New Mexico Oil Field Accident Attorneys

Oil Field Accident Cases We Handle in New Mexico

Oil field accidents can be the result of many points of failure. Anything from an equipment malfunction to defective safety gear to simple human error can cause life-altering harm. The cases our firm takes on generally involve catastrophic injuries, including burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Our New Mexico oil field accident attorneys frequently handle cases involving:

• Explosions. Explosions in oil fields are particularly devastating due to the presence of highly flammable substances, which can ignite with even a small spark and escalate to massive blasts. These explosive events can inflict catastrophic injuries, such as severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to the respiratory system caused by the inhalation of hot gases and smoke. The shockwave from an explosion can also violently throw workers against equipment or structures, leading to fractures, internal injuries, and even fatalities.
• Equipment and machinery accidents. The colossal size and power of drilling rigs and extraction machinery mean that any malfunction or operational mistake can have drastic consequences. Workers can suffer from crushing injuries if caught between heavy components or amputations from moving parts. Inadequate safety protocols can also increase the risk of snapping cables, high-pressure line failures, or unintended releases of stored energy.
• Well blowouts. A well blowout occurs when control over the pressure of the well is lost, leading to a sudden and uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas. This surge can cause a geyser-like eruption that spews out these substances, sometimes accompanied by mud, water, and rocks. The threats from a blowout are multifaceted: The sheer force of the eruption can cause structural damage to the rig, propel debris with lethal force, and create an immensely flammable environment ripe for equally dangerous fires or explosions. The highly pressurized and unrestrained flow of hydrocarbons can lead to a variety of injuries ranging from blunt force trauma and burns to toxic exposure and respiratory distress.
• Chemical exposure. Oil field workers may encounter dangerous chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, a lethal gas that can be released during drilling operations, or benzene, a carcinogen found in crude oil. Acute exposure to these substances can lead to chemical burns, respiratory harm, and organ failure. Furthermore, prolonged exposure poses the risk of developing chronic health issues like neurological disorders and cancers.

Understanding what specifically led to your injuries will help clarify your legal options. We can rigorously investigate what happened at your workplace to determine the best most viable and advantageous path forward.