Workers' Comp Benefits are not Enough

It’s no secret that the oil and gas industry is a dangerous field of work. Thousands of workers are killed or injured every year in oil or gas accidents – with Texas ranking highest in annual fatalities nationwide. While deaths in this industry are on the decline, the problem still persists and a great number of these tragic accidents are preventable through more stringent safety measures. If you’ve been seriously injured – or if a loved one has been killed in an oil or gas accident in San Antonio – it’s likely that the injured party’s employer will claim that you are limited to workers’ compensation benefits. But in many cases, workers’ compensation benefits are not enough to fully compensate you for your loss.

The problem with workers’ comp is that it has fixed limits. It’s offered through the workplace where the injury occurred, and injured employees can only receive a set amount of compensation – regardless of the extent of the injury or the cost of the resulting medical bills.

Unlike workers’ compensation benefits, settlements awarded through personal injury claims do not have a fixed upper limit, meaning that your benefits won’t be capped and you can receive full compensation for lost wages and damages. Furthermore, personal injury claims allow injured parties to receive compensation for losses or injuries that aren’t always fully covered under workers’ comp, such as:

• Expenses resulting from a permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost income

Personal injury lawsuits can also be an option for injured parties whose employers did not have workers’ compensation. Private employers in San Antonio and in Texas can choose whether or not to provide their employees with workers’ compensation insurance, so if your employer did not have workers’ compensation at the time of the injury, a personal injury lawsuit might be your best course of action.

We’ve worked with many San Antonio clients whose workers’ comp benefits were not enough to cover medical expenses (especially when added to their living expenses). In order to help these clients receive the revenue needed to get by, our team of dedicated attorneys has helped them successfully bring personal injury claims against the companies or employers that contributed to the injury.

You didn’t choose to be unemployed, and we know that receiving a fraction of your former salary isn’t always enough to get by. That’s why you need to consider bringing a personal injury claim against the parties responsible for your injuries.

It’s important to understand your options to ensure that you make the right decision in this difficult time. In the Texas Workers’ Compensation System, you have the right to hire a lawyer to assist you with your workers’ compensation claim – even if your employer tries to discourage you from doing so. Don’t sign away claims or your legal rights without taking a minute and speaking to one of our knowledgeable San Antonio workers’ compensation attorneys about your rights. The consultation is free and is without obligation.

Oilfield accident claims can become extremely complicated. Don’t try to do this one your own. The best course of action is to get advice from experienced lawyers who have knowledge tailored to your specific case. The law firm of Carabin Shaw has decades of experience specifically handling oilfield accident injury cases in San Antonio. Our lawyers will pursue fair and just compensation for you and your family, and will work diligently to ensure that you receive a financial recovery from each and every responsible party.

Workers’ comp benefits are not enough. To receive your free consultation and maximize your compensation, call Carabin Shaw’s expert lawyers any time at 800-862-1260. Visit our oil and gas accidents page for more information.