Losing a spouse, parent, or child is a heartbreaking event that money can never make right. Oilfield jobs are some of the most dangerous in the U.S., with workers dying at a rate much higher than in most other industries. Many oilfield deaths happen in situations that could have been prevented. Workers face serious dangers every day, including fires, explosions, falls, truck crashes, falling equipment, toxic chemicals, and machinery that can fail without warning.
The likelihood of worker deaths increases with oil production, leaving families to cope with devastating loss and a great deal of uncertainty. The entire oil and gas industry is significantly impacted by these deaths, in addition to the families.
Families dealing with this kind of loss should talk with an experienced lawyer who can guide them through the difficult process of a wrongful death claim after an oilfield accident. While you take care of your family, our Texas wrongful death lawyers will handle the company responsible. Contact Parks Law for a free case review.
Truth vs. Company Response
Right after a deadly oil rig explosion, blowout, or truck accident, the company quickly shifts into “damage control” mode. These accidents often happen because equipment fails, safety rules aren’t followed, or someone is extremely careless. That’s why families should think about getting legal help right away to protect their rights. Companies may fly families to the site, pay for hotels, and offer sympathy. They may even offer quick payments or a so-called “death benefit.”
But the oil company and its insurance company will fight tooth and nail to try to avoid paying what they should by delaying or denying a wrongful death claim. This is why it’s important to get legal help instead of relying on their first offers.
Most families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit after an oilfield accident, so it’s important to act quickly. You need time to figure out who is responsible and to take legal action so you have the best chance at full compensation.
Consult an Attorney Before You Sign Anything
Don’t be fooled. No matter how well-intentioned they may seem, these early offers are not acts of kindness; they are strategic moves meant to protect the company and reduce what they might have to pay later. Before you cash a check or sign anything, you should talk to an experienced Texas wrongful death lawyer so you don’t accidentally give up your right to sue. The personal representative of your loved one’s estate is the one who can file the wrongful death claim and speak for the family in court.
The real cause is often hidden in drilling reports, maintenance records, and emails that the company won’t share. They may call the death an “unavoidable accident,” but our investigations often show it could have been prevented and happened because someone was extremely careless. Finding out everyone who played a role is key to getting fair compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Many families mistakenly think they can only get workers’ compensation death benefits. While workers’ comp does offer some quick financial help, the amount is capped by law and only replaces part of your loved one’s weekly pay.
Workers’ compensation does not pay for everything. It won’t cover things like the family’s lost financial support, the worker’s full lost wages, monthly bills, funeral costs, all medical bills, or personal losses such as missing your loved one’s companionship or the emotional pain of losing them. Because of this, workers’ comp cannot make up for the lifetime income someone would have earned in an oilfield job or the true emotional value of a person’s life.
But oilfields are complicated places where many different companies work side by side. Because of this setup, families may be able to file a third-party claim, which means they can sue someone other than the worker’s direct employer to recover the full amount of damages.
If another company besides the employer played a role in the oilfield death, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit in addition to the workers’ compensation claim. A wrongful death case lets the family recover all lost income and financial support, along with other types of compensation. This can include money for funeral and burial costs, the family’s grief, and the loss of the loved one’s companionship.
We take our time to carefully investigate the accident and find every person or company that may be responsible, including:
- Equipment manufacturers
- The leaseholder/operator
- Trucking companies
- Contractors
By going after these other responsible parties, Parks Law can try to recover much more money than workers’ compensation allows.
Discuss Your Case With a Texas Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone you love changes everything, and you shouldn’t have to handle the legal process by yourself. A Texas wrongful death lawyer can explain your options, protect your rights, and help you understand what money your family may be able to receive. If you need answers or support, we are here for you.
Call Parks Law at (713) 979-3500, or contact us online for a free, simple, and honest talk about your case.