problem.
• Slips and Falls: Many oil rig injuries happen due to falls and slips. An alarming number of injuries occur from employees falling from a higher deck onto a lower one, or even into the ocean. These kinds of injuries can jeopardize the careers of employees, potentially rendering them unable to work for extended periods of time or ever again.
• Poorly Maintained Equipment: In San Antonio, Texas, the upkeep of equipment in the oil field is vital for the safety of employees. Most of the technology used on rigs requires regular safety checks for maintenance issues, but many times these necessary fixes would slow production, so owners or managers push them aside. This negligence poses serious
• Explosions and Fires: Many injuries and deaths on oil rigs result from an explosion or fire. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 10% of all fatalities in the workplace from explosions and fires occur in the oil and gas industry. Both the potential for equipment leaks and the flammability of oil make a San Antonio oil field fire a constant threat.

These five common causes of oil field accidents in San Antonio, unfortunately, happen too often. As recently as August 2018, KSAT reported an oilfield explosion near San Antonio. Although the dangers are real, the sad thing is many of these accidents are preventable and occur because of inadequate safety precautions.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil field accident, you may be entitled to compensation due to negligence. This money can help pay for your injuries, your medical bills, and the trauma of experiencing such a tragedy. For maximum compensation, however, you will want to have expert San Antonio injury lawyers behind you.

The lawyers at Carabin Shaw will not only help you understand your rights and your case but also listen to you and make sure your family can get through this challenging situation with the peace of mind that we are there for you. To speak with a San Antonio, Texas attorney and set up a free, no-obligation consultation, call us toll-free at 800-862-1260.