Carlsbad Oil Field Accident Attorney
As the second largest producer of oil and gas, there are a lot of oil fields scattered across the portion of the Permian Basin that extends into New Mexico, including here in Carlsbad. The fracking business has brought jobs into the area, which has grown our economy. But it also comes with not-so-favorable costs, one of which is the potential destruction of our environment, and another, which each Carlsbad oilfield accident lawyer sees happen too often, is the high potential for injuries to workers and others like residents.
The truth is that, like most personal injury incidents, oilfield accidents are completely preventable. Oil and gas companies have to want to take steps to enhance worker health and safety, though. Sadly, they are often so focused on turning a profit that they let concerns about others’ safety go by the wayside. This is why people unnecessarily get hurt. If you’re one of them, reach out to discuss what happened to you so we can advise you of your rights.
Primary Contributing Factors to Oil Field Accidents in Carlsbad, New Mexico
The causes of Carlsbad oilfield accidents are endless. However, in our experience as attorneys who’ve handled many of these injury incidents, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations, which may include some of the following and the other factors listed below, account for the most common reasons these incidents occur:
- Ineffective training
- Slips and falls
- Insufficient safety protocols in place
- Toxic substance exposure
- Inadequate fall protection
- Technical errors made when drilling
- Heavy machinery malfunctions
- Gas explosions that erupt into fires
Because of the flammable nature of the products workers are employed to extract, one accident can easily grow into a much larger incident, compounding injuries or leading to death.
Injuries Carlsbad, NM Oil and Gas Workers Suffer on the Job
When accidents like the ones above occur, those employed in the extraction industry are prone to suffering both occupational injuries and illnesses, such as:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Loss of limbs (amputations)
- Burn injuries
- Sensory loss, especially in terms of eyesight and hearing
- Exposure to toxic substances, causing nervous system and respiratory issues
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage leading to quadriplegia or paraplegia
If you’ve suffered one of these injuries, you’re bound to have significant current and future medical costs in addition to other related expenses like loss of wages. Thus, the steps you take after your accident matter.
What to Do After an Oilfield Injury
There are a few critical steps you need to take after an oil field accident, including the following:
- Report what happened: If you were hurt while working and are an employee of a gas company, for example, then speak with your direct supervisor or a human resources representative. If you’re an independent contractor, then consider speaking with the person who contracted your services or the property owner. Reporting the incident to law enforcement is always another good option. Your goal should be to not just verbally relay what happened but to document it in writing.
- Have a doctor examine you: There are so many injuries you can suffer on an oil field. However, not all harm you sustain will result in you showing immediate symptoms that you’re unwell. Your condition could deteriorate quickly, and by the time you realize it has, your health could be past a point of no return. So, even if you think that you’re “fine,” get checked out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Compile any evidence you can: It may be challenging to do this if you’re seriously hurt or if your loved one lost their life while working in the oilfields in Carlsbad; however, if you know anyone who can help, like a colleague, ask for their assistance. Physical evidence, so actual artifacts, are always best; however, they may contain toxic substances, be too large to preserve, or you may be told you’re not entitled to take custody of them. Photographs can go a long way in situations like this.
- Avoid speaking with insurance company adjusters if you can: Remember, insurers aren’t your friends. They’re intent on preserving as much of the money that they take in as premiums as they can. What you say to an insurer (even your own) or do can be used against you to deny or discount your claim.
- Consult with a Carlsbad oilfield accident lawyer: An attorney may file a request for the preservation of evidence, review the incident or police report in your case to determine liability, have experts analyze the case and contribute their knowledge to strengthening it, and much more. Plus, an attorney can advise you whether all of this entitles you to file a claim or lawsuit per New Mexico law.
Why You Need an Attorney to Help You Navigate the Legal Process
You can undertake the legal process on your own without an attorney’s assistance. However, it comes with downsides. One of those is that you only have one chance to put your proverbial cards out on the table and try to hold the party who harmed you accountable for their actions. If you haven’t preserved the right evidence or built your case on a solid foundation, you likely won’t have another chance to do so.
Don’t take any chances when filing a lawsuit to recover compensation. One of our attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC can make sure you leave no bases unturned in building your claim, that you adhere to filing deadlines, and do everything else to ensure you have the best chances of securing a favorable outcome in your case. Contact our law firm for a free consultation so we can get to work for you if you decide to hire us today.