Williston Oilfield Injury Lawyer

Representing Victims of Oilfield Accidents in Williston, ND

Oilfield work is dangerous, and oil and gas companies must take the necessary precautions to protect their workers from harm. When they fail to do so, it is often the workers who pay the price. If you or someone you love has been injured in an oilfield accident, our firm is here to help.

At Maring Williams Law Office, we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our Williston oilfield injury attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Contact us at (701) 402-6644 to learn more about how we can assist you with your oilfield injury claim in Williston, ND.

Common Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield work is inherently dangerous, and the risk of injury is great. Oilfield workers are injured at a much higher rate than those in many other industries. In addition to the risk of injuries related to the work itself, oilfield employees are also at risk of suffering injuries in accidents involving heavy machinery, equipment, and vehicles.

Some of the most common oilfield injuries include:

• Burns
• Explosions
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Head injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Electrocution

Common Causes of Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield injuries can occur due to various factors, and understanding the common causes is essential for implementing preventive measures. Here are some of the primary causes of oilfield injuries:

• Human Error: Mistakes made by workers due to fatigue, lack of training, or negligence can lead to accidents. Examples include improper use of equipment, failure to follow safety protocols, or not adhering to established procedures.
• Equipment Malfunction or Failure: Oilfield operations involve complex machinery and equipment that can malfunction or fail, leading to accidents. Poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or inadequate inspection procedures can contribute to equipment-related incidents.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Working in oilfields often involves hazardous environments such as working at heights, confined spaces, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Failure to address these hazards or provide appropriate safety equipment and training can result in injuries.
• Lack of Proper Training: Inadequate training or lack of experience in handling equipment, performing tasks, or responding to emergencies can increase the risk of accidents in oilfield operations.
• Environmental Factors: Adverse weather conditions such as storms, high winds, or icy surfaces can create hazardous working conditions in oilfields, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Chemical and Gas Exposure: Exposure to toxic chemicals, gases, or hydrogen sulfide (H2S) present in some oil and gas reservoirs can cause respiratory problems, chemical burns, or even fatalities if proper precautions are not taken.
• Falls and Falling Objects: Working at heights on rigs, platforms, or equipment exposes workers to the risk of falls, while falling objects such as tools, equipment, or debris can cause injuries to workers below.
• Transportation Accidents: Transportation of personnel and equipment to and from oilfields involves risks such as vehicle collisions, helicopter crashes, or accidents during loading and unloading operations.
• Fatigue and Stress: Long hours, demanding work schedules, and the physically demanding nature of oilfield work can lead to fatigue and stress, impairing workers' judgment and coordination and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Pressure and Blowouts: High-pressure conditions during drilling or well operations can lead to blowouts or sudden releases of oil, gas, or drilling fluids, resulting in serious injuries to workers nearby.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Failure to implement and enforce proper safety protocols, provide necessary safety equipment, or conduct regular safety inspections can leave workers vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Who is Liable for Oilfield Injuries?

If you were injured while working in the oilfields, there are a few different parties that may be held liable for your injuries, including:

• Your employer
• A third-party contractor
• A manufacturer or distributor of a defective product
• Another worker

In the state of North Dakota, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is meant to provide benefits for injured workers. However, it does not always cover all of the damages suffered by an oilfield worker.

In some cases, you may be able to file a third-party claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. A third-party claim is a type of personal injury claim that is filed against a party other than your employer. For example, if you were injured in an accident with a truck, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the truck driver and/or the trucking company. If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

Oilfield Safety Regulations

Oilfield work is governed by a variety of state and federal safety regulations. These regulations are in place to protect workers from harm. When oil and gas companies fail to follow these regulations, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

Some of the most important oilfield safety regulations include:

• Proper training for all workers
• Use of proper safety equipment
• Proper maintenance of all equipment
• Proper safety protocols for working with hazardous chemicals
• Proper safety protocols for working with heavy machinery

How Our Firm Can Help You

Oilfield injury claims can be complex, and they often involve multiple parties. Our Williston oilfield injury lawyers have a thorough understanding of this area of law and can help you navigate the process from start to finish. We are skilled negotiators who will fight to protect your rights during settlement negotiations. However, we are also not afraid to take a case to trial, and we will not hesitate to do so if it is in your best interest. Our firm is committed to providing top-quality legal services, and we will work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

At Maring Williams Law Office, we handle all oilfield injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Get in touch with us today at (701) 402-6644 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation.