If you have suffered serious injuries in an oilfield accident, you are likely dealing with pain, anxiety, and financial hardship as you determine your next steps.

Before pursuing legal action, you may want to better understand the average settlement for oilfield injuries in Texas to determine whether the reward is worth the effort. Unfortunately, there are too many variables that impact the amount of compensation for each case for there to be a true average settlement amount. However, your personal injury attorney can review the details of your accident and help you determine maximum compensation for what you have been through. 

Texas Oilfield Accidents Statistics

Texas is by far the leading oil-producing state in the nation, which means more jobs for Texans, but also means more work in one of the most hazardous industries in the world. According to data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the fatality rate for oil and gas workers is six times higher than other industries. Despite strict safety regulations and standards, oil workers still have a high likelihood of injury on the job. In 2020, the rate of job-related injuries and illnesses in the oil and gas industry in the United States was 1.4 per 100 workers. Between 2013 and 2017, 489 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job. And in 2017 alone, Texas amassed 44 fatalities in the oil and gas extraction fields. 

What’s the Average Settlement for Oilfield Injuries in Texas?

Several factors come into play when determining a settlement amount for oilfield injury cases. Determining liability and assessing damages require careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident, workplace safety protocols, and applicable laws and regulations. Moreover, settlements may include compensation for economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) as well as noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering).

Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who can assess your case and advocate for your rights is essential in navigating the legal process and pursuing fair compensation. While it's challenging to pinpoint an exact average settlement for oilfield injuries in Texas due to the variability of each case, settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the final settlement figure.

Nature and Severity of the Injury

The type and severity of the injury significantly impact the settlement amount. Injuries ranging from burns and fractures to traumatic brain injuries can result in different levels of compensation. Severe injuries that lead to long-term disability or disfigurement typically result in higher settlements.

Medical Expenses and Future Treatment

The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, is a crucial factor. Additionally, if the injury requires ongoing medical care or future surgeries, these anticipated expenses are factored into the settlement amount.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Oilfield injuries can often lead to temporary or permanent disability, affecting one's ability to work and earn a living. Settlements account for lost wages due to time off work during recovery as well as the impact on future earning capacity if the injury results in a diminished ability to work.

Fault and Liability

Establishing fault and liability is a fundamental aspect of any personal injury case. If negligence or unsafe working conditions contributed to the accident, the liable party or parties may be required to compensate the injured worker. Legal nuances such as comparative negligence, where both parties share fault, can affect the final settlement amount.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Oilfield injuries can have lasting emotional and psychological effects on the injured worker and their family. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are subjective factors considered in determining the settlement amount.

Legal Representation and Negotiation Skills

The quality of legal representation plays a significant role in securing a fair settlement. Experienced attorneys who specialize in oilfield injury cases understand the complexities involved and can effectively negotiate with insurance companies or pursue litigation if necessary.

Grossman Law is Ready to Help

The attorneys at Grossman Law Offices have been helping injured clients for over 30 years. We understand that our ability to dig into your case, determine what happened, prove liability, and accurately value your damages can make a huge difference in your life. We are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.