Oilfield Heavy Equipment Failure | Work Injury Lawyer in Big Spring, Texas
The oil and gas industry is booming in West Texas. This economic activity has brought many jobs to residents of Big Spring, and these jobs bring inherent dangers with them. Our attorneys have seen firsthand the serious injuries caused to oilfield workers when equipment fails.
If you are in search of a work injury lawyer in Big Spring, Texas, the law firm of Carabin Shaw can help. The Big Spring oilfield accident lawyers on our staff are committed to winning rightful compensation for workers that have been injured due to the negligence of other parties.
Common Causes of Equipment FailureHeavy equipment in the oilfield includes commercial vehicles, drilling rigs, solids control equipment (removes debris and sediment from oil), and well control equipment. Oilfield heavy equipment failure can occur as a result of metal fatigue, inadequate maintenance, improper use, extreme pressures, corrosion, welding defects, and manufacturing defects, among other causes.
Preventative measures minimize the risk of equipment failure. Our lawyers firmly believe that worker safety should always be priority number one. Federal and state laws are in place to guarantee that oilfields provide safety training, safety protocols, as well as guidelines for inspecting and maintaining equipment. Our Big Spring accident lawyers will work with outside experts when necessary to investigate the causes of an accident and determine if negligence played a role.
Dangerous Consequences for Workers“Struck-by” and “caught-in” hazards cause three-out-of-five fatalities in the oil and gas industries. The failure of hoisting and rigging equipment can result in “struck-by” injuries, allowing heavy loads to fall on workers. “Caught-in” hazards happen when heavy objects trap the body of a worker, commonly resulting in concussions, lacerations, or amputations.
The Big Spring oilfield accident lawyers on our staff are well versed in OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) laws, standards, and best practices as they relate to worker safety in the oil and gas industries. Companies are generally responsible for providing adequate safety training on an ongoing basis, and for taking routine, preventative measures related to the maintenance and safe operation of equipment.
Experienced attorneys will tell you that companies are not always compliant with OSHA. Unfortunately, when companies put profits before people, they often fail to do everything in their power to prevent accidents and protect workers.
Determining Liability When Equipment Fails: Who’s At Fault?When equipment fails, negligence may be involved. Oilfield corporations, safety managers, subcontractors, and product manufacturers may share in some portion of responsibility for accidents and resulting injuries. Did an employer fail to ensure the proper maintenance and operation of equipment? Did safety managers fail to enforce OSHA standards on the job site? Or was equipment defective as a result of manufacturing, delivery, or installation?
Determining liability can be a complex legal process that takes time, especially when multiple parties are involved. That’s why you need one of our Big Spring accident lawyers on your side. An independent investigation may be required to determine what caused the accident, and what might have been done to prevent it. Employers may resist these efforts to protect themselves from being found liable.
The Lasting Effects of Work InjuriesIf you’ve been injured by equipment failure while working in the oilfields surrounding Big Spring, don’t hesitate to speak with a lawyer. If negligence contributed to causing your injuries, you should strongly consider pursuing a personal injury claim. Serious injuries can be debilitating for months or even years, hindering your ability to provide for yourself and your family.
At Carabin Shaw, the Big Spring oilfield accident lawyers on our staff are committed to assisting oilfield workers that have been injured on the job. For a free consultation, call us today at 432-620-0544. You can also reach us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.