Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Field Accidents And Injuries
Many oil field jobs are dangerous, frequently resulting in serious or catastrophic injuries to workers. If you were injured while working in the oil field industry, you likely have many questions about what kinds of compensation are available and who, if anyone, is liable for your injuries.
I am Brent Biggs, founder of The Biggs Firm. As a West Texas native and a personal injury attorney with more than three decades of experience, I am well-versed in these types of claims and my firm is ready to help you. On this page, I’ve provided answers to some of the questions clients most frequently ask about oil field accidents.
Do I need to prove that someone was at fault in order to receive compensation?
It depends on whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. If it does, you could file a workers’ comp claim without needing to show that anyone was at fault. If your employer doesn’t have coverage and the company or a coworker caused your injuries, your employer could be held legally liable. In this case, however, you would need to prove fault with the help of an attorney.
What are my options if my accident was caused by someone other than my employer or a co-worker?
Oil fields are a lot like construction sites, in that there are typically workers from numerous companies working side by side. If you were injured because of the negligence of one of these workers, my firm could help you file what’s known as a third-party liability claim against their employer.
Third-party claims are essentially personal injury lawsuits stemming from workplace accidents and injuries. They can sometimes be pursued in addition to workers’ comp benefits, and other times instead of worker’s comp.
Can I take legal action if a family member was killed in an oil field accident?
The answer is often yes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. I can help you pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. We can seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other expenses that would normally be part of a personal injury suit. But you may also be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and loss of lifetime earnings, if your loved one was financially supporting the family.
Why should I hire The Biggs Firm to represent me?
Early in my career, I represented insurance companies when they needed to defend claims. I have an insider’s knowledge of how these companies work, what evidence they’re looking for and why they make the decisions they do.
Moreover, I’m not afraid to go up against insurers or the multimillion-dollar corporations they insure (i.e., oil and gas companies). I have a strong track record of success both in and out of the courtroom, and I work tirelessly to help my clients obtain the compensation they need and deserve.
Ask Me Your Own Questions During A Free Initial Consultation
The Biggs Firm is based in Odessa, and the firm serves clients throughout West Texas. To schedule a free consultation about your legal matter, simply call my office at 432-268-0153 or submit an online contact form.