Oilfield Wrongful Death

When an oilfield accident takes the life of a worker, the grief and devastation experienced by their family is compounded by sudden financial uncertainty — lost income, mounting funeral expenses, and an uncertain future. Texas oilfield operations claim the lives of workers every year through preventable accidents including well blowouts, equipment failures, vehicle collisions, H2S exposure, fires, and explosions. McFarlane Law’s oilfield wrongful death lawyers provide compassionate, aggressive representation to families who have lost loved ones in Texas oilfield fatalities, fighting to secure the financial security and justice these families deserve while holding the responsible companies accountable for their negligence.

Leading Causes of Fatal Oilfield Accidents in Texas

The most common causes of fatal oilfield accidents in Texas include vehicle accidents during commutes and transport operations, which consistently represent the leading cause of oilfield worker fatalities. Struck-by incidents from falling objects, swinging equipment, and moving vehicles on well pads are the second leading cause of death. Caught-in and caught-between incidents involving heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and moving parts claim multiple lives each year.

Explosions and fires from well blowouts, pipeline ruptures, tank battery incidents, and processing facility failures cause some of the most devastating multi-fatality incidents in the industry. H2S exposure events can kill within minutes when workers enter areas with lethal hydrogen sulfide concentrations without adequate respiratory protection. Falls from derricks, production platforms, and elevated equipment during maintenance and inspection operations are another significant cause of fatal oilfield injuries.

Who Can File an Oilfield Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a deceased oilfield worker have the right to bring a wrongful death claim against the parties responsible for the fatal accident. These claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, making it critical for families to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after a fatal oilfield accident.

In addition to wrongful death claims, a survival action may be brought on behalf of the deceased worker’s estate to recover damages for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish the worker experienced between the time of injury and the time of death. These claims provide additional avenues of compensation that can be significant in cases where the worker survived for a period after the accident.

Damages in Oilfield Wrongful Death Cases

Texas wrongful death damages are designed to compensate the family for the losses they have suffered due to their loved one’s death. These include loss of the deceased worker’s earning capacity — often substantial for oilfield workers earning well above average wages — for the remainder of their expected working life. Loss of companionship, love, comfort, and counsel recognizes the profound personal loss experienced by spouses, children, and parents. Loss of household services, inheritance, and the guidance and nurturing that the deceased would have provided to their children are additional recoverable damages.

Mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members is a separately compensable damage in Texas wrongful death cases. In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct by the responsible parties, exemplary (punitive) damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. McFarlane Law works with economists and vocational experts to fully quantify the financial impact of each wrongful death to ensure families receive the compensation they need for long-term financial security.

Compassionate Representation for Grieving Families

McFarlane Law understands that no amount of money can replace a loved one lost in an oilfield accident. Our attorneys approach every wrongful death case with the sensitivity and respect that grieving families deserve, while simultaneously conducting aggressive investigations and litigation to hold responsible parties accountable. We handle every aspect of the legal process so families can focus on healing.

If your family has lost a loved one in a Texas oilfield accident, McFarlane Law offers free, confidential consultations to discuss your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis and advance all case costs, ensuring that families have access to top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial circumstances. Contact us today to speak with an oilfield wrongful death attorney who will fight for your family’s future.

Related Practice Areas

• Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyer — Back to main oilfield injury page
• Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
• Texas Workplace Injury Lawyer
• Texas Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Texas Personal Injury Lawyer

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