Occupational Diseases in the Texas Oilfields: Does the Discovery Rule Extend Your Deadline?

The iconic oil fields of Texas are a key element of our state’s economy. Unfortunately, oil workers in our state are subjected to potentially deadly conditions while working in these fields. Worse yet, these illnesses often take years to develop, making lawsuits particularly complicated. With victims facing expensive treatments and extended time away from work, winning justice and compensation is essential for securing their future.

That is where the Texas oilfield injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw come in. For over three decades, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of victims like you. We specialize in minimizing stress while maximizing compensation. To make it easy to get started, we even offer a free consultation to anybody interested in our services. Just give us a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online to find out what we can do for you!

The prevalence of occupational illness of oilfield workers is an unfortunate aspect of the oil industry that is so vital to Texas’s economy. Workers are routinely exposed to toxic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, silica dust, drilling fluids, and hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to diseases like respiratory illness, cancer, neurological damage, and toxic poisoning, which take months or years to develop. Because these conditions do not appear immediately, they can present legal challenges for victims seeking justice for their injuries.

Texas oilfield workers' rights allow victims of on-the-job injuries to pursue compensation from their employers or any other party whose negligence caused their accident. The statute of limitations for these types of lawsuits is two years, beginning from the date the injury occurs. This statute of limitations can be restrictive when it comes to slow-developing illnesses due to work conditions.

Luckily, Texas’s discovery rule addresses the specific challenges of these illnesses. Texas discovery rule personal injury cases apply a statute of limitations that begins only when victims discover an injury, or reasonably should have discovered it. This means that workers can still bring lawsuits, even if their conditions have not made themselves known until after the conventional statute of limitations window.

When victims bring an oilfield exposure lawsuit in Texas, “damages” are used to determine the amount of compensation they can seek. Not only do damages account for the financial impact of an injury, but they also account for its emotional toll. This allows victims to win vital compensation to assist in their recoveries. Some common forms of damages you may qualify for include:

• Reimbursement of medical expenses
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of benefits
• Punitive damages

Working with an experienced Permian Basin worker injury claims lawyer is the best way to ensure positive results for your occupational illness case. Your attorney will build you the strongest possible case and maximize the compensation you receive. The benefits of working with a lawyer are not limited to the courtroom. Your Texas attorney can help gather evidence for you, handle correspondence, negotiate your insurance claims on your behalf, and provide invaluable guidance and emotional support.

For over three decades, Texans have trusted Carabin Shaw to win them justice. Our attorneys work to maximize compensation and minimize stress for victims in the Permian Basin and beyond. We specialize in maximizing compensation and minimizing stress. To hear from some of the people we have helped in the past, check out our law firm’s client reviews page.

Getting started is easy with our free case review offer. Just give us a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260. Our staff speaks both English and Spanish and is available 24/7 to take your call. Furthermore, at Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis. That means we only get paid if and when we win your case. With no up-front cost and no risk, there is no reason to delay. Call Carabin Shaw today!

For more information:

• The Texas Tribune
• Texas Statutes