Oil Field Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Texas has one of the highest rates of oil field accidents due to the large oil and gas industry boom that the state has experienced in recent years. The risk of injury is very real for workers in this industry, so it is very important for them to be well informed in case they should be involved in an incident.

The Houston oilfield accident lawyers at Lapeze & Johns are always ready to fight for oilfield workers who have suffered any form of injury at work – and we want you to be ready, too. Below we answer a few of the most frequently asked questions that we get asked.

Q: What damages are available if I file a lawsuit against my employer or a third party in the case of an oil field accident?

A: If you have been injured in an oil field accident, you can recover damages for but not limited to:

For individuals who have lost a relative that was the primary source of income, you may seek damages for loss of consortium/companionship in addition to loss of household income.

Q: Will experts handle my oil rig accident case?

A: Our Houston oil field injury attorneys have a comprehensive knowledge of oil field procedures, commonly occurring accidents, and how to effectively develop a strong claim.

With over $385 million collected for our clients and a 98% success rate, we know how to get it done. We work with a team of medical and legal experts to conduct a thorough inspection and gather all vital information surrounding your case.

Q: What happens if my employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance?

A: The state of Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers that do not carry the insurance are known as “non-subscribers” and remain under strict reporting and disclosure terms while also missing out on some legal protections.

Since your employer may not required to pay for your medical expenses and compensate for lost wages, you should seek the help of an experienced oil field injury attorney to see what damages are available to you.

Q: What happens if I am injured by someone other than the employer?

A : You may file for both workers’ compensation and against the other party that has caused you an injury. These types of cases are known as a “third-party personal injury.”

Filing a third-party personal injury claim may allow you to recover more damages than workers’ compensation. Seek professional guidance from the personal injury attorneys at Lapeze & Johns to obtain compensation from each claim.

Q: If I suffer an injury in the oilfields, do I have a case against the lease owner?

A: In the case that the lease owner contributed to your oil field injury in some manner, you may be able to file a claim against the lease owner.

Q: I saw my employer doing something dangerous and exercised my “stop work authority” to end it. My employer has retaliated and fired me. Do I have a case?

A: Yes, you may have a wrongful termination case. If an employer fires you for reporting workplace hazards, contact an attorney for help against this wrongful termination.

Q: How long should I expect the legal process of an oil injury claim to take?

A: The length of the case depends on the extent of your injuries and the complexity of the situation. Although many cases can be tried within a year after you seek legal protection, the case may take longer given the nature and extent of your injuries.

It is crucial for attorneys to thoroughly research the circumstances of your injury and to understand how it may affect you long term. Therefore, it is better that they take their time to resolve your case.

Q: Does your firm handle offshore oil field cases?

Lapeze & Johns also specializes in offshore oil field cases. If you have been injured in an offshore accident, seek the expert help from our Houston trial attorneys.

Oil Field Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Lapeze & Johns