West Texas powers much of America’s oil industry, and Midland-Odessa sits at the heart of it. The Permian Basin provides steady work for thousands of oilfield workers, but the job comes with serious risk. Every day, workers face long hours, work with heavy equipment and flammable chemicals, and endure fast-paced conditions that can turn dangerous in seconds.
Even when safety protocols are followed, accidents happen. Workers face even greater danger when companies fail to provide proper training, ignore maintenance, or cut corners to meet deadlines.
In 2024, dozens of oilfield workers were injured across the Permian Basin, with many of those accidents happening in Midland and Odessa. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an oilfield accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but there are some crucial steps you should take to support your claim.
Stop Working Immediately
If you’re hurt on the job, stop working right away. Many workers try to push through to avoid missing pay or because they don’t want to seem weak. However, continuing to work can make your injuries worse and create complications when it’s time to file a claim.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, stop. Internal injuries, head trauma, and other serious conditions don’t always show symptoms immediately. Stopping work protects your health and creates a clear record that your injuries happened on the job.
Report the Accident
You must report the accident to your supervisor or employer immediately. In Texas, failing to report a workplace injury promptly can hurt your ability to receive benefits or pursue compensation.
When you report the incident, stick to the facts. Clearly explain what happened, where it happened, and what injuries you’ve suffered. Don’t guess at causes or minimize your condition. Your employer should create a formal accident report. Ask for a copy and keep it for your records.
If your employer refuses to document the report or pressures you not to report it, make your own written record and speak to an attorney right away.
Seek Medical Care Right Away
Always get medical attention after an oilfield accident, even if you think your injuries aren’t serious. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, may take time to appear. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications.
Seeing a doctor immediately also creates medical records that link your injury directly to the accident. These records will be critical evidence if you file a claim later. Be honest with your doctor about all your symptoms, follow their instructions, and attend all follow-up appointments. Insurers may use gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
You may be contacted by your employer’s insurance company asking for a recorded statement. Politely decline. These interviews are designed to limit the insurance company’s liability, not to help you.
Simple, honest statements can be twisted or taken out of context to reduce or deny your claim. You are not required to provide a recorded statement without legal advice. Speak to an experienced oilfield accident attorney first.
Avoid Social Media
After an accident, it’s tempting to share updates on social media. Don’t. Insurance companies routinely monitor social media accounts and may use your posts as evidence against you.
A casual post or smiling photo can be misinterpreted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. The safest option is to stay off social media entirely while your case is ongoing.
Speak to an Oilfield Accident Attorney
Oilfield accident claims are complex. Multiple companies may be involved, including contractors, equipment manufacturers, and site operators. Determining who is responsible takes careful investigation.
An experienced accident lawyer can review your case, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong claim on your behalf. They can handle communication with insurers and fight to secure compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability.
Common Injuries in Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Burns from fires or chemical explosions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Respiratory damage from chemical exposure
- Electrocution injuries.
These injuries frequently require treatment, surgeries, and long-term care, placing tremendous financial strain on victims and their families.
What Causes Oilfield Accidents?
Most oilfield accidents can be traced to unsafe work practices or company negligence. Common causes include:
- Inadequate training
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Defective machinery
- Lack of supervision
- Failure to meet production deadlines
- Insufficient safety gear.
When companies fail to prioritize safety, they put their workers at risk and can be held legally responsible for the consequences.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Oilfield accidents can leave you facing serious injuries, financial stress, and a long road to recovery. But you don’t have to navigate the process alone. If you’re injured in an oilfield accident in the Permian Basin, an Odessa personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
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