Dallas Oilfield Accident Lawyers: Explosion & Fire Claims
Experienced Legal Help for Oil Rig Accidents in Texas & Nationwide
Every day, oilfield and oil rig workers face numerous dangers on the job. Sadly, oilfield explosions and rig fires are some of the most common workplace accidents within the industry—and the consequences are often deadly.
When an oil industry tragedy does occur, it is important to have someone on your side who is experienced with investigating the cause and liability of the accident. The trial attorneys of Lyons & Simmons, LLP have extensive experience navigating complex oilfield and oil rig accident sites, moving quickly to preserve crucial evidence and aggressively pursuing justice for those who are killed or suffer severe bodily injury. With a background that includes litigation involving the worst oil field incident in Oklahoma history, our firm has earned a national reputation for holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Not only do we secure maximum recovery for the injured, but also push for changes so that others do not fall victim to the same workplace policies and practices.
Get started with a free initial consultation today by calling us at (844) 297-8898 or contacting us online using our free case evaluation form.
On This Page:
Who Is Liable for Rig Fires and Oilfield Explosions?
Common Types of Oilfield Accidents
How Lyons & Simmons, LLP Can Help
Preventable Causes of Oilfield Accidents and How to Respond
Although oilfield and rig workers understand the inherent dangers of their work and know the necessary safety procedures to follow to limit risks, most accidents are preventable.
Some of the most common causes of oilfield and oil rig explosions and fires include:
- OSHA violations
- BOEM violations
- Defective equipment
- Poor maintenance
- Improper supervision
- Inadequate training
- Negligent hiring
- Unsafe drilling procedures
Although proper safety standards are paramount on oilfields and oil rigs, many companies create workplace environments that put pressure on employees to meet quarterly quotas and increase earnings. As a result, caution often falls by the wayside as employees are pressured to work long hours. When fatigued workers operate heavy machinery and other types of industrial equipment, simple mistakes can occur—but these “simple” mistakes can have disastrous consequences.
Who Is Liable for Oilfield Explosions & Rig Fires?
When you are injured due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of another person, company, or entity, you typically have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party and seek financial compensation for your damages. However, in cases involving oilfield and oil rig accidents, the issue of liability becomes very complex.
In some cases, injured workers may be covered by workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system that allows you to seek benefits regardless of who or what caused the accident. However, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and many do not. This can make it difficult for injured workers to recover compensation after an on-the-job accident, as they are required to bring a standard personal injury claim, meaning they must prove that their employer or another third party was negligent.
That being said, oil rig workers are generally protected by the Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act protects maritime workers who are harmed due to employer negligence. For example, if your employer required you to work under unsafe conditions, and you were injured in an oil rig explosion or fire as a result, you could have grounds to file a claim against your employer under the Jones Act.
To learn more, contact Lyons & Simmons, LLP online or call us at (844) 297-8898 to speak to one of our oilfield explosion and rig fire attorneys in Dallas.
Common Types of Oilfield Accidents
An oilfield accident refers to any incident or mishap that occurs at an oil drilling site, typically involving workers or equipment. Oilfields are inherently dangerous work environments due to the presence of heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, toxic chemicals, and flammable materials. Accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities and can be caused by equipment failure, human error, or environmental factors.
Common types of oilfield accidents include:
- Explosions and Fires: Explosions or fires in oilfields often result from the ignition of flammable gases like methane. These incidents can occur due to operational errors, poor maintenance, or equipment malfunction.
- Blowouts: A blowout happens when crude oil or natural gas is uncontrollably released from a well due to a failure in pressure control systems. This can lead to significant environmental damage and serious injury to workers.
- Falls: Oilfield workers frequently operate at heights, increasing the risk of falls. Inadequate safety gear or unstable surfaces can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Equipment Failures: Malfunctions in heavy machinery, such as drills or pumps, can cause serious injuries. Equipment failure often stems from poor maintenance or improper use.
- Vehicle Accidents: Oilfields rely on large trucks and machinery, and collisions are common during the transportation of equipment or materials. These accidents can lead to serious injuries for workers on-site.
- Chemical Exposure: Workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, which can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances may lead to chronic health conditions.
- Caught-In/Crushed-By Accidents: Workers can be crushed or trapped between large machinery or materials. These accidents often result in severe injuries, including broken bones or amputations.
- Electrocution: High-voltage equipment and power lines pose the risk of electrocution in oilfields. Improper handling or poor insulation can lead to deadly electrical shocks.
- Structural Collapses: Oil rigs or platforms can collapse if they are poorly constructed or overloaded. Such accidents can lead to multiple injuries or fatalities.
Fatigue-Related Accidents: Long working hours in harsh conditions can cause worker fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue-related errors are a common cause of oilfield incidents.
How Lyons & Simmons, LLP Can Help
Our oilfield explosions and rig fires attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
We are well-versed in various state and federal laws regarding these types of accidents, and can help you fight to protect your rights. We also understand the devastating impact of oilfield and oil rig injuries, which is why our team provides compassionate, personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.
We offer free consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you hire our attorneys. Instead, we only collect legal fees if/when we recover compensation for you.
Our firm can help you seek maximum compensation for your damages, possibly including but not limited to:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
- Lost income/wages, including future earnings
- Lost or reduced earning capacity/disability
- Lost quality of life
- Disfigurement and inconvenience
- Wrongful death damages, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and more
Our Case Results
When the Result Means Everything, Trust Our Team
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$860 Million Wrongful Death: Crane Collapse
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$109.5 Million Gas Explosion: Burn Injuries
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$70 Million Wrongful Death: Negligent Security / Operations
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$60 Million Wrongful Death: Worksite Explosion
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$37.5 Million Wrongful Death: Trucking Crash
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$33.1 Million Wrongful Death: Oilfield Accident
Why Choose Lyons & Simmons?
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Customized Legal Strategies
No two cases are exactly alike. We provide each of our clients with customized legal strategies and litigation solutions tailored to their unique needs.
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Aggressive Representation
Our highly skilled trial lawyers are fearless about going to battle for our clients. When the opposition pushes back, we push back harder. We are determined to end your case with the best possible result.
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A National Reputation
Our firm has successfully tried life-altering wrongful death and personal injury cases throughout Texas and nationwide. We have earned a reputation for taking on—and winning—complex, high-exposure cases.
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Client-Focused Attention
As a boutique law firm, you receive personalized attention from attorneys with the resources you would expect from a large law firm. Our mission is to provide representation on par with, if not better than, that of any corporation and give you the best chance to win in the civil justice system.
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