Our Results Make a Difference
Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients
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13 Million Work Injury
Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.
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$5 Million Catastrophic Amputation
We represented a worker who was injured due to the negligence of his company. A forklift operator failed to keep a proper lookout as the company failed to properly train the operator in how to safely operate the forklift.
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$3.25 Million Construction Accident
We obtained a $3.25 million result on behalf of an individual who was injured after a construction site scaffold failure.
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$3 Million+ Construction Accident
Our team obtained a $3 million+ construction accident settlement on behalf of a client who was injured at work.
What Is an Oil Field Injury?
In New Mexico, oil field injuries occur within the oil and gas industry workplaces, such as drilling sites, refineries, or pipeline areas. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious harm, such as burns and life-threatening conditions like traumatic brain injuries. Severe oil field injuries can even result in long-term disabilities, making it crucial to consult with a trusted oil field injury attorney who can seek justice on your behalf.
Types of Oil Field Injuries
Oil field workers can sustain various types of injuries on the job, such as:
- Burns and explosions: Oil fields are inherently dangerous due to the highly flammable materials used. Workers may sustain severe burns and injuries from explosions, potentially leading to permanent disfigurement or disability.
- Crush injuries: Heavy machinery and equipment are commonplace in the oil industry, increasing the risk of crush injuries. These can result in broken bones, internal injuries, and even amputation.
- Falls: Workers often need to climb rigs and other structures, increasing the risk of falls from height. Such falls can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, concussions, or spinal injuries.
- Hearing loss: Constant exposure to loud noises within the oil fields can lead to permanent hearing loss, impacting workers' ability to communicate effectively and maintain their quality of life.
- Toxic exposure: Oil field workers are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals and gases. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even certain types of cancer.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Whether due to falls, being struck by equipment, or explosions, traumatic brain injuries can occur and have life-altering consequences, affecting cognitive and physical functions.
What Causes Oil Field Injuries?
Working in the oil field industry is inherently risky for many reasons. From heavy machinery to hazardous materials to the high-pressure environments that workers are exposed to on a daily basis, oil employees are vulnerable to serious injuries. In many cases, these dangers can also extend to contractors, subcontractors, and site visitors.
There are various reasons why oil field accidents occur. Common causes of oil field injuries include:
- Malfunctioning equipment: Heavy machinery and equipment are integral to oil field operations. Defects, poor maintenance, and improper use of machinery can lead to severe accidents and injuries in the oil industry.
- Insufficient training: Oil field work entails complex operations, and proper training and knowledge are crucial to reduce risks and limit accidents. A lack of adequate training can result in workers not understanding the risks involved or how to operate machinery safely, increasing the risk of oil field injuries.
- Inadequate safety measures: Employers in the oil field industry are responsible for ensuring a safe work environment. If safety measures aren’t properly implemented or enforced, the risk of oil field accidents and injuries can increase.