Based in Tyler, Texas, attorneys at Negem & Worthington zealously represent drillers, wire-line operators, tool pushers, and others who have been injured working in the East Texas oilfields, which extend into Smith, Upshur, Gregg, Cherokee, and Rusk counties. 

Tyler emerged as the regional center of the oil and gas industry in the 1930s, and oil production remains an important aspect of our community’s economy and identity.  As attorneys born and raised in Texas, we understand how the oil industry operates, and the importance of protecting those who risk life and limb working in the field.

Types of Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield labor is particularly dangerous work, and when injuries or deaths are caused by the negligence or wrongful acts of others, Texas law provides for recovery based on personal injury or wrongful death.  Common oilfield accidents result from:

• Explosions
• Falling objects
• Gas leaks
• Well blowouts and gushers
• Collapsing decks and work rigs

Parties responsible for such mishaps may include employers and also third parties not directly connected to one’s employer.  Oil companies rarely own the property that they drill on; rather, they enter into leases or deeds with property owners that temporarily allow companies to occupy land and seek oil.  Therefore, oilfield workers are often injured on property that is not owned by their employers.  If a property owner fails to inspect his or her premises for dangerous conditions, fails to make repairs, or neglects to provide adequate warning to others, he or she may be liable to persons injured on the unsafe property.  Our attorneys possess the requisite knowledge of the law and personal injury claims to identify every potentially liable party.

Types of Oilfield Injuries

Due to the hazardous work environment, replete with heavy machinery and inherently dangerous tasks, oilfield injuries may be catastrophic and life changing, such as:

• Severe burns – Burns may require extensive hospitalization and surgery for recovery.  Furthermore, residual pain, scarring, and emotional harm may require mental and physical therapy that continues long after the incident occurred. 

• Lost limbs and feet – Amputation of an arm, leg, or foot is a traumatic experience that substantially impacts one’s quality of life, requires extensive physical therapy, and is also expensive for the injured person’s family.  According to the Amputee Coalition of America, a typical prosthetic limb costs between $10,000 and $15,000. 

• Broken backs – The back may be described as broken when an injury occurs in the back section of the spinal column, and the individual vertebrae become fractured or dislocated.  If the spinal cord becomes damaged due to swelling, trauma, or laceration, paraplegia or other neurological conditions may result.

For experienced, aggressive representation from attorneys who understand Texas’ oil industry, contact Negem & Worthington today for a free case review.