Explosions

New Mexico Oil Field Explosion Attorneys

Fighting for Oil Field Explosion Injury Victims in Artesia, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Jal, and Lovington

Workers in the oil and gas industry face a high risk of injury and even death due to the highly flammable nature of the substances they routinely handle. Oil field explosions pose a severe risk, presenting dangers that are both immediate and catastrophic.

If you've been injured in an oil field explosion, do not wait to get legal advice. You have rights, and you do not have to go through the process of seeking compensation for damages alone. At Simon Perdue, our New Mexico oil field explosion lawyers are ready to fight to get you the full and just compensation you deserve. This may involve pursuing either a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Our legal professionals previously defended giant oil companies, giving us a unique perspective that allows us to anticipate their strategies. We are relentless litigators who do not give up, so no matter the complexity of your case, you can count on our team to do everything in our power to deliver the best possible result.

We are here for you when you suffer injuries in an oil field explosion. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling (505) 588-5962 or contacting us online today.

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What Causes Oil Field Explosions?

Oil field explosions are catastrophic events that can occur due to a variety of underlying causes, each with potentially devastating outcomes. The first major cause of such explosions is the ignition of flammable vapors. Natural gas, being highly combustible, can leak from drilling rigs, wells, tanks, or pipelines, and when combined with air at the right concentration, a single spark can set off an explosion. Moreover, the machinery used in oil extraction and processing is prone to generating sparks. Regular maintenance to prevent such leaks and proper grounding of equipment is crucial to mitigate this risk.

Another significant factor contributing to oil field explosions is the high pressures of oil and gas reservoirs. Drilling into these pressurized zones without proper safeguards can lead to a blowout – an uncontrolled eruption of oil or gas from the well – which can then ignite and explode if it comes into contact with heat sources or open flames. Blowout preventers are supposed to be installed at wells to prevent such occurrences, but their failure is sometimes behind explosive events.

Improper handling and storage of chemicals and flammable materials is another pervasive issue. The oil and gas industry utilizes a wide range of hazardous substances that can cause fires or explosions if not properly managed. This includes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are oftentimes collected during drilling and extraction processes. Missteps in handling these substances can lead to dangerous conditions conducive to an explosion.

Finally, human error and insufficient training can lead to explosions. Workers might inadvertently create conditions for an explosion through careless actions or lack of awareness about the dangers in their environment.

Understanding what specifically caused the explosion that injured you matters, as it can determine what legal options are available to you. You should not assume your employer is telling you the full truth. Our New Mexico oil field explosion attorneys can carefully investigate the incident to establish what happened, why, and who is responsible. After reviewing our findings with you, we will walk you through your options for recovering compensation.

Who is Liable for an Oil Field Explosion?

Liability for an oil field explosion can involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances leading up to the incident. The primary entities that may be held responsible include:

Oil Companies or Operators

The company overseeing the oil field operations may be held liable if they fail to enforce safety regulations, provide proper equipment, or ensure that workers are adequately trained. Oil companies are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, and any negligence in implementing safety protocols could make them directly liable for an explosion.

Contractors and Subcontractors

Often, oil field operations involve multiple contractors and subcontractors, each responsible for specific aspects of the project. If a contractor fails to properly maintain equipment, follow safety guidelines, or engage in unsafe practices, they can be held liable for the explosion. Additionally, a subcontractor might also bear responsibility if they contribute to unsafe conditions or accidents.

Equipment Manufacturers

If an oil field explosion is caused by defective or malfunctioning equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment could be liable under product liability laws. This applies if the explosion occurred due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or a failure to warn users about potential hazards associated with the equipment.

Third-Party Service Providers

In some cases, third-party companies may be responsible for certain services, such as maintenance, inspections, or repairs. If these providers fail to perform their duties properly, resulting in unsafe conditions or faulty equipment, they could be held liable for any explosion that occurs as a result.

Supervisors or Managers

Individuals in supervisory roles who are responsible for managing workers or ensuring compliance with safety protocols may also be liable if they fail to take appropriate measures to prevent hazards. If negligence in management contributes to an explosion, supervisors or managers could face legal responsibility.

