Working in an oil field may have the same level of danger as working at a construction site, if not more. Working with heavy machinery, working at heights, moving heavy items from one place to another, and being around toxic fumes can have several negative consequences. With that, there is the additional risk of being in a fire or, worse, an explosion.
If you are a worker in an oil field industry and have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve legal compensation for your damages. You have the right to retain an attorney to help you maximize your compensation. For strong legal representation, speak to a Texas oilfield accident attorney immediately after your accident.
Compensation in your oil field accident
An attorney can help you maximize your compensation after an oil field accident. The truth is that compensation depends on the specific circumstances of your case. It is also highly dependent on the severity of your injuries.
However, there are certain standard damages that are awarded in almost all personal injury cases, which include the following:
- medical bills and expenses
- pain and suffering
- mental anguish and emotional distress
- permanent disability
- lost wages
- permanent disfigurement
Chances are your compensation will increase depending on whether there are anticipated future costs. Loss of earning capacity, future medical costs, future in-house help, etc., are some of the damages that come under future losses.
Punitive damages
Apart from the compensation for the monetary losses you suffer, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are additional amounts of money that may be awarded to the victim if it is proved that the conduct of the responsible party or parties is particularly reckless or egregious.
There are two purposes for awarding punitive damages. First is that the victim receives money, and second, the liable party is punished so as not to encourage this behavior in the future.
Workers’ comp or third-party liability?
Many workers who get injured on their job site in the oil field industry opt for workers’ comp. While workers’ comp can compensate the victim for their medical bills and lost wages, they do not award other damages like pain and suffering. If your injury results from defective equipment, you can file a third-party claim and get additional compensation.
Third-party claims are usually filed against equipment manufacturers, designers, truck drivers, or other third parties apart from the employer. Speak with an attorney in Texas to discuss your options today.
