Houston Oil Rig Injury Lawyer

If you’ve suffered an injury on an oil rig, you already know the devastating toll it can take on your life, your livelihood, and your family. Oil rig work is among the most dangerous professions in the United States, with high rates of severe injuries and fatalities. When oil companies and insurers try to downplay your suffering or deny your rightful claim, you need a Houston oil rig injury lawyer who is ready to go to war for you.

At Daly & Black, P.C., we’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for workers who’ve been wronged. Contact us today for a free consultation; you don’t pay unless we recover.

Why Oil Rig Injuries Are So Devastating

Oil rigs are high-risk environments where a single mistake or oversight can cause catastrophic accidents. The CDC reports that from 2014 to 2019, 470 workers died in oil and gas extraction—a rate significantly higher than in other industries. Those who survive these accidents are often left with life-changing injuries such as burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and long-term respiratory issues from chemical exposure.

For injured workers, the stakes are enormous. Lost wages, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future can leave families overwhelmed. Without aggressive legal representation, oil companies and insurers can manipulate the system to protect their profits at your expense.

Common Causes of Oil Rig Injuries

Government safety investigations, including reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have shown that the majority of oil rig accidents stem from preventable causes such as equipment failures, fires, and falls.

By exposing the most common sources of danger, these reports highlight just how critical it is for workers to understand the risks they face. The following subsections outline the leading causes of oil rig injuries and why they continue to endanger hardworking crews.

Explosions & Fires

Oil rigs use highly flammable materials under extreme pressure. Explosions and fires are common hazards that can cause severe burns, disfigurement, or death.

Equipment Failures

Heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and cranes often malfunction when not properly maintained. Equipment failures can crush, maim, or kill workers instantly.

Falls & Falling Objects

Oil rigs involve elevated platforms and constant overhead activity. Falls from heights and falling equipment or tools can result in catastrophic injuries.

Long-Term Exposure

Workers are also at risk from prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, noise, and repetitive strain, leading to chronic health problems that develop over time.

Common Injuries Suffered in Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield accidents result in a wide range of serious injuries. These include:

• Severe burns from fires and explosions.
• Crush injuries from heavy machinery or equipment.
• Head and brain trauma from falling objects.
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or long-term disability.
• Respiratory illnesses from inhaling chemicals or smoke.

These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation and may permanently affect your ability to return to work. That’s why pursuing a strong oil rig injury claim is essential.

Repetitive Movement and Chemical Exposure Injuries

Not all injuries occur in a single catastrophic event. Many oilfield workers develop chronic conditions over years of repetitive movements, such as lifting heavy equipment or operating tools in awkward positions.

Similarly, prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes can lead to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, or even certain cancers. These slow-developing injuries are just as devastating as sudden accidents and must be taken seriously when building a compensation claim.

Your Rights After an Oil Rig Injury

Filing an oil rig injury claim isn’t straightforward. Multiple bodies of law may apply depending on your role and where the accident occurred. A knowledgeable Houston oil rig injury lawyer can help you navigate these complexities.

The Jones Act

Provides special protections for seamen injured in the course of their work. If you qualify as a “seaman,” you may pursue compensation for negligence, unseaworthiness, and lost earning capacity.

Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

Extends coverage to non-seamen working on oil rigs or the Outer Continental Shelf. This act ensures injured workers still have access to compensation for medical care and lost wages.

Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

When an oil rig accident results in a fatality more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores, the Death on the High Seas Act may apply. This federal law allows surviving family members to recover damages for their loss, including financial support and funeral expenses.

Texas State Law

In some cases, state personal injury law applies. Texas allows injured oil rig workers to seek damages when negligence or safety violations caused their accident.

Framework for Long-Term Exposure Claims

Not all injuries stem from a single accident. When workers develop illnesses or chronic conditions from years of chemical exposure, toxic fumes, or repetitive strain, the law still provides avenues for recovery.

These cases are typically pursued under the same legal frameworks—such as the Jones Act for seamen, the Longshore Act for non-seamen, or state tort law for negligence—but with a focus on proving long-term exposure and cumulative harm rather than a single catastrophic incident.

This ensures that gradual, work-related injuries are treated with the same seriousness and entitlement to compensation as sudden accidents.

Who Qualifies as a Seaman?

A seaman is generally defined as someone who spends at least 30% of their work time contributing to the mission of a vessel in navigation. This status is crucial because it determines whether you qualify under the Jones Act or other maritime protections.

How a Houston Oil Rig Injury Lawyer Can Help

When you’re facing down oil companies and insurers, you need a law firm that won’t back down. Daly & Black, P.C., handles every step of the process so you can focus on recovery.

Investigating the Cause of the Accident

We work with experts to uncover the truth, gathering evidence that holds employers and third parties accountable.

Filing an Oil Rig Injury Claim

We ensure your claim is filed correctly, on time, and backed by the strongest evidence possible.

Negotiating vs. Fighting in Court

We take an aggressive stance in negotiations, but we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if the other side won’t pay what you deserve.

Pursuing the Full Compensation You May Be Entitled To

From medical expenses and lost wages to pain, suffering, and future care costs, we fight for maximum recovery.

Oil Rig Injury Rates in the U.S.

Studies show that oilfield workers face one of the highest workplace injury and fatality rates in the country. A review published by the National Institutes of Health found that between 2003 and 2010, the fatality rate in oil and gas extraction was seven times higher than the average for all U.S. industries.

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives permanently altered. That’s why Daly & Black take every case personally, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Houston workers who’ve been harmed.

