Texans like to hear that there is a booming oil industry. It’s, of course, good for the state’s economy. However, it’s a different story when there is a boom in oilfield fatalities.
In 2014, 142 U.S. oilfield employees died. Seventy-one of those employees died in Texas. From 2010 to 2014, 270 of the 615 U.S. oilfield deaths occurred in Texas. This represents 44 percent of the nationwide deaths during this period.
When an on-the-job fatality occurs in the oil industry, a federal investigation is triggered to look into the circumstances surrounding the death. Oilfield deaths can happen in a variety of catastrophic ways, including electrocution, being crushed or burned, and falling. These investigations can result in hefty penalties for the companies who employed the workers who faced danger and tragically lost their lives, but these penalties can never replace the presence of a lost loved one, both emotionally and financially.
As the family of a loved one who died on the job, you are undoubtedly overcome with grief. However, it is important to know that you may have legal rights to pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of the deceased’s income, among other damages.
If you lost a loved one in an oilfield fatality, contact a board certified personal injury attorney to evaluate your potential claim..
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]