Drilling for oil is an incredibly dangerous job. The risk of injury and death can be incredibly high, from drilling to extraction. Not only do oil field workers use industrial machines, but many oil fields can experience explosions if a stray spark comes into contact with the flammable material. According to OSHA, 823 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job from 2003 to 2010.
Workers’ Comp
Typically, once a worker has experienced an accident, he or she can file a workers’ compensation claim with his or her employer’s insurance company. This insurance covers the cost of medical bills, some lost wages, transportation to and from the physician, physical rehabilitation, disability, and possibly job training. However, oil field accidents can lead to incredibly catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, brain injury, and severe burns.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Workers’ compensation insurance is elective for all private-sector employers; however, if they don’t elect to have this insurance, an employee is allowed to sue his or her employer for damages after an accident. Personal injury lawsuits cover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future lost wages. If you win a personal injury lawsuit, what you can recover in damages is typically higher than what a workers’ comp claim will pay.
Legal Help
If you file a workers’ comp claim, you would only need the help of a skilled San Antonio oil field accident lawyer if your claim was denied. An attorney is helpful in appealing the denial and presenting your case for reconsideration. However, if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you would need the help of lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit.
The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC has more than 10 years of legal experience to offer. Our skilled lawyer has handled thousands of successful cases, and we have a reputation for providing high-quality legal representation to injured workers. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (210) 807-3178 to schedule your free consultation.