Oil & Gas Accident Injury Attorneys in Denver

What Are the Most Common Causes of Oil and Gas Accidents in Colorado?

The most common causes of catastrophic injuries in the oil and gas industry are preventable errors at worksites. Many such accidents happen while transporting oil and gas. Truck drivers work long hours and must frequently traverse rainy, snowy, and winding roads, making mishaps much more likely.

Oil and gas accidents can also involve impacts with heavy machinery. Cranes, oil rig components, or other types of equipment could lose control and strike a worker, potentially causing fatal injuries. Workers who skip safety steps or don’t follow all required protocols can be blamed for their own injuries.

Alternatively, the equipment itself could malfunction. Degraded valves or improperly installed wellhead components can lead to blowouts, toxic spills, and high-pressure leaks. These incidents can, in turn, lead to fires and explosions.

Falls from heights are another prominent cause of catastrophic injuries in the oil and gas industry. Workers on tall rigs or scaffolding are at particular risk, especially if safety equipment isn’t used or is faulty.

What Types of Injuries Can Occur in Oil and Gas Accidents?

Our oil and gas attorneys have seen a wide variety of injuries as a result of preventable accidents.

A few of the most common include:

• Burn injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Hearing and vision loss
• Toxic exposure
• Respiratory system injuries

In many cases, the injuries are severe enough to require emergency medical treatment and prevent the victim from working.

What Are Some Common Oil and Gas Workplace Hazards?

Some of the many hazards in a workplace dedicated to handling oil and gas include:

• Vehicle collisions
• Wet, icy, or oily surfaces that present a risk of slips and falls
• Flammable gases
• Work performed at high elevations
• Exposure to heavy machinery
• Exposure to high-pressure lines
• Falling equipment
• Toxic chemical exposure

Even the extreme noise and constant vibration from heavy machinery can cause occupational hearing loss and musculoskeletal strain over time.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Oil and Gas Accident?

If you’ve suffered injuries in an oil and gas accident in the workplace, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation, which doesn’t require you to establish liability. However, if you need further resources to cover your losses, it may be possible to file a claim against a third party.

Some of the third parties you might name in your claim include contractors, equipment manufacturers, maintenance companies, transportation and trucking companies, and property owners.

Can an Injured Oil and Gas Worker File a Third-Party Claim?

If a third party contributed to your accident, filing a claim against them could allow you to receive critical compensation. However, these claims have different rules and deadlines than workers’ compensation claims, so it’s important to understand what to expect if you decide to go this route.

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and a Personal Injury Claim?

One of the most common questions our Denver oil and gas accident attorneys receive relates to the difference between these two types of claims.

A workers’ compensation claim is a no-fault insurance process for work-related injuries and illnesses. A successful claim will allow you to receive coverage for your medical expenses and lost wages.

In contrast, filing a personal injury claim requires proving that another party acted negligently or wrongfully. With this type of claim, you could recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, plus other effects, such as pain and suffering.

What Compensation May Be Available After an Oil and Gas Accident?

With a workers’ compensation claim, you stand to receive compensation for your accident-related medical expenses, including future needs, as well as a portion of your lost wages. You may apply for Temporary Total or Partial Disability or for Permanent Total or Partial Disability, depending on the circumstances.

If you pursue a third-party claim, you could be awarded coverage for impacts like medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What if an Oil and Gas Accident Results in a Fatality?

When an oil and gas accident results in the death of a loved one, a workers’ compensation claim can cover their lost wages and funerary expenses.

The survivors may also be able to file a third-party wrongful death claim. Certain family members are entitled to file these claims, which can provide compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

What Should You Do After an Oil and Gas Accident?

Seeking immediate medical care is the highest priority. Oil and gas accidents often cause devastating injuries, so getting treated quickly is vital.

As soon as you’re able, let your employer know that you sustained an injury. Then, gather evidence of the accident that resulted in your injuries. Take photos and videos of the worksite and any machinery and speak with witnesses who can support your claim.

Also, consider hiring a catastrophic injury lawyer to assist you in pursuing compensation. Their services can be a tremendous help, whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim.

How Can Bachus & Schanker Help After an Oil and Gas Accident?

Our team of oil and gas accident attorneys have decades of experience aiding clients who have suffered injuries in this dangerous industry. We understand the challenges of establishing liability, especially if multiple parties were involved, and we know how to deal with the tactics that the insurance companies might use to minimize your claim.

Our fierce negotiators are ready to stand up for your rights. Start your claim to take the first step in recovering your losses.

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