How to Stay Safe in the Oilfield

While accidents can’t always be prevented, there are important steps workers and companies should take to reduce risks:

Routine Equipment Inspections and Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment can prevent devastating failures. Workers rely on machinery functioning correctly, and when companies cut corners, lives are put at risk.

Strict Adherence to Safety Protocols and Training

Following established safety protocols and ensuring every worker receives proper training is critical. Accidents often happen when shortcuts are taken or workers are not trained to recognize hazards.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE such as hard hats, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and respirators can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic injury. Employers must provide this equipment and enforce its use.

Proper Handling and Storage of Flammable Materials

Oil rigs are filled with highly combustible substances. Proper labeling, storage, and handling of these materials reduces the risk of explosions and fires that can cost lives.

Encouraging Workers to Report Hazards Without Fear of Retaliation

Workers on the front lines are often the first to notice unsafe conditions. A culture that allows hazard reporting without retaliation ensures dangerous issues are addressed before accidents occur.

Unfortunately, many oil companies cut corners on safety to increase profits. When that happens, it’s the workers who pay the price.

What to Do After an Oilfield Accident or Explosion

The steps you take immediately after an accident can have a major impact on your claim:

Get Medical Help Right Away

Your health and safety should always be the top priority. Seeking immediate medical care ensures that injuries are properly treated and creates official medical records that will support your claim.

Report the Incident

Notify your supervisor as soon as possible, but be cautious about providing detailed statements without legal guidance. Employers and insurers may attempt to use your words against you later.

Document Everything

Keep thorough records of your injuries, all medical treatment, and any expenses. Photos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and your injuries can be powerful evidence in your claim.

Contact a Lawyer

Before signing any forms, giving statements, or accepting a settlement, speak with a Houston oil rig injury lawyer. Having legal counsel from the beginning protects your rights and strengthens your ability to pursue fair compensation.

Oilfield Accidents Can Be Prevented

Many oilfield accidents happen because of negligence and preventable hazards. Over decades of representing injured workers, we’ve seen firsthand that explosions, fires, and equipment failures almost always trace back to safety shortcuts.

Companies have a clear duty to identify unsafe conditions, take corrective action, and put worker safety ahead of production deadlines. When they ignore that duty, accidents become inevitable.

Hazard Recognition and Communication

Accident prevention starts with recognizing potential hazards and communicating them clearly to the entire crew. Employers must conduct regular hazard assessments and job safety analyses (JHAs) to pinpoint risks before work begins.

They also have a responsibility to train workers on how to identify dangerous conditions, use protective measures, and stop work if the environment becomes unsafe. Without consistent inspections, clear safety plans, and transparent communication, preventable hazards go unchecked—and workers pay the price.

The Role of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)

One of the most effective ways to protect oilfield workers is through a Job Hazard Analysis. A JHA breaks down each task step-by-step to uncover potential risks before work begins. The process asks key questions: What could go wrong? What are the consequences? How could the hazard arise? What contributing factors exist? And how likely is the hazard to occur?

By addressing these questions, employers can design safe procedures and put controls in place to reduce or eliminate dangers.

For JHAs to be meaningful, management must follow through. That means correcting any hazards identified, implementing engineering or administrative controls when elimination isn’t possible, and restricting access to unsafe rigs or equipment until they are made safe.

Workers must also be trained on the specific hazards of the rig, well, and job site, and management must communicate safety plans before the job begins.

Without these commitments, JHAs are meaningless paperwork. With them, they become a vital tool to prevent oilfield accidents and protect lives.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on the Company After an Accident

Oil companies often claim to care about their workers, but when accidents happen, their priority is protecting their bottom line. Company lawyers and insurers are trained to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. Trusting them with your future is a costly mistake. Having your own legal advocate levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected.

The Daly & Black Difference

When you choose Daly & Black, you’re choosing more than a law firm—you’re choosing a weapon against the companies trying to shortchange you. We are:

Recognized by Super Lawyers

Our attorneys have consistently been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in litigation. This distinction is a reflection of our proven skill, reputation, and commitment to clients. We are multiple-time nominees and past winners of Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year, a distinction that stands as a strong testament to our commitment to delivering powerful representation for our clients.

Relentless Courtroom Advocacy and Strategic Negotiations

We are known for our aggressive litigation style and relentless advocacy. Whether it’s negotiating directly with insurers or standing before a jury, we are prepared to go the distance to secure justice. Our strategic approach ensures that clients receive every possible advantage at the bargaining table and in court.

Clear Communication with Clients

We believe that clients deserve to be fully informed at every stage of their case. At Daly & Black, communication is not an afterthought—it’s a priority. We explain the process in clear terms, keep clients updated on developments, and make ourselves available to answer questions so you are never left in the dark about your future.

At Daly & Black, we’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.

FAQ

What types of injuries qualify for an oil rig injury claim?

Severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, respiratory illnesses, and chronic conditions from exposure may all qualify.

What laws protect oil rig workers in Houston?

Depending on your role, you may be protected under the Jones Act, the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or Texas personal injury law.

How long do I have to file an oil rig injury claim in Texas?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file. Maritime law may impose different deadlines, so contacting an attorney promptly is critical.

What compensation can I recover after an oil rig injury?

You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future medical care.

Do I need a Houston oil rig injury lawyer if my employer already has insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies work to minimize payouts. Having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact a Houston Oil Rig Injury Lawyer Today

Don’t wait while oil companies and insurers build their defense against you. Call Daly & Black today to speak with a Houston oil rig injury lawyer who is ready to fight for your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call now or schedule your free consultation online.