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Midland-Odessa Oilfield Injury Lawyer

Have You Been Injured in an Oil Rig Accident in the Midland-Odessa region?

Our oilfield accident law firm based in McAllen and San Antonio represents offshore and oilfield workers from all over the state, helping them get the compensation they deserve after an accident that wasn’t their fault.

With decades of experience and an impressive track record of negotiating settlements and securing six and seven-figure judgments in litigation, Patino Law Firm is the leading choice for Texans who want their case in the best hands.

The U.S. is a powerhouse in the global production of oil, and the oil industry in West Texas specifically is booming.

Home to the Permian Basin — the highest-producing oilfield in the country and second only to Saudi Arabia on a global scale — the Midland-Odessa region provides thousands of residents with a living both offshore and in oilfields.

But oilfield workers face significant danger every day. Grueling levels of physical activity over long hours, exposure to toxic and highly flammable substances, and the use of heavy machinery create a hazardous work environment.

Throw in negligent practices concerning safety standards, such as inadequate training and poor maintenance of machinery, and employees are even more at risk of sustaining devastating injuries in an accident.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Experienced Injury Attorneys

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Excellent
Based on 314 reviews
Christian Clark
Christian Clark
August 29, 2023
Awesome law firm! Have been extremely helpful with the process of my car accident. Extremely respectful and courteous.
Librado Zuniga
Librado Zuniga
August 17, 2023
Buen servicio siempre atentos y buen personal. Gracias por SUS atenciones y por su trabajo. 100%recomendable!!
Aida Trevino
Aida Trevino
August 17, 2023
I was very satisfied with my settlement and lawyer's who handled my case thank you satisfied customer
Kristian Jimenez
Kristian Jimenez
July 6, 2023
They work hard for your case and make sure you are kept well informed while in the process!
Guadalupe Ambriz
Guadalupe Ambriz
June 28, 2023
Excellent job, excellent service... 💯% Recommended 👍👍👍 thanks for everything 👍👍👍
Lucero Trevino
Lucero Trevino
June 28, 2023
Thank you so much for the help to Patiño law from totally recommended they were to nice and helpful through whole process.
Leo Delgado
Leo Delgado
June 26, 2023
I would highly recommend you to go to Patino Law Firm as they had helped me with a car accident and did an excellent job!!!
Janie Longoria
Janie Longoria
June 9, 2023
My experience with the firm was Excellent, they take everything into consideration .They go over and beyond for a fair outcome I highly recommend Patino Law Firm.
Raul Pena
Raul Pena
June 7, 2023
The Patino Law Firm has a very profession team that is very knowledgeable in their area of practice, Personal Injury Cases. They will answer any and all questions regarding your case and they will keep you well informed of the status of your case. Furthermore, they will provide you with a fast and worthwhile resolution of your case and will ensure that you are 100% satisfied with the outcome.
Amber Gunn
Amber Gunn
May 30, 2023
Patino is literally not the stereotypical “attorney” we all think about. He is caring and real and honest and trustworthy. He fights for his clients like he would fight for himself. It’s what we all expect but very rarely see or get! We have used him twice now, and he’s just stellar. Don’t doubt this man. He’s amazing! And you get what you pay for!

Just How Dangerous Are Midland-Odessa Oilfield Accidents?

The oil and gas industry has one of the highest injury rates among all industries, and injury rates in Midland-Odessa have been steadily climbing in recent years.

Only recently, on June 30th, 2023, pipeline operators released over half a million pounds of gas to combat the risk of explosions as record-breaking temperatures drove pressures to dangerous levels. On March 29, 2023, operator errors caused over 400 thousand gallons of crude oil to spill from a pipeline in Midland, marking the largest spill in the Permian Basin since 2010.

Equipment failure, explosions, slips and falls, leaks and spills, and other rig accidents are far too common, and oilfield workers pay the price, with those hurt on the job frequently suffering catastrophic or even fatal injuries.

These injuries can stem from a range of different types of oilfield accidents. We’ve helped our clients recover compensation for injuries caused by:

Falls

Oilfield workers often work at significant heights, using platforms, rigs, tanks, and ladders for drilling operations, oil storage, transport pipelines, inspection, and maintenance. Falls from such heights can happen if equipment is faulty or not properly maintained, heavy rainfall or strong winds cause workers to lose their footing, or safety measures such as guardrails or safety nets are inadequate or absent entirely.

Crush and Struck-By Accidents

Crush and struck-by-objects accidents can inflict significant physical trauma on workers, from broken bones to internal injuries or death. They often involve falling tools, equipment malfunctions, and incidents involving heavy machinery.

We’ve listed some common incidents below.

Equipment Malfunctions

oilfield hoist

Winches and hoists haul substantial loads and are vital for enabling workers to fulfill their daily duties. Faulty winches or hoists can break while lifting heavy objects, causing crush injuries to workers on the ground.

Defective hydraulic fracturing equipment and improper maintenance pose a grave risk to oilfield workers. Whether the equipment abruptly malfunctions or parts gradually wear down over time due to neglect, the devastating result is often the same — workers are caught in or compressed by the equipment as it exerts a sudden, massive force.

