Injured on the Job in the El Paso Oil and Gas Industry?

West Texas cities like El Paso and Midland are at the center of the oil boom in the United States. Here, economic gains have bolstered local industries, and, as a result, interest in oil and gas is high. The U.S. Department of Energy expects this boom to stay steady, predicting that oil workers in the Permian Basin will handle roughly 3.9 million barrels per day in 2019. In an inherently hazardous trade, that number is significant. If you have experience with El Paso oilfield accidents, a licensed attorney can help you file a claim.

While oilfield work boasts above-average pay, many advancement opportunities, outstanding benefits, and flexible scheduling—lawyers know that it has its dangers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) details these hazards in a 2017 report. The organization states, “The U.S. oil and gas extraction…industry fatality rate (25.0 deaths per 100,000 workers) remains well above the rate for all U.S. workers (3.7 per 100,000 workers).” Furthermore, Jim Morris of the Center for Public Integrity declares that 1,566 oil and gas extraction employees died at work between 2008 and 2017. In a chilling comparison, 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 country, the majority of these deaths happen in Texas.

In non-fatal injury cases, oil and gas extraction does not fare much better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2017, 1.5 out of every 100 oil workers got injured on the job. El Paso accident lawyers are familiar with cases like this and want to leverage their experience to help you file a successful lawsuit against the responsible party.

Oilfield accident and explosion victims in El Paso know firsthand that their employers might not share their safety concerns. While oil and gas extraction is, by default, a dangerous industry, many El Paso oilfield accidents are preventable. Many companies send mixed messages about what is more valuable: safety or productivity. Some common oilfield threats include:

• Heavy Equipment Failure: By law, all employees must receive adequate training to operate heavy machinery. All machines also need to be correctly maintained for employee safety. If heavy equipment failure hurt you, a Carabin Shaw lawyer is here to help you take action.
• Fires and explosions: There is the risk of fire or explosion at every oilfield site because the well and its surrounding equipment release flammable vapors. Friction, static electricity, and open flames can ignite these gases to destructive consequences.
• Slips and Falls: Many gas extraction workers use raised platforms, cranes, or ladders to access equipment. Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to keep walking surfaces clean, falls from elevated equipment are common. This type of workplace accident because it occurs across many industries, so El Paso accident lawyers are experts at this type of case.
• Vehicle Accidents: Perhaps surprisingly, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that over 40% of oilfield worker accidents are vehicle-related, and unsafe roads and fatigue play a crucial part. Our El Paso injury attorneys can determine both fault and damages to make your case.

If you were injured on the job in the El Paso oil and gas industry, you deserve justice.

El Paso oilfield accidents are complex, and expert lawyers yield successful claims. The Texas oilfield injury attorneys of Carabin Shaw have served workers like you for decades. We prioritize client security and satisfaction, and we offer all potential clients a free consultation with a member of our team. Additionally, all of our contracts are contingency fee, which means that we will not charge you unless we win your case.

In El Paso, call 915-779-2301 or dial us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.