Despite various technological and safety developments over the years, oil production remains one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Even worse, many oil companies are notorious for fighting against claims for compensation made by employees injured in oil drilling accidents, whether those workers pursue them as benefit claims or third-party lawsuits.
In either scenario, support from a seasoned Denver oil drilling accident lawyer could prove vital to protecting your short and long-term interests. From the beginning to the end of your case, our dedicated injury attorneys at Roberts Markland LLP could provide the assistance you need to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Even if everyone on a drilling site follows safety guidelines, wears appropriate protective gear, and performs their assigned tasks carefully, oil fields pose a significant risk of severe injuries. Some of the most common ways injuries on these sites happen include:
Injuries sustained by an oil industry worker do not necessarily need to occur in an oil field for it to be considered “work-related.” For example, a driller who gets hurt in a traffic collision while transporting products or traveling to and from different worksites could still treat their injuries as work-related if they were performing job-related tasks when those injuries occurred.
Depending on the circumstances, oil drilling injuries can range from relatively minor concerns like lacerations and broken bones to life-altering trauma in the form of brain or spine damage, limb amputation, nerve damage, and internal organ damage. A hardworking attorney in Denver could help demand fair financial restitution for these and any other injuries caused by this kind of incident.
All employers in Colorado must maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all their part-time and full-time employees, including oil companies. A successful workers’ comp claim can provide reimbursement for all necessary medical care following an on-the-job injury, as well as a portion of lost wages during recovery and certain other benefits.
In some situations, a third party other than an oil field worker’s direct employer may bear partial or primary liability for an oil drilling accident. For example, if an injury stems from a defective product, it may be possible to file suit against the equipment’s manufacturer for any economic and non-economic consequences, including diminished earning capacity, physical pain, and psychological suffering.
However, as a knowledgeable lawyer in Denver could explain, employers who maintain workers’ compensation insurance are generally immune from being sued in this way by one of their employees who gets hurt on the job.
Different recovery options may be available depending on exactly how you were injured during oil drilling work and who was involved in the accident leading up to those injuries. No matter what, you can expect fierce opposition from anyone you demand financial restitution from, especially your employer.
Representation from a Denver oil drilling accident lawyer can be essential to efficiently get through a case like this and give yourself the best chances of a positive result. Schedule a consultation by calling Roberts Markland LLP today.