Oilfield Hand Injuries | New Mexico Oilfield Accident Attorney

Did you know that in America, hand injuries send over a million workers to the emergency room every year? And for oilfield workers, the risk of hand injury is extremely high. You probably already know that oilfield workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. But did you know that hand and finger injuries make up almost half of all oilfield workplace injuries? If you or a loved one has been hurt in an oilfield accident in New Mexico that resulted in a hand injury, you may be wondering what to do now. You are likely worried about how you will pay your medical bills, worried about lost income due to your oilfield injuries, and unsure of whether or not you need a lawyer. That’s why our Carabin Shaw oilfield accident experts in Alamogordo, New Mexico have compiled a brief overview of oilfield hand injuries, tips on choosing an Alamogordo, New Mexico work injury attorney, and more.

Not only are hand injuries some of the most common injuries suffered by oilfield workers, but they are also some of the most painful. Our hands have more nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of the human body—meaning that injuries to the hands and fingers hurt more than similar injuries on other parts of the body.

Not only are hand injuries common and extremely painful, but they can also have devastating consequences. Hand injuries can render employees unable to work for weeks or months—sometimes, even permanently. For all of these reasons, companies have strengthened occupational safety rules to focus more on hand injury prevention strategies.

There are many ways that hands can be injured while working in the oilfields. Some common types of hand injuries include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Fractures
• Bruises
• Strains
• Cuts
• Crush injuries
• Amputations

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hand and finger injuries are second only to back and neck injuries when it comes to the number of lost work days. This is because no matter what your job is, it’s highly likely that you need the use of both your hands to perform it well. And employees who have lost a finger or hand due to oilfield injuries may be left permanently unable to work—as our Alamogordo, New Mexico work injury attorneys know all too well.

According to a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration study, a whopping 70.9% of hand and arm injuries could have been prevented with proper protective equipment such as safety gloves. The majority of workers who suffered hand injuries were not wearing gloves at the time of their workplace accident. But for the smaller percentage of workers who were wearing gloves at the time of their accident, the gloves themselves may be to blame—they may have been damaged, or not fit properly, or were inappropriate for the type of hazard present.

If you’ve injured your hand in an oilfield accident in New Mexico, you need to see a doctor, file an accident report, and contact an attorney as soon as possible. If your accident was in any way caused by your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. A professional Alamogordo, New Mexico work injury attorney can help you determine whether or not employer negligence played a role in your accident, and can then help you get the settlement you deserve so you can get your life back on track.

To receive a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Carabin Shaw attorney, call our office serving New Mexico at 915-779-2301.