Tools Falling from Height

Worker with tools at height

Unstable drill pipes can cause devastating injuries if they fall from height. These injuries include compartment syndrome, which happens when increased pressure prevents blood flow and deprives the affected area of oxygen and nutrients. Oilfield workers often require emergency surgical decompression to prevent the oxygen-deprived tissues from dying. Failing to seek immediate treatment can lead to permanent muscle damage or even amputation.

Hammers, wrenches, and other tools are a crucial part of an oilfield worker’s toolkit, but their hefty weight can inflict serious crush injuries when dropped from height.

Heavy Machinery

Oil rig heavy machinery

Heavy machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, and front-end loaders are complex to operate and can cause critical injuries if mishandled, including crushed organs, spinal cord damage, and amputations.

Oilfield workers may be crushed directly or pinned between the machinery and another hard surface. For example, a rollover or unintentional movement of a bulldozer might trap an oilfield worker, or a front-end loader might pin them against a storage tank, rig structure, or another piece of machinery.

Explosions, Fires, and Chemical Exposure

The volatile chemicals encountered during oil extraction make fires and explosions an ever-present threat. These highly flammable materials can ignite from static electricity, sparks from power tools, or even an open flame. High pressure can also rupture pipes or lines, causing leaks that can easily be set alight.

But explosions aren’t the only threat of close contact with hazardous chemicals. Prolonged exposure to substances like benzene can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin and cause chronic respiratory or neurological damage.

Vehicular Accidents

Oilfield operations use a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles, including drilling rigs, crane trucks, and flatbed trucks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites auto accidents as some of the most prevalent causes of work-related injuries in the oil and gas industry. Accidents can occur when an improperly balanced load overturns, vehicle parts are defective or not maintained, operators are not sufficiently trained to handle heavy machinery, or operators fail to follow safety procedures, such as driving too fast or failing to check their blind spots. These accidents also often occur when equipment and oilfield employees are being transported to work.

How an Experienced Oilfield Injury Lawyer Can Help

Between identifying liable parties among contractors and subcontractors, proving negligence, and negotiating a fair offer, oilfield injury lawsuits are complex. Our dedicated legal team, led by McAllen personal injury attorney Dr. Louis Patino, will help you navigate the law and build a strong case to give you the best chance of success. This process typically involves:

  • Documenting and investigating your accident.
  • Arranging the best medical care.
  • Speaking to eyewitnesses.
  • Gathering physical evidence.
  • Exploring all avenues for recovering compensation, such as suing a third party if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Retaining expert witnesses who can reconstruct the accident to illustrate how it happened.
  • Calculating how much compensation you’re entitled to based on your circumstances, injuries, and evidence, ensuring you will have the financial resources to provide for yourself and your loved ones for however long your injury will impact you — perhaps even for the rest of your life.
  • Protecting you against unscrupulous insurers by alerting you to the underhand tactics they resort to — and handling all communications so you can focus on your treatment.
  • Representing you in court.
  • Providing support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.

Knowing that you have a supportive and empathetic advocate by your side can provide a sense of reassurance and peace of mind during what can be a challenging and emotionally taxing time.

When you choose the Patino Law Firm to obtain fair compensation for your injuries, you’ll benefit from a partner who offers support, is always available to answer your questions, and provides guidance every step of the way. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle complex oilfield injury cases and will fight for your rights, treating you as a person, never a number.

Learn More about Our Personal Injury Law Firm

Meet our team and find out why the Patino Law Firm is the best choice for getting the compensation you deserve after your accident.

About Patino Law FirmBook a Free Case Review

How to Hire the Best Oilfield Injury Lawyer for Midland-Odessa Accidents

Hiring an attorney is not a decision you should rush. Your goal should be to hire a personal injury law firm with experience handling complex oilfield injury cases that you trust has your best interests at heart.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when hiring an attorney for your oilfield injury case:

Specialization and Experience

Oilfield injury law is a complex field characterized by intricate regulations and standards. A lawyer with experience navigating these claims is better equipped to handle your specific situation.

Reputation

Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their track record and how satisfied clients are with the service provided, communication, transparency, and the outcome of their case. 

Communication and Availability

Open and regular communication is crucial when working with an attorney. A good attorney should be willing to answer your questions, provide updates on your case, and address any concerns you may have.

If you have to jump through hoops just to book a free consultation or a lawyer isn’t willing to provide a direct line, you’ll likely end up feeling frustrated when you can’t reach them and confused as to whether you’re a priority.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be an attorney’s only client, but their words and actions should make you feel as though you are.

Knowledge of the Court System

You may be tempted to choose a large firm with a national presence, but the number of offices a firm has across different states is not the only measure of success, and it may even put you at a disadvantage. 

Local oilfield accident lawyers have a practical understanding of the area and the unique district court procedures and etiquette rules that apply. An attorney’s understanding of how specific judges like motions formatted and familiarity with bailiffs and clerks can positively impact jury optics and make an attorney seem more agreeable  — jurors pick up on the atmosphere and dynamic in the court.

