Texas has always been a large player in the oil and gas industry, although the recent discoveries in the Eagle Ford Shale have thrust the region as a major player once again in the oil and gas industry. Since the initial discovery in the south Texas region in 2008, all of Texas has experienced a boom in oil and gas production, as well as a corresponding boom in oil field job opportunities. However, along with the increased production has also come the increased potential for oil rig accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil rig accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from your resulting injuries.

Oil field workers are often trained on the job as contract workers. The oil and gas industry fluctuates with market supply and demand; therefore, jobs frequently come and go, necessitating the need for contract workers. However, along with the prevalence of contract workers comes the potential for untrained professionals and potential incidents that could occur. Additionally, oil rig workers often work shifts that are typically between 12-14 hours, although can extend up to 24 hours in one sitting. The exhaustion that comes with this type of work can easily lead to mistakes

In 2013, National Public Radio highlighted the fact that while oil and gas companies added 23 percent additional workers between 2009 and 2012, 138 workers were killed on the job throughout the United States in 2012 alone. This number represents a staggering figure of approximately eight times higher than the ordinary industry rate of 3.2 deaths per every 100,000 workers. While oil and gas companies are urged to continue to impose strict safety procedures on oil rig workers, not every company follows these procedure, which can lead to tragic results.

Oil rig accidents can often involve oil rig fires or even explosions. While oil rigs are strictly regulated by both the state and federal government in an effort to curb the number of tragic incidents, accidents do still occur and can have a devastating impact on the injured oil rig workers and their families.

As the victim of an oil rig accident, you are entitled to bring a claim against the responsible party which can include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

An experienced oil and gas attorney will be able to assist you in calculating the extent of damages you are entitled to receive as a result of an oil rig accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil rig accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling oil rig accidents and the corresponding injuries that result from these devastating accidents. He has been representing clients in the oil and gas industry for years and understands the toll severe accidents can have on oil rig workers. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.