There is no doubt that the U.S. economy depends on domestic oil extraction. One problem is, however, that jobs in the oil and gas industry put workers at great risk of injury and death. Not only are oilfield jobs physically demanding, but there is the fact that there are highly flammable substances involved, and heavy machinery and equipment are required for extraction. One of the greatest risks is an oilfield explosion occurring. The threat of explosion looms on oilfields even when the oil and gas company complies with state and federal oilfield industry regulations. When there is any negligence at play, that threat exponentially increases. When oilfield explosions occur, oilfield workers are likely to sustain serious and fatal injuries as a result.
An oilfield explosion is very likely to bring tragedy. If you or a loved one has suffered in an oilfield explosion, you can hold the liable party responsible for the harm you have sustained. Not only is this an integral part of making sure the oil and gas industry remains accountable to workers and their families, but it also allows you to recover compensation for your losses.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we understand the profound impact that oilfield injuries can have on individuals and their families. We are here to support you in seeking justice and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our commitment is not only to hold the liable party responsible but also to safeguard the well-being of those who power our nation.
Oilfield Explosions and the Dangers of Oilfield Work
Oilfields continue to be one of the most dangerous places of employment with a significant risk of workplace injury. Unfortunately, these risks are often greatly increased due to negligence in the workplace. Equipment malfunctions cause significant injuries each year in oilfield work and are often the result of the hiring of inexperienced or improperly trained workers. These malfunctions can also occur due to poor maintenance. There are also countless oilfield injuries each year due to the failure to comply with or enforce the set safety standards of the industry.
One of the biggest dangers of oilfield work, however, is the threat of explosion. Some of the most common causes of oilfield explosions are:
- Friction heat
- Gas leaks contacting electrical sparks
- Hot surfaces
- Static
- High-pressure line leaks
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Outdated equipment
- Open flames (including those from cigarettes)
- Cutting and welding tool sparks
- Fatigued workers
- Worker misconduct
- Lack of proper worker training
- Lake of safety equipment
- Improper supervision
These are the things that, when avoided on an oilfield, can save lives and, when present on an oilfield, can lead to devastation, destruction, and death. When there are lax safety protocols and procedures on an oilfield, tragedy can strike all too easily, leaving workers with serious injuries.
Oilfield Explosion Injuries
When an oilfield explosion occurs, workers are often left in the immediate line of danger or unable to get out of harm’s way in time. The result is that workers near and surrounding the area of the explosion are left exposed to the brutal impacts of the massive expansion of heat and flames. It comes as no surprise then that those workers impacted by an oilfield explosion often sustain devastating and debilitating injuries. Some of the most common oilfield explosion injuries include:
- Amputated limbs
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burn injury
- Loss of sight
- Loss of hearing
- Internal organ damages
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wrongful Death
Navigating Oilfield Explosions in North Dakota: Filing a Legal Claim
The tragedy of being injured in an oilfield explosion or having a loved one injured is hard to grasp. The emotional and mental toll such an experience can take on a person and their family can be severe. The cost of medical care and loss of income should the worker be unable to immediately return to their job can leave a family in financially devastating circumstances as well. The oil and gas company can often be held accountable for the damages sustained in an oilfield explosion. Through bringing an injury claim against the company, you can get the compensation you and your family need to bring back financial stability during what is likely to already be a difficult time.
Bringing a claim against an oil and gas company can be intimidating. Often, oil and gas companies are fully aware of the dangers their workers confront every day and they have worked tirelessly to protect themselves from having to pay out on injury claims. They will work to protect their profits at all costs. This does not mean that bringing a personal injury claim against them is a fruitless effort. The law is on your side and those who do not back down from the oil and gas company intimidation will often go on to be properly compensated.
If you are hesitant about making an oilfield accident claim, remember that you will live with the experience of an oilfield explosion and the resulting injuries for the rest of your life. Your medical bills are likely to reach substantial heights. You may not be able to go back to work. You may have sustained emotional trauma that will not soon go away. These are things that you deserve to be compensated for and you only get that one shot at making a claim, so make it count.
Contact Our North Dakota Oilfield Explosion Attorneys
At Pringle & Herigstad, we do not back down from a fight with the oil and gas companies. We refuse to be intimidated by their vast resources and their determination to get out of paying their injured workers what they are due. We have the experience and determination needed to tirelessly fight on behalf of our injured clients so that they are properly compensated for their losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks and Minot, as well as the surrounding areas, who have been impacted by oilfield explosions. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
