Potential Long-Term Consequences of Oil Field Injuries

Working in the oilfield  is a dangerous job. Oil field workers may face exposure to toxic chemicals, flammable materials,  operate heavy machinery, or need to work at perilous heights. In an industry filled with hazards, oil field injuries can be incredibly common.

Oil field injuries can lead to devastating life-long consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. You have options to pursue compensation if you or a family member was in an oil field accident.

Causes of Oil Field Injuries

Oil rig workers encounter many hazards that could cause severe or fatal injuries, including: 

• Fires and explosions
• Equipment failure
• Lack of safety protocols
• Unsecured platforms
• A supervisor’s negligence

Whether you work as a derrick operator, driller, floorhand,  or truck driver on an oil field, your employer, as well as other companies on location,  are  responsible for creating a safe work environment and following all federal and state safety regulations to prevent injuries.

Types of Oil Field Injuries

Examples of oil field injuries include:

• Burns
• Broken bones
• Damage to lungs due to toxic fumes 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Loss of a limb
• Organ or soft tissue damage
• Death

The oil industry has a fatality rate that is seven times higher than other industries.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Oil Field Injuries?

Consequences of oil field injuries range from physical to financial to psychological, and the injury can affect you for the rest of your life. 

Medical treatments for severe injuries, like third-degree burns, can translate to high medical bills. If you are the sole breadwinner of your family, you may not know how you will pay rent or bills. Your injury may prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, causing a loss of earning capacity.

Many accidents also have psychological ramifications. You may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, have difficulty returning to work, or feel depressed and listless.

What to Do if You’re Injured at Work on an Oil Field

If you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation can help cover your medical bills and lost wages as you recover. Carefully document what happened on the day of the accident, report the injury to your supervisor, and speak to an attorney to request assistance with the workers’ compensation process.

Unfortunately, some employers may try to retaliate against employees who file for workers’ compensation. Signs of retaliation include:

• Sudden termination
• Unexpected workload decrease or increase
• Ridicule from employers or employees

In most states, this type of retaliation is illegal and could be grounds for a lawsuit. A qualified attorney can explain your options and protect your rights.

Contact an Attorney with Experience in Oil Field Injury Cases

Oil field injuries can come with life-long consequences. You may be unable to work as you deal with psychological ramifications and medical treatments.At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C., we can help you seek compensation through workers’ compensation or a lawsuit if you are facing the ramifications of oil field injuries. Call 800-433-2408 or fill out our contact form to request a case review.