Oilfield Accidents in Houston: Legal Rights for Injured Workers
Working in the Texas oilfields is dangerous, physically demanding, and essential to the state’s economy. Houston, as a central hub in the oil and gas industry, sees thousands of workers on rigs, in refineries, and at petrochemical plants every day. Unfortunately, these high-risk environments often result in serious accidents and catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in an oilfield accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to pursue compensation and protect your future.
The Reality of Oilfield Work in Houston
Texas leads the nation in oil production. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas produces more than 40% of all crude oil in the United States, and the Houston area is home to hundreds of upstream and downstream operations. With this level of activity comes an increased risk of workplace accidents, particularly in environments where heavy machinery, high-pressure equipment, and hazardous chemicals are part of everyday operations.
The oilfield is one of the most dangerous work settings in Texas. Common causes of oilfield accidents include:
Equipment failure or malfunction
Explosions and fires
Falls from heights
Blowouts and well control incidents
Toxic chemical exposure
Inadequate training or supervision
Vehicle accidents on-site or during transport
Injuries sustained in these incidents are often severe and life-changing.
"The physical and emotional toll oilfield accidents take on workers and their families is immense. My job is to help you hold the right parties accountable and pursue the compensation you need to move forward."
Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Oilfield Accident
If you've been injured while working in the oilfield, you may be entitled to compensation—but oilfield injury claims can be legally complex. That’s because many oil and gas operations involve layers of contractors, subcontractors, and third-party vendors. Depending on your employment status and how the accident occurred, several legal options may be available.
1. Workers’ Compensation
Texas is one of the few states that does not require private employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. If your employer does subscribe to Texas Workers’ Compensation, you can typically file a claim to cover:
Medical expenses
Partial wage replacement (income benefits)
Temporary or permanent disability benefits
However, workers’ compensation generally bars you from suing your employer—even if their negligence caused the injury.
2. Non-Subscriber Claims
If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance (a “non-subscriber”), you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer. In these cases, you may be able to recover damages such as:
Full lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Disfigurement or disability
Non-subscriber cases can be complex and contentious, but they offer more opportunity for full recovery compared to workers' comp benefits.
3. Third-Party Liability Claims
In many oilfield accidents, the negligent party is not your direct employer. For example:
A contractor might have improperly maintained equipment
A manufacturer might have sold defective machinery
A transport company might have caused a vehicle collision
In such situations, you may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits from your employer.
"When multiple companies are involved in oilfield operations, you need someone who can cut through the red tape and figure out who is truly responsible."
Types of Injuries in Oilfield Accidents
Because of the dangerous nature of oilfield work, injuries are often catastrophic. Some of the most common include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Severe burns and scarring
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Crushed limbs and orthopedic trauma
Chemical burns and toxic exposure
Wrongful death
These injuries often require long-term care, and in some cases, permanent life adjustments. You should never have to shoulder that burden alone—especially if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence.
What to Do After an Oilfield Injury in Houston
If you've been hurt in an oilfield accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:
Report the injury to your supervisor or employer immediately, and make sure a written incident report is filed.
Seek medical care right away—even if the injury seems minor.
Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any faulty equipment. Keep a detailed record of symptoms, treatments, and missed workdays.
Do not sign anything from an insurance company or employer representative without legal advice.
Speak with an experienced oilfield injury attorney to review your rights and explore your legal options.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Oilfield Injury Cases
Oil companies and their insurers have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. They’ll often move quickly to minimize liability, deflect blame, or offer quick, low-ball settlements to injured workers. Accepting one of these offers without understanding the full value of your claim could cost you dearly.
When you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer like Amy Dunn, you’re not just getting legal support—you’re gaining an advocate who will fight for your rights every step of the way. Amy understands the unique risks oilfield workers face and has helped clients across Houston and Texas navigate complex personal injury claims.
"You’ve given your labor and sweat to one of the toughest industries in Texas. If you've been injured on the job, you deserve someone in your corner who's just as tough and committed."
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the nature of your claim, your compensation may include:
All medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and future earning potential
Physical pain and emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
Every case is different, and the best way to understand your potential recovery is by consulting an attorney who regularly handles catastrophic workplace injury cases.
Houston Oilfield Accident Attorney Who Understands
If you or a loved one has suffered an oilfield injury, time is not on your side. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses can become hard to reach. Companies can hide behind complex corporate structures to avoid responsibility.
Don’t wait and hope things work out on their own. Take control of your recovery by speaking with a skilled legal advocate who understands the oil and gas industry and has a track record of holding powerful corporations accountable.
Amy Dunn is here to help you seek justice and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you've been hurt in a Houston-area oilfield accident, don’t wait to get answers. Contact Attorney Amy Dunn today for a free consultation. Let her review your case and explain your rights—before you sign anything, accept a settlement, or give a recorded statement.