Abilene Oil Field Injury Lawyers

Working in oil fields and on pipelines can be good-paying employment. Still, it is also one of the most dangerous careers a person can pursue. Given the fast-paced nature of the oil business, on-the-job accidents and pipeline explosions happen often – more than people realize. When employees are hurt, their injuries can be deadly.

If you have been injured on the job at an oil field near Abilene, you need an experienced workplace accident attorney to handle your case. At Ketterman Rowland & Westlund, we provide personalized and aggressive representation to clients that have been hurt on the job. As one of the largest personal injury law firms in Texas, we also have the resources that it takes to protect the rights of those who suffer oil field injuries. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today and receive a free consultation through our Abilene office.

Oil Field Accident Lawyers Who Care About You

If you have been injured in an oil field accident, not just any attorney will do. You want a lawyer with experience in oil field and pipeline accidents, who understands the difference and severity of these kinds of workplace injuries compared to others. You need a lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being and wants to see you fully compensated for your injuries.

Our injury attorneys at Ketterman Rowland & Westlund zealously represent our clients and seek maximum compensation for them. We pride ourselves on constant communication with our clients and on answering any questions or concerns they may have throughout the process. We are the law firm that cares about you.

Types of Oil Field Accidents

Workplace accidents on oil fields and pipelines can happen in a number of different ways. Frequently, accidents involve problems with equipment and materials such as drills, pulling pipes or mixing mud. Heavy equipment can be defective, improperly maintained or operated by an inexperienced worker. Pipeline explosions and fires also frequently cause injuries. Wells, tanks, trucks and other heavy equipment are constantly filled with highly flammable materials. The smallest spark could set it all off and cause catastrophic damage. Static electricity, friction, heat or electrical sources can all lead to a pipeline or oil field explosion.

Another common type of oil field accident is a well blowout. This accident occurs due to an uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas. Even though the modern machinery in oil fields should reduce the risk of this type of accident, it still occurs. Transportation accidents are also common on oil fields and around pipelines. With trucks and machinery constantly moving in and out of these sites, vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian accidents often occur. Slips, trips, and falls are common on an oil field given the outdoor exposure, high platforms, inclement conditions and slick nature of the product being extracted.

Common Oil Field Accident Injuries in the Abilene Area

Given how dangerous the conditions are at an oil field, the injuries that workers sustain tend to be more severe than in other types of workplace accidents. Some of the most common types of oil field accident injuries include the following:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Neck injuries
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Amputation of fingers or fingertips
• Lost limbs
• Burns, including chemical burns.

A Texas newspaper reported that in a single year, 79 oil field workers lost limbs, 82 were crushed, 92 suffered burns and 675 broke bones in oil field and pipeline accidents. During that same year, 65 people died as a result of oil field accidents, which was a significant increase from the previous year. As the demand for oil field and pipeline workers increases, so does the number of workplace accidents and injuries in this industry.

How Do Oil Field Accidents Occur?

Oil field accidents happen for a number of reasons – some of which the employers can limit or control, and some that they cannot. Oil field and pipeline explosions and fires typically occur when the pressure in the storage containers becomes too much, and they explode. An anti-pressure device is supposed to minimize the chances of this occurring, but sparks thrown from a piece of machinery can also create a gas fire in the air.

The failure to conduct regular safety checks and maintenance can limit exposure to defective equipment.  if not checked frequently enough these accidents do occur. If a piece of heavy machinery malfunctions because of a defect, the results can be catastrophic.

Human error is one of the biggest reasons why oil field accidents take place. Inadequate training of new employees leads to many accidents on oil fields and pipelines. Working long hours creates fatigue that also impacts an employee’s ability to do the job properly. Working while distracted by things such as talking on a cell phone or texting can also lead to disastrous results. In many cases of oil field accidents, the person hurt is not the one at fault.

Representing Victims of Oil Field Accidents in Abilene

Our law firm represents victims of oil field and pipeline accidents in Abilene and throughout the surrounding area, with a proven record of results. We work with our clients every step of the way, from filing the initial paperwork after the accident, through negotiations for settlement, and if necessary, trial. We provide open and honest communication with our clients, keeping them apprised of the case while they focus on their recovery

Contact Our Abilene Oil Field Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil field accident or pipeline explosion around Abilene, our experienced workplace injury attorneys are here to help. Call our office or contact us online today at Ketterman Rowland & Westlund to schedule a free consultation of your case. We operate on contingency fee basis with our clients, which means that we will not charge any costs or fees unless we secure compensation for you.