Understanding the Role of Attorneys in Oilfield Accident Claims 

Compensation for oilfield injuries covers economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, taking your claim to court requires a lot of effort. Oilfield accident attorneys can help clients through each step of the process and fill the following roles.

Gathering Evidence

The financial burdens can be tremendous for those who suffer severe injuries while working in an oil field. Injured workers may need to pay for medical expenses and lost wages and cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

A knowledgeable lawyer can guide injured workers through the process, including filing claims and negotiating with insurance companies. Attorneys can identify additional liable parties, such as contractors or subcontractors, and seek compensation for injuries sustained in an accident.

After sustaining an injury, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. By doing so, they can leave a paper trail of expenses and medical records that could help support their claim later on. Additionally, this ensures that their injuries have been properly documented, allowing them to receive appropriate compensation. Attorneys Killian, Davis, Richter, and Kraniak, PC can review all the available evidence to determine liability and build a strong case for their clients.

Defending a Claim

Oilfield accidents can be extremely devastating to the victims and their families. As such, the legal representation provided by experienced attorneys specializing in oilfield injury claims is critical for those seeking compensation for damages.

An attorney can help ensure that all the costs associated with an injury are considered and that any non-economic damages like pain and suffering are awarded. They can also act as a liaison between the plaintiff, employer, and third-party entities to facilitate settlement negotiations.

An attorney can assist in identifying potential insurance coverage for the victim. For example, workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages but does not allow workers to sue their employer if they are at fault for an accident. However, if someone outside their employer injured the worker, they can file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to their workers’ comp claim.

Negotiating a Settlement

Injured oilfield workers must demonstrate negligence to recover compensation for medical expenses and non-economic damages. This can include demonstrating that a company failed to adhere to industry safety regulations, used defective equipment or machinery, or engaged in reckless behavior that contributed to the incident.

An attorney specializing in these cases can also help claimants obtain additional compensation for other losses, including pain and suffering. This is accomplished by presenting expert witnesses to explain the impact of a victim’s injury. These experts include life care planners, rehabilitation medical professionals, and vocational experts.

Working with an attorney can ensure that nothing stands in the way of receiving a fair settlement after an accident at an oilfield site. They can file claims quickly, negotiate with insurance companies, and help people understand their rights and entitlements under the law. 

Legal representation can save time and stress while protecting a client’s best interests. Moreover, it can increase the likelihood of a claimant’s recovery.

Going to Court

Whether the accident happened due to dangerous conditions on the job, failure of heavy equipment, or a lack of protective gear, victims need access to experienced legal representation.

An attorney can help determine if the incident qualifies as an injury and file lawsuits against responsible parties. They can also assist with insurance negotiations and know when a settlement is less than what a victim deserves.

Workers who suffer injuries in oilfield accidents may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. When a victim’s employer or insurer refuses to take responsibility for the injury, victims need a lawyer who is well-versed in oilfield accident claims and knows how to fight back.

They can even bring in experts to explain the impact of a victim’s injury to a jury. This could include life care planners, rehabilitation medical experts, and vocational specialists. It’s important to remember that a personal injury claim differs from a workers’ comp claim.