Texas Oilfield Worker Dies in Accident

On March 15, 2017, an oilfield worker was killed near Alvin, TX when he was crushed by a heavy piece of equipment known as a snatch block, which came loose from its moorings.

Why Oilfield Accidents Happen

Unfortunately, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured in oilfield accidents each year. These include fires, explosions, accidents involving trucks and other vehicles, crane failures, equipment collapses and many more. In many of these incidents, the reason is negligence on the part of an oilfield employer. In many others, the cause is a malfunctioning piece of defective equipment.

These are just a few of the other reasons these tragedies occur:

• Improper supervision of employees
• Inadequate employee training
• Lack of proper training in safety procedures
• Lack of proper safety equipment
• Fatigue and/or poor decision-making on the part of employees due to long working hours

While none of these reasons are acceptable, the last one involving fatigued oilfield workers is particularly galling. Employees are typically forced to put in incredibly long hours without getting proper rest due to immense pressure. Employers also commonly put profits before safety and cut corners as a result.

Laws in several states allow injured oilfield workers, or the family members of oilfield employees who have been killed, to sue the parties responsible for accidents. Manufacturers of faulty equipment, as well as employers, may be liable for damages if they are found to be to blame.

Please get in touch with Baron & Budd if you or someone close to you has suffered harm due to an oilfield accident. We may be able to help you obtain compensation. Please give us a call at 866-974-0818 or complete our contact form to learn more.