What Does an Oilfield Injury Lawyer Do?

Oil and gas workers face dangers on the job every day. Nearly two thousand oil and gas workers were injured in 2020, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Even more tragic, 69 oilfield workers were killed in 2017, according to data published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

If you were injured while working on the oilfield, you may need an oilfield injury attorney. But what does an oilfield injury lawyer do? And how do you know if you need one? Here, we’ll explain the typical role of an oilfield injury attorney in an accident claim.

Meets with Accident Victims

Injured oil workers may decide to hire an attorney for various reasons. Perhaps your insurance company isn’t paying all your medical bills or your employer is trying to blame you for the accident.

Whatever the reason, if you think you aren’t receiving fair injury compensation, you’ll want to consult with an attorney. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, where you can get to know them, explain your situation, and get their legal recommendations.

Gathers Information

After you hire an attorney, they’ll ask for all your accident evidence. Bring your attorney any documentation that may support your claim. Things like photos, witness contact information, medical reports, and bills can be useful.

According to this experienced oilfield injury lawyer, to establish the timing of your injury, it’s important for you to seek medical attention soon after your accident. Save all medical records and bills. If your attorney needs more evidence to build a strong case, they may hire an investigator.

Files a Claim

When you have strong evidence to support your case, your attorney will file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance or a personal injury claim against a third-party. Filing a claim begins the legal process.

An attorney balances adequate time to gather information with the statute of limitations. While taking your time to file a claim can help, most states allow only two years or less to file a claim. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to file because if you wait too long—a court will throw out your case.

Interviews Witnesses

You’ll then enter the discovery phase of litigation, where your attorney and the oil company attorneys exchange information. They do this through a process called discovery, which involves sharing documents and interviewing witnesses.

You’ll answer questions in a legal proceeding called a deposition. Your attorney will ask you questions and prepare you for questions that the other side might ask.

Negotiates for a Settlement

You and your lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement, either informally or in mediation. A good personal injury attorney is always prepared to take a case to trial and uses this readiness to intimidate insurance company attorneys.

Oil company lawyers often fear trials because they’re expensive, they take extensive resources for a lengthy period of time, and juries often side with plaintiffs.

When an oil company attorney knows that your lawyers are ready for trial, they may offer a bigger settlement. While your lawyer does the negotiating, you have the final say on whether to accept a settlement offer.

Takes Your Case to Trial

If you don’t agree on a settlement, your attorney will take your case to trial. This can be a lengthy and stressful process for a plaintiff, but trials can result in large jury awards.

If your case goes to trial, it could last days or weeks, and you should expect to testify in court. Your attorney’s goal is to get you maximum compensation for the physical harm, financial expenses, and emotional stress suffered because of your accident injuries.