The Dangers of Heavy Equipment in the Oilfields of New Mexico

Working in the oilfield can be lucrative, but the process of oil and gas extraction requires heavy equipment, which can be dangerous. Improper use of heavy equipment, poor upkeep, or inadequate employee training can lead to catastrophic consequences. For oil workers, the dangers of heavy equipment in the oilfields of New Mexico are a daily threat. If you or a loved one were involved in an oilfield accident in Hobbs, you need someone to advocate for you.

A Hobbs oilfield accident lawyer can help you and your family get the compensation rightfully owed to you. Carabin Shaw believes in empowering victims of oilfield accidents by fighting aggressively to get you justice. Every lawyer on our team is here to listen and to make sure you get on the road to recovery. Our New Mexico oilfield injury attorneys know what to do if you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident involving heavy equipment in the oilfield.

The oilfield is a harsh working environment, which is why The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has created specific guidelines for employers and employees to ensure worker safety and minimize accidents. Unfortunately, even with these regulations in place, our Hobbs accident lawyers still see injury after injury. Most of the accidents involve dangerous heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts, and an attorney will tell you these tragedies happen because workers and employers violate regulations due to fatigue, neglect, or recklessness. Here are some common causes of heavy equipment accidents in the Hobbs oil industry:

• Moving machinery:Support equipment and spinning machinery are everywhere on an oil rig. Cranes and forklifts pose hazards to employees because of the potential to be struck by the machine or knocked off a platform. An oilfield injury attorney serving Hobbs, New Mexico knows it’s essential for all workers on a rig to be constantly aware of their surroundings. If a crane, forklift, or another type of heavy equipment, injured you, consult with a Hobbs oilfield accident lawyer.
• Lack of communication: The noise level on an oilrig can sometimes make it difficult to communicate. Workers need to use a two-way radio or hand signals to ensure safety at all times. Even though management usually emphasizes the importance of communication among operators, a lack of communication still happens, often leading to injury when involving heavy machinery.
• Falling objects:Oil rigs usually have multiple levels. Many injuries occur when employees on upper platforms drop equipment that strikes other workers below, sometimes causing fatalities. Additionally, suspended loads can fall, and high-pressure lines can burst, which can lead to severe injuries as well. Speak with New Mexico oilfield injury attorneys to discuss your options if a falling object has struck you.
• Blind spots:When operating heavy equipment, there are always blind spots. If an operator doesn’t check them, it could lead to catastrophe. If this has happened to you or a loved one, a lawyer can help.

The dangers of heavy equipment in the oilfields of New Mexico are real, and each one that leads to tragedy should also lead to proper compensation. After an accident with heavy equipment in the oilfield, Hobbs accident lawyers will be able to help you recover the following types of damages:

• Loss of earnings
• Medical expenses
• Emotional and mental stress
• Funerary costs
• Loss of future income

At Carabin Shaw, we believe oil companies should pay, because it was their negligent practices that lead to you or your loved one’s injury or death. Talk to a Hobbs oilfield accident lawyer to make sure you get the most for you and your family. Every attorney on our team is the best in the business, and we’re ready to win for you and your future.

Call us today at 915-779-2301 or toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to get the process started.