What to Do After an Oilfield Accident in Fort Stockton

Oilfield work is inherently dangerous, and with the current boom in drilling comes an increase in oilfield accidents and injuries, too. If you or a loved one has been in an oilfield accident in Fort Stockton, you may need a lawyer to help with your case. At Carabin Shaw, our experienced attorneys know the ins and outs of personal injury law and can help you figure out what to do after an oilfield accident in Fort Stockton. Don’t hesitate to call today.

Read on to learn some common injuries these accidents cause and to learn how workers’ compensation works in Texas. Hiring an experienced Fort Stockton oilfield accident lawyer is a good idea.

Because of the uptick in drilling, oilfield workers are working harder and for longer hours than ever before, which makes injuries on the job more common. Workers who are tired and rushed are more likely to get injured, whether from a slip and fall, a rig accident or a piece of equipment that’s malfunctioning. The injuries oilfield workers sustain on the job are often very painful and can be life-altering, which makes compensation more challenging to determine and recover. Finding a Fort Stockton injury lawyer you trust is an essential step in your recovery process.

If you were hurt at work, you might assume that workers’ compensation insurance will take care of your medical bills and expenses. However, in Texas, it’s not that simple. Employers in Texas are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance at all, which is different from many other states. If your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, you should call a Fort Stockton oilfield accident lawyer as soon as possible. The only way to receive compensation for your oilfield accident, in this case, is to file a personal injury lawsuit.

If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you’ll have to make some quick decisions soon after your accident. If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim in Texas, you must notify your employer that your injury is work-related within 30 days of your accident or discovery of your injury. An oilfield injury attorney in Fort Stockton can help you file a claim. An attorney can also advise you on whether filing a claim is the best way for you to get compensation for your accident.

If you do decide to file for workers’ compensation, you give up your right to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you want to make sure you take the route that secures the compensation you deserve, speak to a Fort Stockton injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you meet with a lawyer, the more time you have to assess your case and decide on the appropriate course of action.

Oilfield accidents are often more complex than other workplace accidents. Because there are so many companies and third parties responsible for different things in an oilfield, your employer may not be liable for your accident or injury. For instance, if your accident was caused by an equipment malfunction that was the result of a manufacturer’s defect, you may not want to file a workers’ compensation claim. Each case is different. A skilled Fort Stockton oilfield accident lawyer will be able to investigate your accident and help you determine how to get the compensation to which you’re entitled.

If you or a loved one were injured in an oilfield accident in Fort Stockton, call an attorney today. At Carabin Shaw, our experienced attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our office serving Fort Stockton today at 915-779-2301 or 1-800-862-1260 to discuss your case and begin the process of getting what you deserve.