Texas Oilfield Injury Attorney — When the Oil & Gas Industry’s Negligence Puts You in Danger
Oilfield and oil & gas industry jobs are among the most dangerous in Texas. From drilling rigs and pipeline work to refineries and fracking sites, workers face serious injury risks every single day. When oilfield companies cut corners on safety, fail to maintain equipment, or push workers beyond safe limits — people get catastrophically hurt. RTM PLLC fights for injured oilfield workers and their families throughout Texas, pursuing every responsible party for the full compensation they deserve.
Why Oilfield Work Is Among the Most Dangerous Jobs in Texas
The oil and gas industry operates under extreme conditions — high pressure equipment, explosive chemicals, heavy machinery, remote locations, and grueling schedules that push workers to exhaustion. Texas leads the nation in oilfield fatalities. The combination of dangerous conditions and intense production pressure creates an environment where accidents are not just possible — they are predictable. When companies prioritize production over safety, workers pay the price.
Common Oilfield Situations RTM PLLC Handles
- Blowouts and explosions on drilling rigs
- Pipeline ruptures and fires
- Refinery explosions and chemical releases
- Equipment failures — cranes, derricks, and heavy machinery
- Falls from elevated platforms, rigs, and tanks
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas exposure and toxic chemical inhalation
- Struck-by accidents from falling equipment and tools
- Caught-in accidents involving rotating machinery and equipment
- Electrocution from power lines and electrical equipment
- Vehicle accidents on oilfield roads and locations — including trucks and heavy equipment
- Overexertion and fatigue-related accidents from excessive hours
Serious Injuries From Texas Oilfield Catastrophes
- Severe burns — from explosions, fires, and chemical exposure
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Toxic exposure injuries — lung damage, organ failure, and chemical burns
- Amputations and crush injuries from machinery
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Hearing loss from industrial noise exposure
- Wrongful death — when an oilfield accident takes a loved one’s life
Multiple Companies Are Often Responsible — RTM PLLC Pursues All of Them
Oilfield operations involve layers of companies — operators, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and service companies. When an accident happens, liability rarely falls on just one party. RTM PLLC conducts a thorough investigation to identify every responsible party and every insurance policy available — because in oilfield cases the difference between pursuing one defendant and multiple defendants can mean the difference between partial and full compensation.
- Well operators and production companies
- Drilling contractors and their subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers — when defective equipment caused the injury
- Pipeline companies responsible for safe pipeline operations
- Refinery and processing plant operators
- Transportation and trucking companies operating on oilfield locations
- Third-party service companies on the job site
Many Oilfield Employers in Texas Are Non-Subscribers — Which May Benefit You
Many oilfield companies in Texas opt out of the workers’ compensation system — making them non-subscribers. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you have the right to sue them directly for negligence and recover full damages including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and in cases of gross negligence — punitive damages. RTM PLLC determines your employer’s coverage status immediately and identifies the legal path that maximizes your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Texas Oilfield Injury?
- All past and future medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages for all time missed from work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to oilfield work
- Pain and suffering — past and future
- Mental anguish and psychological injuries
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful safety violations
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Oilfield Injury Claims
Can I file a lawsuit even if I signed a safety waiver before starting work? In most cases yes. Waivers that attempt to eliminate an employer’s liability for negligence are frequently unenforceable under Texas law — especially in cases involving serious injury or death. Do not assume a waiver eliminates your rights. Contact RTM PLLC for a free evaluation.
What if I was classified as an independent contractor on the oilfield? Independent contractor classification does not automatically eliminate your right to compensation. Texas law looks at the actual working relationship — not just the label. RTM PLLC evaluates your contractor status and identifies every legal claim available to you regardless of how you were classified.
How long do I have to file an oilfield injury lawsuit in Texas? Generally two years from the date of injury for negligence claims. However oilfield evidence — including equipment maintenance records, safety logs, and incident reports — can disappear quickly. Contact RTM PLLC immediately to begin preserving critical evidence.
Injured in a Texas Oilfield Accident? RTM PLLC Is Ready to Fight for You.
Oilfield companies and their insurers move fast after an accident to protect themselves. You need an attorney moving just as fast to protect you. Call RTM PLLC today at (254) 421-4442 for a free confidential consultation. No fee unless we win