Some jobs carry a higher risk of danger than others, and oil field work is consistently among the most hazardous. Whether you’re working long shifts, transporting equipment, or exposed to volatile substances, the risk is real—and the consequences can be devastating. Many oil field workers take on these risks to support their families or contribute to the country’s energy independence. No matter the reason, all workers deserve safe job conditions and the right to pursue compensation if those conditions are violated.
At Gamez Law, we’ve spent decades advocating for injured workers throughout Texas. Oil field accidents often stem from negligence—faulty equipment, unsafe protocols, or failure to follow basic safety procedures. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an oil field incident, a Texas oil field injury attorney from our team can help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Oil field jobs often involve long hours setting up rigs, transporting gear, or operating heavy machinery. Some of the most serious accidents occur while driving between sites or during routine operations that go dangerously wrong. Among the most common—and often catastrophic—injuries are:
Explosions
Hazardous material exposure
Blowouts
Equipment failure
These incidents can result in burns, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or worse. We work to uncover the cause and hold the right parties accountable.
Determining who’s liable for an oil field injury depends on the circumstances. In some cases, the employer may be protected by workers’ compensation laws, but that doesn’t mean no one else is responsible. If your injury was caused by a defective product, unsafe worksite conditions maintained by a third party, or the negligence of an outside contractor, you may have grounds for a separate legal claim.
For workers injured offshore or in coastal areas, maritime laws like the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) may apply instead of standard workers’ comp. These laws create separate liability rules and may open the door to broader compensation.
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline can prevent you from recovering any damages at all.
However, some claims—especially workers’ compensation or maritime-related injuries—may have shorter notice deadlines or additional filing requirements. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
File for workers’ compensation within 30 days of the injury
Consult a Texas oil field injury attorney quickly to evaluate all legal options
Types of Compensation Available
The compensation available after an oil field injury depends on the type of claim you pursue:
Workers’ Compensation: May cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. It does not allow for pain and suffering or punitive damages.
Third-Party Lawsuits: If a third party is responsible, you may be able to recover for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost earning capacity, and even punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
A Texas oil field injury attorney from Gamez Law can review your case and explain which type—or combination—of compensation applies to your situation.
Oil field accidents are serious. You deserve serious representation. At Gamez Law, we’re here to help you understand your rights, identify liable parties, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under Texas law. Whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or exploring a third-party lawsuit, our team is ready to fight for you.
Call us at 210-736-4040 and tell us what happened. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We provide free consultations.