If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident near Austin or Central Texas, McFarlane Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our firm has deep roots in representing workers and families affected by oilfield negligence, and we understand the complex web of liability, federal safety regulations, and corporate insurance tactics that define these cases.
Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production, and the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and Central Texas operations employ thousands of workers who face dangerous conditions every day. When employers and contractors cut corners on safety, the consequences can be catastrophic — or fatal. At McFarlane Law, we hold negligent parties accountable.
Common Oilfield Accidents in Austin and Central Texas
Oilfield work is among the most hazardous occupations in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks oil and gas extraction among the deadliest industries. Common oilfield accidents our Austin attorneys handle include:
- Drilling rig accidents — Equipment malfunctions, rig collapses, and caught-between incidents on active drilling sites cause severe crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities.
- Well blowouts and explosions — Uncontrolled releases of oil or gas can result in massive explosions, severe burns, blast injuries, and toxic chemical exposure.
- Pipeline ruptures — Aging infrastructure, corrosion, and improper maintenance lead to pipeline explosions that endanger workers and nearby communities.
- Falls from elevated platforms — Derricks, platforms, and scaffolding present constant fall hazards, especially when guardrails are missing or damaged.
- Transportation accidents — Truck accidents involving oilfield vehicles, including tanker trucks, heavy equipment haulers, and crew transport vehicles, are common on rural Texas roads.
- Chemical and toxic exposure — Workers exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), benzene, silica dust from fracking operations, and other toxic substances may suffer respiratory damage, cancer, or neurological injuries.
- Fires and thermal burns — Flash fires, equipment fires, and contact with superheated surfaces cause devastating burn injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
- Electrocution — Contact with overhead power lines during rig moves or faulty electrical systems on drilling sites can cause fatal or life-altering electrical injuries.
Oilfield Injuries We Handle
Oilfield accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that change lives permanently. Our Austin oilfield injury attorneys have experience with cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Caused by blasts, falls, or struck-by incidents on the rig
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis — Resulting from falls, equipment failures, or vehicle rollovers
- Severe burns — From explosions, flash fires, or chemical exposure requiring skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation
- Amputations and crush injuries — From heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and caught-between hazards
- Respiratory and lung disease — From prolonged exposure to silica, H2S, or other toxic substances
- Wrongful death — When oilfield negligence takes a life, families deserve justice and financial security
Texas Oilfield Safety Regulations
The oil and gas industry is governed by a complex framework of federal and state safety regulations. When these regulations are violated, it creates powerful evidence of negligence in an injury claim. Key regulatory bodies and standards include:
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulates general workplace safety on oilfield sites, including fall protection, hazard communication, and lockout/tagout procedures. OSHA violations are frequently cited in oilfield accident investigations.
MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) governs safety at mining operations that often overlap with oil and gas extraction sites in Texas.
PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) regulates pipeline safety, inspection schedules, and emergency response protocols for pipeline operations.
Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) is the state agency responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas, including well drilling permits, safety inspections, and environmental compliance.
When oilfield operators, drilling companies, or contractors violate these regulations, they can be held liable for injuries and deaths that result from their negligence.
Employer vs. Contractor Liability in Oilfield Cases
One of the most complex aspects of oilfield injury cases is determining who is liable. Modern oilfield operations typically involve multiple companies working on the same site, creating a web of potential liability:
Operating companies (the company that owns the well or lease) have a duty to maintain safe conditions on site, even for contract workers. If an operator knew about hazardous conditions and failed to address them, they may be liable.
Drilling contractors are responsible for the safety of drilling operations and their employees. If a drilling contractor provides defective equipment or inadequate training, they bear liability for resulting injuries.
Service companies — including fracking crews, wireline operators, and well servicing companies — are responsible for their own operations and equipment safety.
Equipment manufacturers may be liable under product liability theories if defective drilling equipment, blowout preventers, or safety devices contributed to the accident.
Because Texas does not allow most employees to sue their direct employer for workplace injuries (workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy), identifying third-party defendants is critical to maximizing recovery. Our Austin oilfield accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify every responsible party.
McFarlane Law’s Oilfield Accident Experience
McFarlane Law is not a general practice firm that occasionally handles oilfield cases. Our attorneys have dedicated experience in the oil and gas industry, and we understand the technical, regulatory, and legal complexities that define these claims. We work with industry experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and safety engineers to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for oilfield workers and their families across Texas. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Compensation Available for Oilfield Accident Victims
Oilfield accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Medical expenses — Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
- Lost wages — Current and future income lost due to injury or disability
- Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Disability and disfigurement — Compensation for permanent limitations and scarring
- Punitive damages — In cases involving gross negligence or willful safety violations
- Wrongful death damages — Lost financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish for surviving family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for an oilfield injury in Texas?
In most cases, if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you cannot sue them directly. However, Texas allows employers to opt out of workers’ comp (non-subscriber employers), and you may have claims against third-party contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. Our attorneys identify all potential sources of recovery.
What is the statute of limitations for an oilfield accident claim in Texas?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may shorten or extend this deadline. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How much does it cost to hire an oilfield accident attorney?
McFarlane Law handles oilfield accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There is no risk to you.
What should I do immediately after an oilfield accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to your supervisor, document the scene with photos if possible, obtain names of witnesses, and contact an experienced oilfield accident attorney before giving any recorded statements to insurance companies or company representatives.
What if the oilfield accident caused a death?
Texas wrongful death law allows surviving family members (spouse, children, and parents) to file a claim for damages including lost financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys guide families through this difficult process.
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident in Austin or Central Texas, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact McFarlane Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.