Posted by: Kemmy Law Firm
According to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), oilfield fatalities have declined by 16% as of 2020. However, that does not mean that there have not been many injuries within the oil and gas industry, even if these injuries did not prove fatal. In fact, there were more than 15,000 lost workdays in 2020. With that in mind, here are some of the most common injuries in the oil and gas industry and how they occur.
Spinal cord injuries are often debilitating and life-changing. Many workers find themselves unable to continue working in the same industry once they have reached maximum medical improvement.
Accidents known for producing spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries in the oil and gas industry include:
Disfiguring skin scars and third-degree burn injuries are not uncommon in oil and gas extraction work. Since much of the work involves industrial chemicals, when there are explosions or employees are otherwise exposed to these toxic substances, they can suffer critical burn injuries. Burn injuries can also be caused when oil and gas workers are electrocuted.
Amputations involve the loss of a leg or arm but could also include the loss of fingers. Employees working on cranes, deck operations, or lifting are more likely to suffer amputation injuries. Those who work in drilling or well services, including maintenance, testing, and inspection may be at an increased risk for severe injuries or death.
Another top reported injury includes hearing and vision loss. Hearing loss can occur when workers are not provided with the necessary protective equipment or fail to utilize their protective gear. The equipment used in the gas and oil industry is extremely loud and, without essential protective gear, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Vision loss can occur when the eyes suffer direct injury or when workers are exposed to toxic chemicals. If the worker is unskilled, equipment is being misused, or another oil or gas worker is acting with negligence, other employees can suffer critical injuries.
There were nearly 100 cases of workers being caught between, under, or in machinery or other objects in 2020. These accidents produce puncture wounds and lacerations that could become septic. Sepsis can put your life in jeopardy. If your lacerations or puncture wounds are not treated in time, you may be at risk of organ failure, blood loss, and death.
You are not alone if you suffered from injuries while working in the gas or oil industry. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured in a work-related accident.
In filing a claim for workers’ comp, fault is irrelevant. As long as you qualify for benefits, your employer’s insurance provider must provide you with certain types and amounts of benefits, including:
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal injury, the insurance company might also be required to cover the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, and provide certain surviving family members with disability benefits.
If you were injured while working on an oilfield, you might have the right to certain benefits through your employer’s workers’ comp provider.
Contact a dedicated lawyer at Kemmy Law Firm for a free consultation today. You can get started on your case by completing our convenient contact form or calling our office at 210-750-1019.
Get a free consultation. We do not charge up-front fees, and you owe nothing unless you recover compensation.
When you work with us at Kemmy Law Firm, you are working with a family run firm with more than 50 years of combined experience. We are dedicated and successful trial attorneys practicing in West TX, Hobbs, NM, Midland-Odessa, and across the Permian Basin. Our team handles everything from catastrophic injury claims to complex business matters. We are here to fight for you. We dedicate our time and attention to your case and use every resource available to maximize your claim and obtain the best possible outcome.
