The increased demand for and price of crude oil and natural gas have created a marked increase in drilling activity in the U.S. oil and gas industry – particularly in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Pennsylvania and Nebraska. The increased demand for crews and equipment has put additional pressures on the industry to use inexperienced workers and unsafe equipment. This has led to poor practices and unsafe work environments due to an increase in work injuries from blowouts, pipeline explosions and other well site accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, oilfield injuries are on the rise. A 2008 study revealed that Texas is among the top three states in gas and oil extraction industry fatal work injuries. On-site injuries and fatalities are not the only concern plaguing the oil and gas industry. Truck transportation to and from sites has harmed not only oilfield workers, but also those in surrounding communities. According to a recent study by theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, “Motor vehicle crashes account for the largest number of fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry every year.”
Know Your Rights When Dealing with Oil and Gas Worker Injuries and AccidentsIf you’ve been overexposed to dangerous chemicals, been in an oilfield accident or suffered an injury related to oilfield work, you should become informed on what your rights are. Oilfield workers need to protect themselves from some of the dangers that come with a high-risk occupation. Employers need to abide by OSHA regulations and other state and federal regulations to provide appropriate safety standards. When these guidelines are not being met, you may be in danger of an oilfield injury or accident.
We specialize in these types of cases in Texas, being that Texas has since a boom in the oil field industry. In the Rio Grande Valley it is common to have a friend or relative go and work in the oil fields, and if your family member or loved one is injured on the job we are here to help.
If any of your loved ones have been injured while on the job be sure to give us a call and seek the legal help you need. What to do in case of an accident? Visit our Resources Center to get the facts! |
