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Anyone who has spent much time in the oil and gas industries may have a pretty good idea of how dangerous the work can be. From extraction to delivery, there are so many dangers that work in the oilfields or refineries can encounter. Even though injuries and fatalities are dropping in number over the course of time, the fact remains that people still get hurt while working to get oil. Sadly, the number of fatalities and injuries is rising over the past few years according to statistical data. The information also indicates that 6 out of every 100 workers will miss work or be put on restricted work duties due to an injury or illness that is related to the job. That may not seem like its a big deal; that it’s only 6% of the people that get hurt. You have to ask yourself If you are standing in a line of 100 people and they said that 6 of you will get seriously hurt, would you want to stand in that line? While there is no indication of what type of injuries or illnesses these are, we all know how most workers in the oil industry risk life and limb to earn their paychecks. 

Why are the Oilfields so Dangerous?

It’s true that this line of work isn’t nearly as dangerous as when it first began. Over the decades, with advances in technology, better training, and stricter safety regulations, the number of deaths is much lower than 100 years ago. So, why is it still such a hazardous line of work? While technological improvements and safer work environments do improve work conditions, human error will always be a factor. Some companies may put profits and production above the concern for the safety of their employees. Understand that it is the duty of an employer to maintain safe working conditions for their employees. There may be inherent dangers involved in work, but training and proper protective gear and tactics should be used to make the workplace as safe as possible.

Regretfully, as mentioned before, safety may not be every employer’s primary goal. So you may have instances where neglectful business practices and corner-cutting result in the injury or death of an employee. Death or severe injury can cause a backlash of financial problems and while it may feel macabre to think about money after a tragedy, the fact remains that you may face severe financial distress in the aftermath of an oilfield accident.

Between final expenses, medical bills, and rehabilitation, people who have been injured or lost loved ones can be overwhelmed by what they normally wouldn’t be having to deal with. In instances where another person’s negligence (for example, an employer improperly training people or overworking them) or carelessness has led to an injury, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses.

Odessa Oilfield Injury Attorneys – Galbreath Law Firm

The Galbreath Law Firm will work to help you. We have several multi-million dollar settlements that we have won for our clients and we are willing to work for you. If you would like a chance to speak to an experienced oilfield injury lawyer at no cost to you, we offer a free initial consultation. We also work on these personal injury cases on a contingency basis and so we don’t get paid unless we bring you a check. Allow us to listen to your story and see how we may be able to help.