Oil Field Accidents in Oklahoma: What Are Your Rights as an Injured Worker?

Oklahoma’s thriving oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, providing jobs to thousands of workers. However, this industry is also one of the most hazardous, with workers often facing significant risks on the job. From heavy machinery mishaps to explosions and toxic chemical exposure, oil field accidents can result in life-altering injuries or even fatalities. 

Understanding your rights as an injured worker is critical to ensuring you receive the compensation and care you deserve. At Putnam Law Office, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of oil field accident claims and protect your rights.

Common Causes of Oil Field Accidents

Oil field work involves operating in high-risk environments with heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, and challenging conditions. Some of the most common causes of oil field accidents include:

• Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in machinery like drilling rigs, pumps, and cranes can lead to severe injuries. These failures often stem from inadequate maintenance, defective parts, or improper usage.
• Explosions and Fires: The presence of flammable gases and chemicals makes oil fields particularly vulnerable to explosions and fires, which can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Spills, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting can cause workers to slip and fall, leading to broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.
• Transportation Accidents: Transporting equipment and materials to and from oil field sites often involves large trucks and vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents on highways and rural roads.
• Chemical Exposure: Workers frequently handle or are exposed to hazardous substances that can cause respiratory issues, burns, or long-term health complications like cancer.
• Fatigue-Related Accidents: Long shifts and physically demanding work can lead to exhaustion, reducing a worker’s ability to perform tasks safely and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Oil Field Accidents

Oil field accidents can result in severe injuries, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Burns: Explosions and fires often lead to thermal or chemical burns that can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Falls, falling objects, or machinery accidents can result in TBIs, leading to cognitive and physical impairments.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Heavy equipment accidents and falls often cause fractures, which may require surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a worker’s quality of life.
• Respiratory Problems: Prolonged exposure to toxic fumes or chemicals can cause lung damage and chronic respiratory conditions.
• Amputations: In severe cases, workers may lose limbs due to machinery malfunctions or crushing injuries.

Workers’ Compensation Rights in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, most employers in the oil and gas industry are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system provides benefits to injured workers, regardless of fault, to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. Key aspects of Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system include:

• Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment related to your injury, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may receive partial wage replacement through temporary disability benefits.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: For workers who suffer permanent impairments, workers’ compensation provides benefits based on the severity of the disability and its impact on earning capacity.
• Death Benefits: If an oil field accident results in a fatality, the worker’s dependents may be entitled to death benefits to cover funeral expenses and financial support.

While workers’ compensation offers critical support, it may not fully cover all your losses, such as pain and suffering or long-term financial impact. Additionally, obtaining the benefits you’re entitled to can be challenging without legal assistance.

Third-Party Liability Claims

In some cases, workers may have the right to pursue a third-party liability claim in addition to workers’ compensation. These claims arise when someone other than your employer, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, is responsible for your injury. Examples of third-party liability include:

• Defective Equipment: If a faulty piece of machinery caused your injury, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• Negligent Contractors: If a subcontractor’s actions led to your accident, they could be held liable for their negligence.
• Unsafe Premises: Property owners who fail to maintain safe working conditions may be liable for accidents occurring on their property.

Third-party claims can provide additional compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full wage replacement. An experienced attorney can help identify potential third-party claims and pursue them on your behalf.

Steps to Take After an Oil Field Accident

If you’ve been injured in an oil field accident, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking medical treatment for your injuries. Document all medical visits and retain copies of your medical records.
• Report the Accident: Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Failure to report the incident promptly may jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses.
• Keep Detailed Records: Maintain records of your medical expenses, lost wages, and any communication with your employer or insurance company.
• Consult an Attorney: An experienced oil field accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, ensure you receive fair compensation, and explore additional legal options.

Why Choose Putnam Law Office?

At Putnam Law Office, we understand the unique challenges faced by oil field workers who suffer injuries on the job. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. When you choose us, you can expect:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your situation and tailor our approach to your specific needs.
• Extensive Experience: Our team has a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws and third-party liability claims.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing maximum compensation for our clients.
• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Putnam Law Office

If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil field accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Putnam Law Office today at 405-724-7701 for a free consultation. 

Our experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyers are ready to answer your questions, evaluate your case, and guide you every step of the way. Let us help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.