Working in the oilfield industry pays more than most other jobs, which is why many people opt for it. It is not uncommon to find oilfield workers with a six-figure income. However, that kind of money does not come with an easy job. There are various safety concerns associated with the oil and gas industry, and they also have the most accidents and injuries.
Oilfield workers are forced to work in hazardous conditions, such as working around toxic chemicals and gasses at great heights, handling heavy machinery, etc. If a worker gets injured, it is crucial for them to get immediate medical attention. If you have been injured at your workplace, you may be confused about your next steps. Consult with an oilfield injury attorney for expert legal assistance.
What are some common oilfield accidents?
While major oilfield accidents such as explosions are rare, minor accidents occur frequently. These are the common ones:
- Transportation accidents due to the fatigued state of the drivers.
- Explosions and fires because workers are exposed to volatile gasses and hydrocarbons.
- Asphyxiation due to being in confined spaces with hazardous materials.
- Electrical hazards due to broken or malfunctioning equipment.
Steps to take after an oilfield accident
If you have been in an oilfield accident, you may be injured. However, if your injuries are not severe, you may take the following steps after the accident.
Document your accident immediately:
Take as many photos and videos of the accident as possible. When taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, remember to take them from multiple angles. Moreover, you should also take pictures of the surroundings to show the nearby conditions or if anything else affected or contributed to the accident. You can give this digital evidence to your attorney later for them to review. Sometimes an expert can read between the lines and find crucial evidence that you might overlook.
Check for witnesses nearby:
Talk to witnesses who might have seen the accident. If it took place in a public or open space, chances are there will be people who have witnessed it. Talk to as many people as possible and take their contact information. Remember, you do not have to take their statements right away. However, you can take their contact information so that your attorney can contact them later for their statement that will come in handy when filing a claim.
Write down everything:
In a journal, write down everything you remember about the accident, from the beginning to the end. It is crucial that you do this right after so that you do not forget any details. You can show these details to your attorney so they can understand your case better.
Look for medical attention:
Get immediate medical attention. Once you realize you have been injured, call 911 or have someone else call them for you if you are unable to do so. Additionally, you should still go for a complete medical checkup even if the injury is not visible on your body. In case there are any internal injuries, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment, and you can prove your injuries resulted from the accident.Â
Notify your employer:
Notify your employer about the accident as soon as you reach a safe area. Your employer should be alerted about the hazard so they can take action to clear the area immediately. Moreover, failure to report to your employer can delay or reject workers’ compensation.
Contact an experienced attorney:
It is vital to speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. This is because the insurance company will try to contact you quickly following your accident, and if you end up saying something that will harm your claim, you will lower your chances of seeking compensation. Therefore, when you work with an attorney, they can guide you on how to proceed with your claim. Moreover, they will also help in collecting evidence, presenting evidence, talking to the insurance company on your behalf, and negotiating with the insurance company until you get the deserving compensation.
Seek legal advice!
No matter how major or minor the accident is, always consult an attorney before taking any action. Your attorney will be your shield to protect your rights and ensure you do not end up settling for less compensation.