Dickinson Oilfield Injury Lawyer

North Dakota Oilfield Accident Attorneys

The oil and gas extraction industry is one of the most dangerous in the United States. Although there are strict safety regulations in place to help protect workers from harm, many oil and gas companies cut corners and/or fail to uphold these regulations, putting their workers at risk.

If you or someone you love was injured in an oilfield accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. At Maring Williams Law Office, we understand the unique challenges that come with representing injured oilfield workers. Our Dickinson oilfield injury lawyers can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and, if applicable, file a personal injury claim against any and all at-fault parties.

For a free consultation with a member of our team, call us at (701) 543-6685 or contact us online today. There are no fees unless we win your case!

Common Types of Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield work presents various hazards that can result in a range of injuries to workers. Here are some common types of oilfield injuries:

• Burn Injuries: These injuries can result from exposure to fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or materials commonly found in oilfield operations. Burns can range from mild to severe, causing damage to the skin, tissues, and even internal organs depending on the severity.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries can occur due to falls, being struck by falling objects, or collisions during transportation or while working with heavy machinery. These injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries with lasting cognitive effects.
• Amputations: Oilfield workers face the risk of limb amputations due to accidents involving heavy machinery, equipment malfunctions, or crush injuries. These injuries can be life-altering and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Back Injuries: Lifting heavy equipment, repetitive motions, or falls can cause back injuries such as strains, sprains, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in chronic pain and may require long-term medical care.
• Eye Injuries: Exposure to chemicals, flying debris, dust, or intense light sources like welding can cause eye injuries in oilfield workers. These injuries can range from minor irritation to severe damage, including corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or even permanent vision loss.
• Broken Bones: Falls, vehicle accidents, and being struck by objects are common causes of broken bones in oilfield workers. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, these injuries can require immobilization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Electrocution Injuries: Contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment can result in electrocution, causing severe burns, cardiac arrhythmias, or even death. Oilfield workers are at risk of electrocution when working with electrical equipment or in areas where wiring may be exposed.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Performing repetitive tasks, such as manual labor or operating machinery, can lead to repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis. These injuries can cause chronic pain and may require modifications to work duties or physical therapy.
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Injuries: Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas can cause respiratory distress, neurological effects, or even death. Oilfield workers may encounter H2S during drilling or production operations, posing a significant risk if proper safety protocols are not followed.
• Chemical Exposure Injuries: Workers in oilfields may come into contact with various hazardous chemicals used in drilling, production, or maintenance activities. Chemical exposure can result in skin irritation, respiratory problems, chemical burns, or long-term health effects depending on the type and concentration of the chemical involved.

Who is Liable for an Oilfield Accident?

Determining liability for an oilfield accident can be complex and depends on various factors such as the specific circumstances of the accident, the entities involved, contractual agreements, and applicable laws. Here are some key parties that might be held liable for an oilfield accident:

• Employers: In many cases, the employer or the company operating the oilfield may be held liable for accidents that occur on their premises or during the course of employment. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees and to comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Oilfield operations often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors working on different aspects of the project. Depending on the contractual arrangements and the specific responsibilities of each party, liability may be apportioned among these entities if their negligence or actions contributed to the accident.
• Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers: If the accident was caused by a defect in equipment or machinery used in the oilfield, the manufacturer or supplier of the equipment may be held liable under product liability laws. This applies if the equipment was defective in design, manufacturing, or lacked proper warnings or instructions for safe use.
• Third Parties: Liability may also extend to third parties such as transportation companies, maintenance providers, or other entities whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if an oilfield worker is injured in a vehicle accident while being transported to a site, the transportation company may share liability.
• Landowners: In some cases, the owner of the land where the oilfield is located may be held liable for accidents that occur on their property if they failed to maintain safe conditions or adequately warn of hazards.
• Regulatory Agencies: If an oilfield accident resulted from violations of safety regulations or failure to adhere to industry standards, regulatory agencies may impose penalties on the responsible parties and, in some cases, hold them liable for damages.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Maring Williams Law Office, we understand how devastating an oilfield accident and injury can be. Our Dickinson oilfield injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover the maximum compensation you are owed. We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and, if applicable, a personal injury claim. We are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way, including in the courtroom, if necessary.

Contact us today at (701) 543-6685 to schedule a free consultation with our Dickinson oilfield injury lawyers.