Consult with an experienced and reputable Houston car accident lawyer at Sutliff & Stout if you or a loved one has suffered a devastating workplace accident caused by your employer or co-worker’s negligence.
The Sutliff & Stout, Injury & Accident Law Firm is here to help you on your road to recovery. Backed by fifty years of combined experience as aggressive but compassionate lawyers, Graham Sutliff and Hank Stout have secured $1 BILLION in accident-related verdicts for Texas residents. Feel free to browse through the verified reviews of our satisfied clientele or read through our five-star rating on Google.
We strictly operate on a contingency-fee basis. You don’t have to pay us anything if we don’t win your case. Contact our law office now at (713) 987-7111 for a free consultation, or send us a message through our secure online form.
Why Choose The Sutliff & Stout, Injury & Accident Law Firm?
Choosing the right oilfield injury attorney in Texas is critical for your lawsuit. You deserve a legal advocate who will tirelessly fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Sutliff & Stout’s personal injury law firm has strategic locations across Texas, ensuring that we can effectively serve accident victims throughout the state.
Our team’s expertise is also underscored by its board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization — an accomplishment achieved by less than 2% of all trial lawyers in their careers.
This distinction exemplifies our unwavering dedication to mastering the intricacies of personal injury cases and premises liability laws to best serve our clients’ needs.
One of our notable settlements in an oilfield injury case includes a $1.825 million sum where we helped a worker who was struck by an 18-wheeler. We also successfully handled another lawsuit involving a $1.5 million settlement for a client who injured his knee when a section of casing was rolled into his leg.
If you are prepared to pursue justice following an oilfield injury, Sutliff & Stout stands as the best choice for your lawsuit.
- We know how to win : Our injury attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients over our 15-year history. See sample case results below!
- No Fee Unless We Win : We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover money. Learn more about our no-fee unless-you-win policy.
- Thousands of Happy Clients : Since starting our firm in 2007 we’ve served thousands of Texas clients and we’ve received hundreds of positive online reviews and client testimonials.
- Community Involvement : We care about making a positive impact beyond the courtroom. Check out our free holiday rides and our annual scholarship contest.
How Can We Help In An Oilfield Injury Lawsuit
A Texas oilfield accident can leave you feeling helpless and desperately searching for a lifeline. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can be crippling, leaving you wondering where to turn for help.
Sutliff & Stout has the knowledge, skills, and dedication needed to guide you through this challenging time. One of the most critical aspects of any oilfield injury lawsuit is identifying liability.
In the chaos of a workplace accident, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. Employers, equipment manufacturers, and third-party contractors may all bear some responsibility, and it takes a keen legal eye to untangle the web of liability. We have the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, leaving no stone unturned.
We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with industry experts to build a rock-solid case on your behalf. We know that insurance companies and big corporations will stop at nothing to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, often resorting to underhanded tactics to shift the blame onto the victim. But we won’t let them get away with it.
In Texas, the legal landscape can be particularly treacherous for injured workers. The state’s comparative fault laws can make it difficult to secure the compensation you deserve if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident. But with Sutliff & Stout in your corner, you can rest assured that we will work diligently to minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.
About Oilfield Injuries in Texas
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report analyzing federal workplace data has revealed alarming findings regarding fatalities in the oil and gas industry.
The study identified a total of almost 500 worker deaths across the United States during their research period, with vehicle crashes and being struck by objects on the job as the primary causes. Other contributing factors included explosions, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.
Texas, the nation’s largest oil producer, accounted for the highest number of deaths at 219, followed by Oklahoma with 48 and North Dakota with 39.
Types of Oilfield Accidents
There are many types of accidents that occur in the oil and gas industry and, in most instances, an injured worker has the right to be compensated for the injuries and resulting damages. The following are some of the more common types of accidents that we deal with at Sutliff & Stout:
Fires and Explosions
Wells, trucks, tanks, and other heavy production equipment can release flammable gases and vapors that can be ignited by open flames, static electricity, friction, or other heat or electrical sources.
Pressure buildup is also a significant concern for anyone working in and around a well site. A fire or explosion at an oil field can cause serious injuries to workers and may even be fatal.
Well Blowouts
A good blowout is the uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas during drilling. These blowouts are typically the result of failures in pressure control systems in wells.
