Did you recently suffer injuries in an oilfield accident in North Dakota? Oilfield accidents differ from other types of injury cases due to the complex nature of the work environment and the unique hazards faced by oilfield workers. These accidents often involve specialized equipment, dangerous substances, and multiple parties, such as contractors and subcontractors, which can complicate the process of determining liability and seeking compensation. If you were injured in an oilfield accident and are wondering what types of damages you could recover, here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents
Working in oil fields is one of the most hazardous jobs due to the complex, heavy machinery and volatile substances that workers handle. Accidents can happen for various reasons, including the following:
- Equipment Failure: Equipment can malfunction and cause accidents as a result of inadequate maintenance or manufacturing defects
- Explosions and Fires: The presence of highly flammable gasses and liquids makes oilfields prone to explosions and fires, which can result in catastrophic injuries
- Falls: Workers can fall from platforms and other elevated structures, especially if safety measures like guardrails or harnesses are inadequate or absent
- Vehicle Accidents: Heavy machinery and vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, can contribute to oilfield accidents if workers do not operate them properly
- Chemical Exposure: Handling hazardous chemicals can lead to hazardous exposure incidents, potentially causing serious health issues if protective measures fail
- Insufficient Training: Workers without proper training on safety protocols or equipment operation are more likely to be involved in accidents
- Lack of Supervision: Inadequate oversight and enforcement of safety regulations can lead to unsafe working conditions and preventable accidents
Liable Parties in Oilfield Accident Lawsuits
Depending on the circumstances, you could hold any of the following parties liable in an oilfield injury accident lawsuit:
- The oilfield owner
- The landowner (if different from the oilfield owner)
- The drilling company
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance service providers
- Third-party vendors
- Engineers and architects
- The oilfield management company
Damages Available in Oilfield Accident Lawsuits
If someone gets hurt in an oilfield accident, the law allows them to demand damages (money) from liable parties by filing a lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, you could seek damages for the following in an oilfield accident lawsuit:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of all medical treatments related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy sessions.
- Future Medical Costs: If your injuries are severe enough to require ongoing medical care, you can claim compensation for all anticipated future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you would have earned during your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to earn a living, you could demand money for your reduced earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the accident.
- Lost Quality of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you used to do or from living independently, you could receive damages for lost quality of life.
How an Oilfield Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an oilfield accident, having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. They can help you with your case by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Calculating the total amount of damages you could claim
- Interviewing witnesses who were present at the scene
- Consulting medical professionals about your injuries
- Reviewing the safety protocols that were in place at the oilfield
- Analyzing employment and training records
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Managing all communications with the defendants
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Filing the lawsuit on your behalf
- Identifying and complying with all legal deadlines and requirements
- Presenting your case in court if necessary
- Preparing you for depositions and trial testimony
- Advocating for your rights throughout the legal process
- Coordinating expert testimonies to strengthen your case
Contact Our Oilfield Accident Attorneys in Grand Forks & Minot Today
Have you been injured in an oilfield accident? Contact Pringle & Herigstad, PC, today for an initial consultation. Our team is ready to help you explore your options and take the necessary steps to seek the damages you deserve.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks and Minot, as well as the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