Personal Connection

A personal connection isn’t something you can easily quantify objectively, but that doesn’t make it any less important. You will be working closely with your attorney throughout the entire legal process, which may take months or even years. During this time, you will be sharing personal details, discussing sensitive matters, and relying on your attorney’s expertise to navigate the complexities of your case.

Having a good rapport with your attorney allows for open and honest discussions, ensuring that you can express your concerns, ask questions, and provide important information without hesitation.

Success Rate

While past results do not guarantee future success, asking about an attorney’s track record can yield insights into their approach, such as whether they settle cases quickly or are willing to take a viable case to court to secure maximum compensation.

A high success rate in personal injury cases related to the oilfield industry suggests that an attorney possesses a deep understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards that govern the oilfield sector and the experience to navigate the unique challenges these cases present, giving you confidence in their ability to handle your case competently.

Finding the best attorney for your oilfield injury case is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation case review so you can determine if we’re the right firm for you.

oil drilling

Case Studies: Successful Outcomes in Oilfield Injury Cases 

The U.S. consumes over 20 million barrels of petroleum daily. Such high demand exacerbates the inherent danger of the work environment, where the smallest mistake can trigger a major explosion or accident.

Historically, catastrophic oilfield disasters have warranted oilfield injury lawsuits resulting in substantial settlements or judgments for plaintiffs.

Our Results

In a recent case, our client suffered an elbow injury while using a pipe press, resulting in him needing his arm amputated above the elbow. Understandably, this caused considerable distress and had a life-changing impact. The insurance company offered to settle with the client for $350,000. After filing a lawsuit, we secured a judgment of 3.92 million dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oilfield Accidents in Midland-Odessa

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years. This may seem like a long time, but several steps need to happen first, so it’s always advisable to begin the process as early as possible.

If you are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim, you have a much tighter deadline — 30 days to report the accident to your employer.

When you contact us, we will arrange your free case review. You can visit us at our McAllen or San Antonio offices, speak to us on the phone or via video chat, or we can come to you.

Your appointment will last around 15-20 minutes. We’ll get the basic facts of your accidents, including how it happened and your injuries to determine if you are entitled to claim. 

Your free consultation is not just an opportunity for us to gather details about your accident — it’s also your chance to ask us about what to expect and how we will handle your claim so you can decide if we’re the right firm for you.

We want you to have no reservations that we are the best oilfield accident law firm for you, so there is no obligation to move forward, and we will never pressure you to make a decision.

After your oilfield accident, you may come across two terms: “workers’ compensation” and “personal injury lawsuit”.

Both allow employees to secure compensation for a work injury, but they are fundamentally different. 

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that employers can take out to protect both parties when an employee is injured on the job. 

Workers’ compensation claims pay medical expenses and a portion of lost wages (usually 40-60%). They do not compensate oilfield workers for future treatment or other damages such as mental anguish or pain and suffering, but there is also a lower burden to claim. Unlike a personal injury lawsuit, where you must demonstrate negligence, you do not need to prove your employer or another party was negligent to claim — only that the accident happened at work (or while you were acting under the scope of your employment).

You cannot sue your employer if they have workers’ compensation insurance, so your first step after an oilfield injury should be to check if your employer has workers’ comp.

To file for workers; compensation, you must report your accident to your employer within 30 days. They will then file the claim and notify you when a decision is made.

In any other state, workers’ compensation is compulsory, making it the primary avenue for recovering compensation. However, Texas does not mandate this insurance, which may provide an alternative avenue.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your employer does not have workers’ comp insurance, you may choose to file a lawsuit. It is crucial to hire a dedicated Midland-Odessa oilfield accident attorney, as you must prove your employer or another party was negligent and that their conduct caused the accident that led to your injuries.

While the burden of proof is higher in a personal injury lawsuit, so too is the potential reward, as you can recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other non-economic damages.

If your employer has workers’ comp, you cannot sue your employer to secure additional compensation. However, if your accident was caused by a third party’s negligence, you may be able to claim both.

For example, if you sustain a permanent leg injury after being crushed by a heavy load caused by a defective hoist breaking, you can claim workers’ compensation via your employer — as the accident happened at work — and file a lawsuit against the manufacturer responsible for ensuring the safety and effective operation of the faulty hoist.

A seasoned Midland-Odessa oilfield accident lawyer can look at the specifics of your case and explore your options for recovering compensation. For a free consultation to see where you stand, call 855-LAW-NINJA, fill in our contact form, or visit us in McAllen or San Antonio.

Contact Midland-Odessa Oilfield Injury Accident Lawyer Dr. Louis Patino

If you’re suffering physical pain or mental distress due to an oilfield accident, or if you have any medical or property damage expenses, you could be entitled to compensation, and it’s vital not to agree to a settlement until you understand what you’re due. 

Our 5* legal team, led by a veteran, former chiropractor, and award-winning personal injury attorney in McAllen and San Antonio, is here to support you and ensure you get the rightful compensation for your injuries.

You can contact us 24/7 and we promise you will never pay until we win.

To see how much compensation you might receive, book a free, no-obligation consultation today.

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956-631-3535

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1802 N 10th St McAllen, TX 78501

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210-646-9100

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