What happens in the hours and days right after an accident can be even more important than the accident itself. The evidence that’s collected, or missed, during this time can have a major impact on both the legal case and the injured worker’s ability to recover financially and emotionally after an oilfield accident. If you were injured in an oilfield accident, contact the Texas oilfield injury lawyers at Parks Law today.
Why Is Evidence Critical in a Texas Oilfield Injury Case?
The minutes immediately following a Texas oilfield accident will inform everything that comes after. The evidence that is collected during this stage forms the crux of your entire case. Without strong evidence, even the most accomplished legal team is going to have a tough time winning fair compensation for their client.
Evidence Helps Tell Your Story
Evidence does more than show who was to blame; it helps paint a detailed picture of what actually went down. Every tidbit of information slots another piece of the puzzle into place and helps show why and how the accident happened. Whether it’s a burst choke manifold or a drilling rig that shut down for no apparent reason, details matter. Company records, pictures, expert opinions, and eyewitness statements all come together to reveal the truth about what happened.
Incomplete or weak evidence does not adequately demonstrate the full impact of a Texas oilfield accident. While you, as an injured worker, are preoccupied with your physical and emotional recovery, compelling evidence is needed to show what you have been through. This includes evidence of problems such as time you missed with friends and family due to grueling physical therapy sessions, mounting piles of medical bills, and sleepless nights. When these details are documented properly, a Texas oilfield injury lawyer can demonstrate how your injuries have impacted your day-to-day life and fight for full and fair financial compensation. Without strong proof, employers and insurance carriers will try to deny their role in what happened and minimize what you are owed to their own benefit.
In contrast, the companies involved in Texas oilfield accidents tend to have large legal teams and ample resources to protect themselves at the ready. Their investigators and lawyers move quickly to collect evidence and frame the story in a way that is beneficial to them. This means that injured workers are at a disadvantage from the off. Collecting robust evidence is the surest way for them to offset the scales and ensure that their side of the story is heard.
Every Claim Requires Bespoke Evidence
Not all oilfield accident cases are created equal. The type of claim, whether it’s a wrongful death claim, a third-party lawsuit, or a workers’ compensation case, makes a huge difference. Since each kind of case is dealt with differently, the type of evidence needed to win also changes.
Workers’ compensation cases might seem straightforward because you don’t have to prove who was at fault. But if you can’t clearly show that your injuries are related to your job, you could still lose the benefits you’re entitled to. Photos of the accident scene, statements from coworkers, and medical reports connecting the injury to your oilfield work can all strengthen a workers’ comp claim.
Third-party liability claims are infinitely more complicated. These claims arise when someone who is NOT your employer, such as a contractor or an equipment manufacturer, contributes to your injuries. In order to prove that this was the case, your evidence must clearly show what happened and how the named parties were connected to the event. Things such as expert opinions, maintenance logs, and eyewitness statements can help prove that someone else’s negligence was the cause of your injuries. While these cases are harder to prove, they can yield larger amounts of financial compensation than a paltry workers’ comp claim when supported by strong evidence.
Lastly, and perhaps the most emotionally-wrought of all personal injury claims, wrongful death cases require evidence that paints a picture of more than just how the accident happened. Documentation must depict who the victim was: their family ties, earnings, hopes for the future, and their interests. Funeral expenses, financial records, testimony from friends and relatives about their grief, and love letters can all help capture a life unnecessarily cut short.
Discuss Your Case With a Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyer
Oilfield accident cases are like complicated puzzles, where every piece of evidence matters. Missing even one part can make it much harder to get the full compensation you deserve. The clock starts ticking as soon as the accident happens, evidence can quickly be lost, and memories fade fast. Mistakes made early in the process are often difficult to fix later.
That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The Texas oilfield injury lawyers at Parks Law, PLLC, can take immediate action to protect your rights while you focus on healing, gathering evidence, investigating the cause, and building a strong case on your behalf. Call (713) 979-3500 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your free legal consultancy.