It is no secret that oil and gas extraction is a high-risk industry. According to a recent analysis by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oil and gas extraction workers are killed on the job at a rate seven times greater than the average U.S. workers.
While we all hope that our loved ones will return from work safe from harm, the unfortunate truth is that workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths do happen – and while nothing can ever remedy the pain of losing a loved one, holding those responsible for the death of a loved one can help provide stability for your family in what is most certainly a turbulent time.
From 2003 to 2013, the number of active drilling rigs operating in the U.S. increased by an astonishing 71 percent. This industrial boom has resulted in a two-fold increase in the number of workers employed in oil and gas extraction jobs.
Unfortunately, this boom has also resulted in a spike in the number of work-related injuries and worker deaths, with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) confirming 1,189 industry-related deaths over the same ten year period.
According to NIOSH, elevated fatality rates have been most notable among contractors, workers employed by small companies, and workers who are new to the industry. Among the leading causes of death noted by NIOSH were:
When it comes to oilfield related injuries and deaths, it is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Oilfield injury litigation is extremely complex, and oil and gas extraction jobsites are very hectic when active. Hiring an attorney as soon as an injury or death occurs will help ensure that important material evidence is secured.
Not only will your oilfield injury attorney file a temporary restraining order to preserve evidence, your attorney will also hire industry and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) experts to investigate the jobsite for any potential safety violations.
Safety violations often include:
Not only are experts essential in finding and retaining evidence at the scene, they can also provide expert analysis of their findings and expert testimony during trial and arbitration.
Thomas J. Henry has spent years finding and building professional relationships with the best expert witnesses from all across the country. Expert witnesses that could benefit your oilfield lawsuit include:
If you have lost a loved one in an oilfield accident caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
One option is to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In a wrongful death action, the family is not actually suing for harm caused to their loved one – instead, they are suing for the harm that was caused to them as a result of the loss of the deceased person. Among the damages a family can seek in a wrongful death lawsuit are:
A second option is to file a survivor claim. In a survivor action, the family is asserting that:
If you or a loved one suffered from a serious injury while working on an oilfield, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. Our experienced team of oilfield accident lawyers are backed by the legal and financial resources necessary to take on large oil companies and achieve the compensation you deserve. At Thomas J. Henry, we ensure that our clients are informed throughout the entire legal process while they focus on recovering from their injuries. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.