Oilfield Injury Attorneys in Billings, MT

Representing Workers & Families in Oil Industry Accident Claims

Oil is big business in Montana, and the industry continues to grow. Unfortunately, this also means that oilfield accidents are on the rise. fasfasfasfasf

If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in an oilfield accident, you need experienced legal representation. At Maring Williams Law Office, our experienced oilfield injury lawyers have served the needs of injured workers and their families in Billings, MT for over 30 years.

Put a team of proven advocates on your side; call us at (701) 402-6644 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation.

What Are Common Oilfield Injuries?

Oilfields are dangerous places to work. They are filled with heavy machinery, powerful equipment, and numerous hazards. When employers fail to properly train their workers, provide them with adequate safety gear, or maintain safe working conditions, serious accidents can occur.

The most common types of injuries sustained in oilfield accidents include:

• Head injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Electrocution
• Exposure to toxic fumes
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• And more

Many of these injuries are life-changing, or even fatal. Those who are lucky enough to survive are often left with substantial medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. If you were hurt on the job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, in many cases, these benefits are not enough to fully cover an injured oilfield worker’s losses. At Maring Williams Law Office, we help injured oil industry workers explore their legal options and seek the full, fair recovery they are owed.

How Do Oilfield Accidents Happen?

There are numerous ways in which oilfield accidents and injuries can occur. In some cases, these incidents are the result of unavoidable accidents that occur despite all reasonable safety precautions. In many cases, however, oilfield accidents are the direct result of employers’ and/or third parties’ negligence.

Some of the most common causes of oilfield accidents include:

• Explosions/Fires: Oilfields are filled with flammable substances, including oil, gas, and various chemicals. When these substances are not properly stored, handled, or secured, they can cause devastating explosions and/or fires.
• Blowouts: A blowout is a sudden and uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well. Blowouts can occur when there is a failure of the well control system, including the blowout preventer (BOP). They can also occur when there is a failure to properly maintain the well. Blowouts can cause the drilling rig to explode, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
• Defective Equipment: The oil industry uses numerous types of heavy machinery and equipment to drill for, extract, and transport oil. When this equipment is defective or has not been properly maintained, it can cause serious accidents and injuries.
• Transportation Accidents: Many oilfield workers are required to travel to and from the drilling site. They may also be required to drive heavy machinery and/or transport oil and other materials. All of these activities can be dangerous and can lead to serious motor vehicle accidents.
• Falls: Oilfields are filled with ladders, platforms, and other elevated surfaces. Workers who are required to climb to great heights to perform their job duties are at risk of falling, as are workers who are required to work on elevated surfaces without proper fall protection.
• Falling Objects: Oilfields are also filled with heavy machinery, equipment, and other objects that are stored at great heights. When these objects are not properly secured, they can fall and cause serious injuries.
• Untrained Workers: Employers in the oil industry are required to provide their workers with proper training. When employers fail to do this, they put their workers at risk of injury.
• Insufficient Safety Gear: Oilfield workers are required to wear certain types of safety gear, including hard hats, goggles, gloves, and safety boots. They are also required to wear fall protection gear when working at heights. When employers fail to provide their workers with the proper safety gear, serious injuries can occur.

Who is Liable for Oilfield Accidents?

Employers in the oil industry have a duty to maintain safe working conditions and to provide their workers with proper safety training and equipment. They are also required to comply with all federal, state, and local safety regulations. When employers fail to do this, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. However, in many cases, oilfield accidents are the result of third-party negligence.

Some of the most common third parties who may be liable for oilfield injuries include:

• Other contractors working on the site
• Manufacturers of defective equipment
• Trucking companies
• Property owners
• And more

Why Choose Maring Williams Law Office?

At Maring Williams Law Office, we know how the oil industry operates, and we know the tactics that employers and their insurance providers use to try to minimize payouts. We are not afraid to take on large corporations, and we are not afraid to go up against powerful insurance companies. In fact, we have a proven track record of success in even the most complex oilfield accident cases.

Our oilfield injury lawyers have a reputation for fighting for maximum compensation for our clients, and we have the resources to take on even the most powerful opponents. When you choose our firm, you can be confident that your case is in capable hands.

With an office in Billings, MT, we are available to help you with your oilfield injury claim no matter where you are. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.