New Mexico Oilfield Accident Statistics | Las Cruces Injury Lawyer

The unfortunate truth about oil fields is that they’re one of the most dangerous jobs—if not the most dangerous job—in the country. 1,566 oilfield workers were involved in fatal accidents from 2008 to 2017. For perspective, that’s about the same number of soldiers that died fighting in Afghanistan during that time.

One of the reasons for so many injuries and deaths is that the work environment in a Las Cruces oilfield can be grueling. Harsh weather conditions, long hours, demanding physical labor, and speed bonuses are all factors that contribute to the immense amount of oilfield workers’ injuries and deaths every year. If you or a loved one was injured in an oilfield accident, you should talk to a Las Cruces injury lawyer. Working with someone with experience like New Mexico lawyer James Shaw can make all the difference in you getting the justice you rightfully deserve.

To know the dangers of the oil industry, you have to know the facts. Below are some of the most important U.S. and New Mexico oilfield accident statistics that highlight the hazards of the oilfield:

• The oil and gas industry has nearly 10 million employees across the United States, accounting for approximately 5.6% of the American workforce.
• New Mexico accounts for more than 6% of all crude oil production in the U.S.
• According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, there were 489 deaths of oil and gas extraction workers from 2013-2017.
• From 2007-2011 New Mexico had the 4th highest number of oil and gas fatalities in the United States, preceded only by Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
• Safety and Health Magazine reports that 52% of oil and gas deaths are caused by falling from heights of 30 feet and above.
• There are many different jobs in the oil and gas industry. Of those jobs, drilling contractor workers are most likely to experience fatal injuries, accounting for 60% of job fatalities.

The statistics concerning injuries and fatalities in the oil and gas industry are staggering, yet many experts believe these numbers are still not fully accurate. Below are some reasons why the numbers may not be an accurate representation of just how dangerous the oil and gas industry actually is for employees:

• What constitutes a “severe” injury - Different state laws, agencies, and workers all have varying definitions of what constitutes a “severe” injury, which leads to inconsistencies in accident reporting in New Mexico and across the U.S. Talk to an oilfield accident lawyer in Las Cruces about the definition of “severe” in your case.
• Incident reporting and multiple institutions - The majority of fatality and work-injury related reports are handled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but other organizations such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), private institutes, and state agencies also collect data. The number of organizations involved can lead to differences in reporting.
• Discrepancies between state and federal regulations - Some states report their accidents to state-run agencies, while others follow the guidelines of OSHA, for example. The different regulations across agencies can lead to inaccuracies in reporting. If you have questions, talk to a lawyer.

To know how accident reporting may relate to your case, discuss the circumstances of your accident with a Las Cruces injury lawyer.

When you’re injured in the oilfield in New Mexico, you deserve compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence. To get the compensation that you deserve, you need to work with an experienced attorney.

New Mexico lawyer James Shaw is a renowned New Mexico lawyer who has over three decades of experience helping victims of oilfield accidents. He has a client-first philosophy, which means he puts you and your needs above all else. For a free consultation, call today at 800-862-1260.