Laredo Oil and Gas Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Gas or Oil Rig Accident in Texas? Demand Justice

Texas is well-known as the center of the oil and gas industry in the United States. Unfortunately, the state has also earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous for oil and gas workers. That's because every phase of oil and gas operations involves grueling work that exposes workers to dangerous conditions each day. While it's natural to expect oil and gas companies to take all necessary precautions to keep workers safe, this is not always the case.

Many of the cases our firm handles involve serious accidents on land-based drilling rigs throughout the Laredo area and South Texas oilfields. These land rigs – common across Webb County, the Eagle Ford Shale, and surrounding regions – present unique dangers due to high-pressure drilling operations and demanding work conditions. Our firm is experienced in holding negligent oil and gas companies accountable for injuries that occur on these onshore rigs.

Laredo oil and gas accident attorney John R. Solis has seen firsthand the devastating impact an oil rig or blowout preventer accident can have on entire families. Gas or oil rig accidents are rarely minor. They often involve catastrophic injuries. Injuries or fatalities resulting from fire and explosions, toxic fume exposure or slip and fall accidents are common. Yet workers who have suffered personal injury because of the negligence of an oil or gas company find that these big companies and their insurance carriers often will stop at nothing to keep compensation to a minimum.

How do oil well accidents happen?

Oil and gas companies sometimes put profits before the safety of people. They may cut corners to make as much money as possible. That means workers are often pressured to move too quickly, work longer hours or under unsafe working conditions. Workers are forced to work with dangerous machinery or defective safety equipment. Some companies even choose to employ untrained or inexperienced workers to get the job done.

The following oil and gas operations can be especially hazardous to workers:

Well drilling
Well servicing, stimulation or restoration
Hot oil operations
Cementing and pumping operations
Dismantling or abandonment

Why do oil plant explosions happen in Texas?

Oil refinery and processing facility explosions in Texas usually happen because something goes wrong with equipment or safety procedures. These incidents can be deadly and are often the result of poor maintenance, bad management, or reckless decisions. Even small mistakes at oil and gas facilities can lead to large-scale disasters. Investigations often uncover problems that could have been prevented, including:

Leaking valves or pipes: When oil or gas leaks and ignites, the result can be a powerful explosion. Faulty seals and worn-out equipment are common causes.
Unsafe storage of chemicals: Oil plants use dangerous substances that must be stored properly. If not, these chemicals can mix or overheat, causing fires or explosions.
Poor safety training: Workers who aren’t properly trained may make errors that trigger a disaster. A missed warning sign or improper tool use can be all it takes.
Equipment failure: Broken machines, faulty wiring, and outdated systems can all spark explosions, especially in high-pressure environments.
Lack of inspections: Skipping regular checks can let small problems grow until they become major hazards.

Most of these accidents could be prevented with better safety procedures or policies. Plant owners and operators are supposed to protect their workers from these dangers. When they don’t, injured workers should seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Texas oil plant explosion lawyer can help you explore your rights and take strong legal action.

What are common oil rig accident injuries?

Oil rig workers face serious dangers every day. When accidents happen, the injuries are often severe and life-changing. Some victims recover, but others live with long-term pain and suffering, often due to permanent disabilities. Oil rig injuries can take a heavy toll on workers and their families. Such injuries cover a wide range, including:

Burns: Oil rig explosions and fires can cause first, second, or third-degree burns that require emergency treatment or skin grafts.
Amputations: Machinery accidents and oil refinery explosions sometimes result in the loss of fingers, arms, or legs, especially when safety guards are missing.
Head and brain injuries: Falls, falling tools, or equipment malfunctions can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
Chemical exposure: Workers who inhale toxic gases or come into contact with dangerous chemicals may suffer internal damage or chronic illnesses.
Back and spine injuries: Lifting heavy equipment or being struck by objects can lead to serious spine damage, which may cause paralysis or long-term pain.