Even though modern oil wells contain blowout preventers designed to reduce the risk of a blowout, these accidents still occur. During a blowout, an accidental spark or contact with an ignition source can lead to a catastrophic oil or gas fire.
Heavy Equipment Failures
On any drilling site, workers are required to operate dangerous heavy equipment whether they are drilling, pulling pipe, mixing mud or performing one of the many other jobs required of them. Sometimes, this equipment fails, causing significant injuries.
These failures happen for a number of reasons, including improperly trained or inexperienced hands, mechanical failures caused by overstress, inadequate maintenance, or careless safety inspections. Sometimes, failures result from a design or manufacturing defect.
Fracking Accidents
Hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking,” as it is commonly known) involves the high-pressure injection of water or a fluid mixture into a borehole to create cracks in deep-rock formations through which gas or petroleum can flow. It is inherently dangerous.
Serious accidents and chemical spills at fracking sites are becoming more commonplace, and workers often suffer devastating injuries as a result of these accidents.
Truck and Vehicle Accidents
Single-car overturns, collisions with other work site vehicles, and collisions with stationary objects, like heavy equipment, are common causes of injuries to oil and gas workers.
A number of factors may contribute to vehicle accidents at a drilling site, including poor driving conditions, driver fatigue, drug and alcohol use, and improperly maintained vehicles.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Oil field workers are often forced to work long hours in challenging outdoor environments, which increases the chances of a slip or a trip. Moreover, many petroleum and gas extraction workers are required to access platforms and equipment that are located high above the ground.
Although employers are required under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to ensure that walking surfaces are safe and to prevent falls from elevated equipment, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of serious and fatal workplace injuries and deaths.
Work in Confined Spaces
Workers are often required to enter confined spaces, such as storage containers and storage tanks. There are a number of workplace safety hazards associated with confined areas, such as asphyxiation, crushing accidents, exposure to dangerous levels of hazardous chemicals, and ignition of flammable vapors or gases.
Without proper training, equipment, and procedures in place, oil field workers can get seriously injured in confined spaces at job sites. In some cases, your employer may be required to obtain a written permit to require work in a confined space and comply with guidelines established by OSHA, the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe workplaces for Americans.
Common Injuries Suffered In Oilfield Accidents
The following types of accidents frequently occur as a result of dangerous working conditions in the oil and gas industry:
Bone injuries: Broken bones, shattered bones, hairline fractures, compound fractures, and dislocated bones or joints.
Burns: First-degree burns, second-degree burns (partial-thickness burns), third-degree burns (full-thickness burns), blistering, and scarring.
Head and brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, skull and facial fractures, and facial lacerations.
Limb and extremity injuries: Partial amputation, total amputation, crushed limbs, and temporary or permanent damage to the functionality of arms, legs, feet, hands, fingers, or toes.
Neck and back injuries: Spinal cord injuries, severed spinal cords, pinched nerves, herniated or ruptured discs, broken vertebrae, whiplash, and paralysis.
Skin injuries: Lacerations, chemical burns, frostbite, cuts, punctures, and bruises.
Soft tissue injuries: Tearing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments; sprains; and strains.
Workers who suffer any of these injuries may be entitled to compensation from their employer or other responsible parties.
Types of Damages and Compensation From Oilfield Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that more than 4,000 oil field workers are injured each year, and more than 100 workers are killed annually on the job.
Particularly in Texas, roughly 45 workers are killed in oil rig accidents every year. At Sutliff & Stout, we understand the importance of securing fair compensation for our clients who have been injured in oilfield accidents.
In our practice, we’ve seen clients who have been injured in pipeline explosions, pipe-related incidents, chemical burns, trucking accidents, and well blowouts. These types of accidents can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work.
In addition to these more catastrophic accidents, oilfield workers are also at increased risk for other mundane workplace accidents. These can include work-related vehicle accidents, poorly maintained worksites, electrical malfunctions, falls, and malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment. While these accidents may seem less severe, they can still result in significant injuries that require medical attention and time away from work.
Regardless of the type of accident that caused your injuries, it is important to understand the types of damages and compensation that may be available to you. Some of the types of damages that may be available in an oilfield injury case include:
Medical expenses: This can include the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you have lost as a result.
