Injuries Common to the Oil Field Sector

Workers in the oil and gas industry face many dangers. They are often exposed to severe weather. They work long hours which causes fatigue. Many employees and contractors work with machinery that is defective, needs repairs, and is hard to manipulate. Derrick hands, roustabouts, and oilfield drivers have the greatest likelihood of being injured.

Employees who are hurt while doing their job have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Independent contractors can file negligence claims against their employer and any responsible parties. Both employees and contractors can file product liability claims against manufacturers if defective machinery or equipment caused their injuries. The families of deceased employees can file for workers’ compensation benefits. The families of deceased contractors can file wrongful death claims.

Brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can occur if a worker falls, is struck by an object, machinery malfunctions, they are involved in an oilfield vehicle accident, or there is an explosion. A hard hat may offer some protection but many workers don’t wear them and hard hats are no guarantee against violent forces. Workers who suffer a TBI often lose cognitive and physical abilities. Many suffer from depression and anxiety. Oilfield victims often can’t get to an emergency room quickly enough to prevent or treat loss of consciousness and loss of oxygen.

Burn injuries

Workers in the oil and gas sector are at constant risk that these fuels and products may ignite while vehicles are carrying them or while they’re working at the oil refineries. Explosions of volatile products can cause first, second, third degree skins burns and death. Chemical and toxic spills can cause severe burns as well. Victims may require skin grafts. Survivors are often left with traumatizing scars and disfigurement.

Spinal cord injuries

Falls, malfunctioning equipment and machinery, and vehicle accidents can cause workers to fall or be stricken resulting in damage to their spinal cord. In the worst cases, spinal cord damage can cause death or paralysis. Many victims live with back and neck pain for the rest of their lives. Victims often need to treat with neurosurgeons and pain management doctors. Most victims require extensive long-term physical therapy.

Other oil and gas related injuries include:

• Vision loss
• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Severe cuts and bruises
• Soft tissue injuries
• Frostbite

Employees and contractors who suffer any type of oil or gas related injury while working in the oilfield industry should make an appointment to speak with experienced oilfield injury lawyers as soon as possible. At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma City gas and oil injury lawyers have been fighting for injured workers for more than 20 years. We have a strong track record of success negotiating settlements and trying workers’ compensation cases, personal injury cases, and wrongful death claims. For help now, call us at 405.212.9234 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.