Understanding Legal Responsibility in Gas Field Injuries in Oklahoma

Working in the Oklahoma gas fields is an often-profitable but dangerous job. The combination of heavy machinery, flammable materials, and crowded job sites makes accidents and injuries inevitable. Understanding liability in gas field accidents is the first step to recovering fair compensation and rebuilding your life after an injury.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Gas Field Accident?

Who’s liable for a gas field accident depends on how the incident happened and who failed to follow safety procedures. Several parties may be responsible, including:

• The Gas or Oil Company Overseeing the Site – The company in charge may be liable if it didn’t take steps to minimize dangers at the site. For example, the company might have neglected safety training, ignored safety standards, or forced employees to work long, unsafe hours.
• Contractors or Subcontractors – Third-party crews at gas fields may skip safety checks, rush jobs, or use unsafe methods to save time or money. They might be liable if these careless actions cause an accident.
• Equipment Manufacturers – A defective valve, pipe, or rig part can cause explosions or leaks. Manufacturers may be liable for faulty designs or poor-quality parts that cause an accident.
• Site Supervisors or Foremen – Supervisors who ignore hazards, fail to enforce safety rules, or allow unsafe behavior are often liable for accidents.
• Property Owners or Landowners – Whoever owns the land could be liable if they knew about dangerous conditions and didn’t fix them. The same principle applies if the property owner didn’t warn workers of potential dangers.
• Maintenance Companies – Poorly serviced equipment at gas fields can fail under pressure. Maintenance crews that skip inspections or do careless work may be liable if their carelessness causes an accident.
• Truck Drivers or Delivery Companies – Drivers hauling fuel or chemicals who speed, ignore warnings, or park unsafely often cause accidents at gas fields. These careless drivers and their employers or supervisors could be liable in these situations.

Compensation Available to Gas Field Injury Victims

You have two primary sources of compensation for your injuries after a gas field accident. The first is workers’ compensation benefits, and the second is a personal injury claim. Let’s examine both options to see how they might apply to your situation:

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Gas Field Injuries

Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system provides financial support for employees who get hurt on the job. Most full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers qualify for workers’ comp, and you don’t have to prove your employer was at fault to claim benefits. As long as you’re an eligible employee – not an independent contractor – you could receive benefits after a gas field accident. Your benefits could include:

• Medical Benefits – Workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury. Eligible treatments include emergency room care, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up visits. Your employer or their insurer chooses which doctor you see unless you need emergency treatment.
• Temporary Disability Benefits – If your injury totally prevents you from working for a while, you may receive weekly payments. These benefits provide a portion of your pre-injury wages up to certain limits under state law. Temporary disability benefits continue until you can return to work or further treatments won’t meaningfully improve your condition.
• Permanent Disability Benefits – You might qualify for permanent benefits if your injury causes lasting physical or mental harm. You’ll receive partial disability benefits if you can work with limitations or total disability benefits if you can’t work at all. The benefit amount depends on your injury’s severity and its impact on your earning capacity.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits – If you can’t return to your previous job, workers’ comp may pay for retraining or job placement services. You can receive help to learn new skills, find a different job, or adjust to a different type of work.

Personal Injury Claims After Oklahoma Gas Field Injuries

While you usually can’t sue your employer for a gas field accident, you can sue others who caused or contributed to your injuries. To recover compensation, you must prove the other party acted carelessly or violated safety rules. The trade-off for needing to prove fault is that these claims cover losses that workers’ comp doesn’t, such as:

• The full amount of your lost income and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Damaged personal property

Protecting Your Rights After an Oklahoma Gas Field Injury

A gas field injury can have catastrophic, lifelong effects. Acting quickly and taking proper steps is essential for protecting your legal rights and future. Here’s what to do:

• Report the Injury Immediately – Tell your supervisor or manager about the accident as soon as possible. Oklahoma law requires you to report your injury within 30 days to protect your workers’ compensation claim. Furthermore, you must submit your workers’ comp claim within one year under a recent change to state law.
• Document Everything – Write down what happened, when it happened, and who witnessed the accident. Take photos of the scene and your injuries if you can.
• Follow All Medical Instructions – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Skipping care could hurt your workers’ comp or personal injury case by making your injuries seem less severe.
• Keep Copies of Records – Save copies of your medical records, accident reports, and communication with your employer or their insurance company. You’ll need these records to illustrate your injuries and demonstrate who caused the accident.
• Be Careful When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters – Adjusters may try to get you to downplay your injuries. Stick to the facts and avoid guessing or speculating about who or what caused your injury.
• Consult a Lawyer – A lawyer can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and handle any claims against liable third parties. Remember: Oklahoma law requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of an accident.

Contact Our Oklahoma Gas Field Injury Lawyers Now

No matter who caused your injuries, Abel Law Firm can help you fight for fair compensation. Trust us to handle the legal work while you focus on healing. Call (405) 239-7046 or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an Oklahoma gas field accident lawyer.