These injuries often result in extensive medical care, long recovery times, and lost wages. Some injured oil rig workers can never return to their jobs. In those cases, an experienced oil and gas accident lawyer can help you file a claim for full compensation. You may be eligible to receive money for medical care, lost future income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.

Who investigates oil rig accidents and explosions in Texas?

Depending on the circumstances of your oil rig accident, several government agencies might be responsible for investigating. These investigations help find out what went wrong, who’s to blame, and who’s legally responsible (liable) for your accident. Some agencies focus on worker safety, while others look at environmental issues or equipment failures. Investigations can take time but often the goal is the same – to identify serious safety violations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): This federal agency investigates workplace safety violations and enforces rules designed to protect workers on oil rigs.
Texas Railroad Commission (RRC): This state agency oversees oil and gas operations in Texas, including drilling permits, well safety, and pipeline regulations.
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB): The CSB investigates major chemical accidents, including oil refinery and gas plant explosions.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA gets involved when accidents cause pollution or break federal environmental laws.

These state and federal agencies can issue fines, shut down unsafe operations, and publish reports. Their findings can also support your legal case. An experienced Texas oil rig injury lawyer knows how to use these reports as part of an oil rig injury claim or lawsuit.

Who’s responsible for paying for my oil rig accident?

Several parties may be responsible for covering your injury-related expenses after an oil rig accident in Texas. In some cases, it’s your direct employer. In others, third-party companies may share blame. It depends on how the accident happened and who failed to follow safety rules.

Your employer: Employers must provide a safe workplace. If they fail to do so, they may be responsible for your injuries through workers’ compensation or other legal claims.
Equipment manufacturers: If a defective machine or tool caused your injury, the company that made or sold the defective oil rig equipment could be held accountable.
Subcontractors or partner companies: Oil rigs often have multiple companies working on-site. If a third-party worker caused the accident, their employer could owe you money.
Site owners or operators: In some cases, the company that owns or operates the rig is different from the employer. That company could be legally responsible.
Insurance companies: Most oil companies carry commercial insurance. You may be dealing with the insurer, not the business directly.

Filing an oil rig injury claim or lawsuit can help you recover the money you need and deserve for hospital bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If multiple companies are involved, a skilled oil rig accident lawyer can investigate the facts, determine who is legally responsible, and pursue compensation from multiple at-fault parties on your behalf.

Can I file an oil rig injury lawsuit in Texas?

Yes, you may be able to file an oil rig injury lawsuit in Texas if someone else’s reckless or careless behavior caused your injuries. This is often the case when oil rig safety rules were ignored or when faulty equipment was used. A lawsuit gives you the chance to recover compensation beyond what workers’ comp might cover.

The first step is understanding your legal rights. In some situations, you may be limited to workers’ compensation, but in others, you can file a third-party lawsuit. These cases may involve third parties such as subcontractors, equipment makers, or site operators who were not your direct employer.

A Texas oil rig injury lawyer can review your case and guide you through the legal process. They can gather evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight to get you compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other oil rig accident-related expenses. Don’t wait too long to act. Texas law limits how much time you have to file an oil rig accident lawsuit.

An oil and gas accident lawyer in Laredo who will fight for you

Though they may seem similar, no two oil rig accidents are the same. No two clients are the same, either. But when you've been involved in an accident, you may find that big oil companies and their insurance companies treat you like a statistic. You're not. We take a personalized approach to every case we handle. We know how to gather the right evidence. We can access the right experts. We know how to play hardball with big insurance companies. You shouldn't have to pay for somebody else's mistakes.

Our clients come first. Contact the Law Office of John R. Solis today to discuss your legal options with an aggressive, Laredo oil rig injury lawyer. Our firm has been fighting for the injured for more than 25 years. Call 866-465-9093 and schedule a free case evaluation. A delay may affect your rights. We serve both English and Spanish speaking clients in Laredo and throughout Texas.