Oilfield Accident Attorney in Corpus Christi

Your Go-To Legal Partner in Oilfield Injury Cases

Texas leads the nation in oil production and employs hundreds of thousands of oil and gas workers. Regrettably, with such a large and hazardous industry, oilfield accidents are an all-too-common reality. If you or a loved one were injured while working in the oilfield, Perkins & Perkins is here to help. Our attorneys have the experience, skill, and resources needed to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Oilfield Accident?

The Texas oil and gas industry offers many rewarding opportunities, but is also fraught with some of the most hazardous working conditions. From flammable materials and heavy machinery to high-pressure piping systems and electrical systems, one mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries or death. When companies ignore safety rules or fail to maintain their equipment, it is the workers who suffer the consequences.

At Perkins & Perkins, we help to level the playing field. Our attorneys know how to uncover OSHA violations, expose negligent maintenance practices, and demonstrate when a company’s shortcuts caused your injuries. We work with investigators and industry experts to build a strong case, ensuring every responsible party is held accountable.

If you have been hurt in an oilfield explosion, fire, electrocution, mechanical or tool failure, slip and fall, or chemical exposure, our team will handle the legal matters so you can focus on healing. We will fight for full and fair compensation for your medical care, lost income, and future recovery, because you deserve more than just a quick low-ball offer from the company’s insurance.

Free Consultation For Your Oilfield Accident Case

Choosing a lawyer who understands the complexities of oilfield accidents can make all the difference. Perkins & Perkins has decades of experience handling detailed injury cases, including an $18.1 million verdict in 2022. This outcome was the most lucrative construction injury verdict in Texas that year. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Let our experienced team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve after a serious oilfield injury.

What You Need to Know About Oilfield Injuries

Overview of Oilfield Hazards and Risks

Working in the oilfield industry is one of the most dangerous occupations in Texas. Every day, workers face serious risks that can lead to severe injuries or even death. Some of the most common oilfield hazards include:

Heavy Machinery
Large drilling equipment and moving parts can cause catastrophic injuries if not properly maintained or operated.
Explosions and Fires
Oilfields contain highly flammable materials, and a single spark or equipment failure can trigger devastating explosions or fires.
Toxic Chemical Exposures
Prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and drilling fluids can result in burns, respiratory illness, cancer, or neurological damage.
High-Pressure Equipment
Sudden equipment failure or blowouts can lead to serious burns, chemical exposure, or blunt-force injuries.
Falls and Falling Objects
Slippery surfaces and elevated work areas increase the risk of falls or being struck by falling tools and debris.
Electrocutions
Faulty wiring, improper grounding, and damaged equipment often result in fatal electrical accidents on job sites.

Common Oilfield Injuries

Oilfield accidents frequently cause life-altering injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Common examples include:

Burns

These injuries often occur from fires, explosions, or exposure to hot or corrosive materials and can cause severe pain, scarring, and long-term complications.

Traumatic Injuries

Heavy machinery accidents and equipment malfunctions can lead to crushed limbs, fractures, or amputations requiring extensive medical treatment.

Head and Brain Injuries

Falls or being struck by falling objects can result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries with lasting physical and cognitive effects.

Hearing Loss

Continuous exposure to loud drilling and machinery noise without proper protection can cause permanent hearing damage or complete loss.

Respiratory Issues

Prolonged exposure to airborne toxins—such as silica dust, drilling fumes, sandblasting, chemical vapors, and hydrogen sulfide—can cause serious lung conditions. These may include chronic coughing, shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity, or long-term illnesses like COPD, chemical pneumonitis, and silicosis, often requiring ongoing medical care and monitoring.

If you have suffered any of these injuries or another oilfield-related condition, it is critical to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured While Working at an Oilfield

When an accident takes place, the steps you take immediately afterward are crucial for your recovery and your case.

Seek Medical Attention
Get medical help immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Proper documentation will support your claim.
Report the Injury
Notify your supervisor or safety officer right away. Reporting is essential for both safety compliance and legal claims.
Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the area, equipment, and any unsafe conditions that contributed to your injury.
Gather Witness Information
Collect contact details from anyone who saw what happened.
Preserve Evidence
Keep any damaged equipment or clothing related to your injury.
Follow Medical Advice
Never provide a statement about your injuries or how they occurred. Insurers are trained to ask misleading questions to avoid liability and try to place the fault on you.
Insurance
Never provide a statement about your injuries or how they occurred. Insurers are trained to ask misleading questions to avoid liability and try to place the fault on you.
Contact an Attorney
As soon as you are injured, the at fault parties and their insurance immediately begin investigating and try to come up with a way to defend their actions and blame you. You deserve to have someone fighting for you in your corner too.

At Perkins & Perkins, we understand how complex oilfield injury claims are. Our team is ready to guide you through every step, helping you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Can Workers Sue for Oilfield Injuries in Corpus Christi?

Oilfield work is inherently dangerous, and when companies disregard safety rules or fail to maintain equipment properly, workers often pay the price. If you were hurt due to unsafe conditions, defective machinery, or employer negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation.

Workers’ Compensation

Many oilfield employees are covered by workers’ compensation, which pays medical bills and partial wages after an injury. However, it does not cover pain and suffering and usually prevents direct lawsuits against your employer.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

If another company, contractor, or manufacturer contributed to your accident, you may be able to file a separate personal injury claim for additional damages.

At Perkins & Perkins, we know how to uncover safety violations, prove negligence, and pursue full compensation for injured oilfield workers and their families.

Oilfield Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after an oilfield accident?

Report the incident to your supervisor, get medical attention right away, and document everything with photos and witness names. Acting quickly helps protect your health and strengthens your legal claim. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I still file a claim if I was an independent contractor?

Yes, you have a valid personal injury claim if another company or equipment manufacturer’s negligence caused your injuries. Our attorneys can help determine your legal options based on your work arrangement.

What if my employer says the accident was my fault?

This is a common tactic by employers to dissuade you from even talking to an attorney. Most of the time it is a lie, but even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover partial compensation under Texas law. Our team investigates thoroughly to challenge unfair fault claims and prove employer or third-party negligence.

How long do oilfield injury cases usually take?

Each case is different. Factors such as the severity of injuries, the number of liable parties, and cooperation from insurance companies all affect the timeline. Most cases resolve within several months to a year.

Can family members file claims for fatal oilfield accidents?

Yes. If a loved one died in an oilfield accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death or survivor claim to recover damages for lost income and loss of earning capacity, funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.

What kinds of evidence are most helpful for an oilfield injury case?

Maintenance logs, safety reports, training records, witness statements, and OSHA reports often play a key role in proving negligence and unsafe practices that caused your injury.

Why should I hire an oilfield injury attorney instead of handling it myself?

Oilfield injury cases are complex and often involve multiple companies and insurance carriers. An experienced attorney has the qualifications to handle investigations, preserve evidence, and negotiate aggressively for the full compensation you deserve.