Future lost earnings: If your injuries have left you unable to return to your previous job or have reduced your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
Pain and suffering: This can include compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Punitive damages: In some cases, if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages as a form of punishment.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Oilfield accidents can leave workers with severe injuries and uncertainty about their future. When faced with such a challenging situation, it is essential to have the right legal representation by your side.
At Sutliff & Stout, we understand the unique complexities of oilfield injury cases and the importance of having a specialized attorney to guide you through the legal process.
The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury claims is only two years, which means that you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Legal Strategies and Client Representation
Since oilfield workers operate in a highly specialized industry, there could easily be several liable parties involved in an accident. While oil and gas companies may conduct internal investigations, these cannot be relied upon to be accurate or impartial.
An independent third-party evaluation is absolutely essential to assess the true cause of your oilfield accident. If your employer or co-worker is at fault for your injury, you must first determine if you are covered by workers’ compensation. If not, you may be subject to a company plan that requires arbitration.
In some instances, neither you nor your employer may be responsible for your injuries. Defective machinery or the negligence of a third party could be the cause. In such cases, you can file a third-party claim against the negligent party.
Even if your company honors your workers’ compensation claim, you may still have cause to bring a claim against a third party that caused or contributed to your injuries.
If your company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to initiate a lawsuit against your employer to recover damages in some instances. Additionally, if faulty equipment design is responsible for your injuries, you can assert a product defect claim against the manufacturer.
The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact an oilfield injury attorney. At Sutliff & Stout, our consultations are free, and we work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge you attorney fees unless we win your case.
The Importance of Expertise and Personal Experience
At Sutliff & Stout, our experienced attorneys have seen many cases in which oilfield companies have attempted to bury evidence of wrongdoing and maliciously blame employees for accidents they were not responsible for.
The laws surrounding oilfield injuries are constantly evolving as companies seek out ways to increase their profit margins, so it is crucial to find a lawyer who understands the complexity of your particular claim.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, determine what we believe occurred, and bring claims against those responsible for your injuries.
Working with a Local Oilfield Injury Lawyer
The Lone Star State is home to a thriving oil and gas industry, but the work can be dangerous, and accidents are all too common. We know how important it is to have a local attorney by your side who understands the unique aspects of Texas law.
One of the key reasons to work with a local oilfield injury lawyer is their familiarity with state-specific laws and regulations. Texas has its own set of rules governing oilfield accidents and workers’ compensation claims.
Another important reason to work with a local oilfield injury lawyer is their knowledge of the local court system. This can be invaluable when it comes to ensuring that your case is handled efficiently and effectively.
A Texas-based lawyer will also have a network of local resources and contacts that can be crucial in building your case. This can include medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who can provide critical evidence and testimony in support of your claim.
Our attorneys at Sutliff & Stout have years of experience representing oilfield workers in Texas, and we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that these cases present. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and goals.
Past Results for Our Clients
$1,825,000.00
Oil Field Injury Case Settlement
Sutliff & Stout was retained to help a worker who was injured when the trailer upon which he was leaning was struck by an 18-wheeler. The client sustained injuries to his neck and lower back. Defendants argued that the impact was not sufficient to cause the client’s injuries. After investing over $89,000.00 in the case and preparing it for trial, we were able to obtain a net recovery to the client of $861,005.00 in addition to the payment of over $144,480.98 in medical expenses.
$1,500,000.00
Settlement on behalf of Oil Field Rough Neck
Client injured his knee when a section of casing was rolled into his leg. The client required a full knee replacement due to the already poor condition of his knee. Defendants argued that the client’s prior knee problems were the cause of his problems. Through various depositions and other efforts, we were able to demonstrate that the client’s problems stemmed from the collision and that his prior problems were not related. Through our efforts we were able to achieve a significant settlement that netted the client $822,394.00, as well as the payment of over $48,000.00 in medical expenses.
Contact A Texas Oilfield Injury Attorney Now
Seeking assistance from an award-winning Texas oilfield injury attorney could significantly impact your ability to secure the maximum compensation for your losses and ensure accountability for the suffering you endured.
At Sutliff & Stout, our dedicated legal team is committed to helping you fight for justice. You can trust us to safeguard your rights and prevent any exploitation by your employer’s insurance company.
We understand the urgency of your situation, which is why we promptly file your claim to expedite the process of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve.
Take the first step towards recovery by reaching out to us today. Call us at (713) 987-7111 for a free consultation, or send us a message through our secure online form.