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Joel, thank you again for fighting in my favor. You have changed my life and way of thinking drastically, I am now becoming a business owner. You are an angel in human form with your line of work and would not have chosen any other lawyer. The way you treated me and my family in making sure we were taken care of, I gratefully appreciate you for that. May you continue the good fight for God and may you and your family continue being blessed.

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I couldn’t have chosen a better law firm to finish my case. Joel was knowledgeable and helped with any questions my husband and myself may have had.

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After losing a friend and nearly my own life in explosion at work, Joel Simon made me feel like family and fought for me. Got me what I deserved.

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Joel always validated my feelings and wanted the best for me. He was thorough and transparent throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Joel for any of your litigation needs.

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Recovering Compensation for Oil Field Explosion Injuries in New Mexico

Your employer likely carries workers’ compensation insurance. If you were an employee when the explosion occurred, this means you generally have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and are entitled to benefits. These benefits should cover your medical expenses plus a portion of your lost income.

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always play fair. They may try to pay you less than what you should get or attempt to deny your claim entirely. That’s where our team at Simon Perdue comes in. We understand how to effectively navigate New Mexico’s workers’ compensation system and can fight to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to under the law.

In cases where a third party’s negligence caused the oil field explosion, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that negligent third party. A “third party” is someone other than your employer or a work colleague. While you do have to prove negligence to recover compensation in a personal injury case, a successful claim allows you to recover non-economic damages not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, including disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

Our goal is to help you recover as much as possible. We are experienced trial attorneys who are ready to fight for you in court. Whether we are assisting you with a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, our New Mexico oil field explosion attorneys will keep pushing until we secure a fair outcome.

Do not hesitate to call (505) 588-5962 or contact us online if you suffered oil field accident injuries.

Common Oil Field Explosion Injuries

Oil field explosions tend to cause catastrophic injuries with life-altering impacts. Explosion injury victims are often temporarily or permanently unable to return to work, and many require extensive (and expensive) medical treatment.

Our New Mexico oil field explosion lawyers can help you explore your legal options if you suffered any of the following injuries:

Burn injuries. One of the most immediate and visually apparent consequences of oil field explosions is severe burns. These can range from first-degree surface burns to life-threatening third-degree burns that damage deep layers of skin and underlying tissues, often necessitating skin grafts and prolonged hospitalization. Third-degree burns also carry a high risk of infection.
Traumatic injuries. The force of an explosion can also cause blunt trauma or penetrating injuries as workers are hit by flying debris or hurled against structures. Common traumatic injuries include broken bones, lacerations, and crushed limbs, which can lead to long-term disability or amputation.

Spinal cord injuries. The violent shock and physical impact of oil field explosions can result in spinal cord injuries, which may lead to partial or complete paralysis. The damage to this crucial part of the nervous system often involves extensive recovery and rehabilitation, with many survivors facing lifelong challenges such as loss of sensation, mobility issues, and the need for assistive devices.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The impact from an explosion or falling debris can lead to concussions, contusions, or more severe TBIs, affecting cognitive and motor functions and sometimes resulting in permanent brain damage.
Hearing loss. The intense noise triggered by an explosion can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Eardrums can rupture and delicate inner ear structures can be damaged, leading to long-term auditory issues.
Respiratory problems. Inhalation of smoke, toxic fumes, and chemicals released during an oil field explosion can cause respiratory problems, including acute lung damage or long-term diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Psychological trauma. Beyond physical injuries, oil field explosions can inflict significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Survivors of these catastrophic events often require mental health support to cope with the aftermath.
Secondary injuries. In the chaos following an explosion, secondary injuries can occur, such as falls, exposure to hazardous materials, or drowning if the explosion occurs over water. These incidents can compound the physical and psychological damage already suffered.

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$40,000,000 Wrongful Death
$17,000,000 Oilfield Explosion
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$10,500,000 Brain Injury
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