Carlsbad Oil Field Injury Attorneys

• Burns. Given the prevalent risk of fires and explosions in oil fields, burn injuries are a common outcome. These can range from first-degree burns, affecting only the outer layer of skin, to third-degree burns that damage deeper tissues, leading to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and even loss of function in the affected areas.
• Broken bones and fractures. Accidents involving heavy machinery, falls, and vehicle collisions often result in broken bones and fractures. Depending on the severity, these injuries can necessitate complex surgeries and extensive recovery periods, sometimes leading to permanent disability.
• Respiratory disorders. Exposure to harmful chemicals and gases can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and various types of lung cancer. These conditions can significantly impact a worker's quality of life and may require lifelong medical attention.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are a frequent outcome of falls, equipment failures, and vehicular accidents. They can range from mild concussions to catastrophic brain damage, often leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and in extreme cases, permanent disability or death.
• Spinal cord injuries. Falls from substantial heights, heavy machinery accidents, and vehicle collisions can all result in spinal cord damage. Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically changing the course of a worker's life.

These injuries underscore the substantial physical risks that oil field workers face daily. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we understand the life-altering implications of these injuries and are committed to ensuring that affected workers receive the compensation they need to move forward.

Recovering Compensation for Oil Field Injuries in Carlsbad, NM

If you suffered an injury while working in an oil field in New Mexico, you may have one or more options for recovering compensation. If you are an employee, your employer likely carries workers’ compensation insurance. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can obtain benefits that cover your medical care as well as a portion of your lost income. Crucially, you do not need to prove fault or negligence to secure workers’ compensation benefits. However, New Mexico’s workers’ compensation insurance laws generally limit your ability to sue your employer. 

If a third party’s negligence caused your oil field injuries, you typically have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim against them. A “third party” refers to anyone who is not your employer or a co-worker. For example, if you were injured in a work-related vehicular collision and the other driver is not affiliated with your employer, you could sue the negligent driver for damages. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover non-economic damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, which are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. 

Why You Should Hire an Attorney to Help with Your Oil Field Injury Case in Carlsbad, NM

Hiring legal professionals to help with your workers' compensation claim or third-party personal injury claim can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable resolution. Our Carlsbad oil field injury lawyers’ comprehensive knowledge and experience in dealing with such cases can prove invaluable when it comes to navigating what can often be complex and daunting legal processes. 

Unfortunately, workers' compensation claims are not always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies sometimes attempt to deny your worker's compensation claim to minimize their financial liability. They may argue that the injury did not occur at work, is not as serious as claimed, or was pre-existing. Insurance companies may also employ tactics such as misconstruing the language in the policy to their advantage or delaying the processing of claims in the hope that you will accept a lesser amount out of desperation. Insurance adjusters might seem friendly and helpful, but remember that they work for the insurance company, not you. Their primary goal is to save their employer money, often at your expense. This underscores the importance of having experienced legal advocates on your side to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

In addition to assisting with your workers’ compensation claim, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the oil field accident to determine whether you have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim. This process is separate from your workers’ compensation claim, and you must be able to demonstrate that the third party’s negligence caused your injuries. We can help you gather the necessary evidence, prove negligence, and build a compelling case on your behalf.

Legal proceedings can be emotionally draining, especially when you are also dealing with the physical and psychological aftermath of a workplace accident. Having our team to handle your claim allows you to focus on your recovery while we manage the complicated and stressful legal aspects of your case.

Finally, hiring our lawyers shows the insurance companies and other parties involved in your case that you are serious about receiving fair compensation. This alone can sometimes influence the willingness of insurance companies to offer a reasonable settlement. Without an attorney, you may be viewed as an easy target for lowball settlement offers or even claim denials.

We are committed to fighting for the rights of injured oil field workers. Explore your legal options with our Carlsbad oil field injury attorneys today by calling (505) 388-0066 or contacting us online.