The oil industry is notoriously dangerous and presents a lot of risks for workers. Although oil field employees maintain constant awareness of their surroundings, even being mindfulness of one’s safety is not enough to prevent accidents from occurring. Therefore, it is crucial for workers to understand what steps to take in the aftermath of an accident to protect their health and to ensure they obtain the compensation they deserve.
What Causes Oil Field Accidents?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 120 fatal work-related injuries occurred in the gas and oil extraction industry in 2007. Generally, the biggest culprits are equipment, transportation, and explosions and fires. Despite attempts to improve the safety of this industry, it is still one of the most dangerous trades to work in.
Steps You Should Take After an Accident
If an accident occurs on a well site, the injured worker must act quickly.
Below are some of the steps you should take in the aftermath:
- Notify your supervisor of the accident as soon as possible
- Do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention
- Document as much as you can through pictures, including the area where the incident occurred, your injuries, and anything else that might be pertinent to your case
- If anyone witnessed the incident, gather their contact information and a statement regarding the details of the accident
Once you follow these steps, you should obtain the guidance of an experienced well site accident attorney. Having a legal advocate on your side can help improve your chances of success. Considering the severity of the injuries workers often sustain in this industry, it is exceptionally vital to do what you can to ensure your ability to recover damages is not compromised.
Why You Need an Attorney
The injuries a worker sustains in a well site accident can have lifelong ramifications. Some of the most common injuries sustained include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and disfiguring burns, all of which result in lasting pain and a need for continued medical care and assistance. As such, victims of these incidents require much more than workers’ compensation, which will only cover a portion of their lost wages and the cost of medical rehabilitation.
Discuss Your Case with a Well Site Injury Attorney Today!
If you were injured on a well site, the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Shaffer Madia Law will fight diligently on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you need to cope with the pain and lasting consequences of your injuries. We understand the severity of these cases and the impact these incidents can have on workers and their families. Backed by more than three decades of experience, and having handled several well site fatality lawsuits, you can rest assured your case is in good hands with our team.
Get started on pursuing the compensation you deserve by reaching out to us today at (304) 244-4433 to discuss the details of your case during a free initial consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.