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Determining Fault in Texas Oilfield Explosions
Oilfield explosions can be a disaster, causing severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. Workers and their families face astronomical medical bills, the stress of losing income from work, and struggle with extreme emotional distress. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield explosion, identifying the at-fault parties is a critical first step in securing the compensation you deserve.
At The Kahn Law Firm, P.C., we are a husband-and-wife legal team based in Pearland, Texas, and we bring over 20 years of experience helping injured Texans achieve fair settlements and jury awards. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield explosion, contact us at 713-999-6549 for a free consultation to discuss seeking compensation for all damages.
Common Causes of Oilfield Explosions
Oilfields are inherently dangerous workplaces, but explosions are preventable. Some of the most common causes of oilfield explosions include:
- Improper storage of flammable chemicals
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Failure to follow safety protocols
- Gas leaks or pressure buildup
- Lack of proper employee training
- Electrical malfunctions
When safety regulations are ignored, or corners are cut, workers can suffer severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even wrongful death.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Oilfield Explosions?
Determining liability in an oilfield explosion can be complex because multiple parties are involved in oil and gas operations. Potentially responsible parties may include the following:
- Oil and gas companies: The company overseeing the operation may be liable if they fail to enforce safety protocols or provide adequate employee training.
- Contractors and subcontractors: Many oilfield jobs are outsourced to contractors. They could be held accountable if a contractor’s negligence caused the explosion.
- Equipment manufacturers: If defective equipment played a role in the explosion, the manufacturer may be liable in a product liability claim.
- Property owners: The landowner could share liability if unsafe property conditions contributed to the explosion.
- Third-party vendors: Companies providing transportation or equipment maintenance services may also be found liable if acts of negligence played a part in the accident.
How to Prove Negligence in an Oilfield Explosion Case
To pursue compensation for your injuries, your personal injury lawyer must prove that another party’s negligence caused the explosion. This typically involves demonstrating the following:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care.
In Texas, oilfield operators, contractors, and equipment manufacturers are legally obligated to maintain a safe working environment. This duty of care includes following safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Railroad Commission of Texas. Employers must provide proper training, maintain equipment, and enforce safety protocols to protect workers from harm.
- They breached that duty through negligent actions or inactions.
A breach of duty occurs when the responsible party failed to uphold safety standards or acted in a reckless manner, putting lives at risk. Examples of oilfield negligence include failure to repair faulty equipment, inadequate employee training, or disregarding safety procedures. In Texas, proving this breach often involves showing that the company violated OSHA regulations or industry safety standards, putting workers at unnecessary risk.
- The breach directly caused the explosion and your injuries.
It must be demonstrated that the negligent actions or inactions were the direct cause of the explosion. This could involve showing how poorly maintained equipment or improper storage of flammable materials led to the incident. Expert testimony, accident reports, and safety inspections can help establish this critical link between the breach and your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result.
In an oilfield explosion case, injured workers have directly measurable financial damages and may also be entitled to compensation for future medical care and reduced earning capacity. Detailed documentation of treatments, pay stubs, and how the injuries have impacted your ability to work will strengthen your claim. An experienced Texas oilfield injury lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our oilfield accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate what occurred, gathering critical evidence such as maintenance records, safety reports, and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Compensation Can I Recover After an Oilfield Explosion?
Victims of oilfield explosions may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses: These include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and ongoing treatments necessary to recover from your injuries. Keeping detailed records of all medical bills is essential to ensure full compensation.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover income lost during your recovery. This includes past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond financial losses, you may be eligible for compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This can include anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Ongoing rehabilitation costs: Many oilfield explosion victims require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other long-term treatments to regain mobility and function. These expenses can add up over time and should be factored into your claim.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in permanent impairment, you may be entitled to compensation for the lasting impact on your ability to work and quality of life. This may include prosthetics, home modifications, and long-term medical care.
- Wrongful death damages: Families of workers killed in oilfield explosions may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering caused by their loss. Texas law allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims against negligent parties.
Why Choose The Kahn Law Firm, P.C.?
After an oilfield explosion, choosing the right personal injury attorney can make all the difference in your recovery. The Kahn Law Firm, P.C. is a small, compassionate firm that treats clients like family—not just case numbers. Our husband-and-wife legal team offers personalized attention, guiding you through the legal process while fighting to protect your rights.
With over 20 years of experience, we understand how to take on powerful oil companies and their insurers. We offer free consultations; you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield explosion in Pearland or anywhere in Texas, let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Contact The Kahn Law Firm, P.C. at 713-999-6549 today for a free consultation to discuss your oilfield explosion injury case. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
