You’re in the Eagle Ford Shale running a top drive system on a drilling rig when an essential component suddenly malfunctions and crushes your hand. The pain is unbearable, but the looming financial burden that accompanies it is even worse. Although workers’ compensation may cover some of your medical expenses, it does not provide ample compensation for catastrophic injuries caused by faulty machinery.
When equipment malfunctions because of inadequate maintenance, a manufacturing flaw, or a design defect, the injuries it causes can be life-altering. The Texas oilfield accident lawyers at Parks Law, PLLC, are here to ensure you understand your legal options outside of a workers’ comp claim and protect your financial future. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Texas Oilfield Equipment Failures
The equipment used in Texas oilfields operates under harsh conditions, including extreme environmental factors, heavy loads, and high pressure. These punishing conditions increase the odds of equipment failure, putting workers in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale regions at an increased risk of injury.
Machinery Defects
The three main types of defective equipment and products are:
- Maintenance failures: These occur when machinery that would otherwise function properly fails due to improper servicing or inadequate maintenance.
- Design defects: Design defects occur when equipment is manufactured properly but has inherent design flaws that pose unnecessary risks to worker safety.
- Manufacturing defects: These happen when a defect in a machine’s design makes it fundamentally unsafe to use.
Malfunctions in Drilling Equipment
When parts fail, the risk of drilling equipment accidents increases. The risks include:
- Draw works that experience cable breaks or brake failures that cause heavy loads to fall.
- Rotary tables that undergo brake system problems or bearing failures that lead to unexpected, uncontrolled rotation.
- Top drive systems that malfunction when safety mechanisms fail to engage properly or when hydraulic components break.
If you were injured due to equipment failure while working in an oilfield, talk to a Texas oilfield accident attorney today to ensure your rights are protected.
Wellhead Equipment Failures
When Wellhead equipment fails, it creates additional risks for workers. When seals and gaskets fail prematurely or when a valve stem breaks because of a metallurgical defect, the assembly of the fittings and valves that control production can also fail. Design flaws can also cause production equipment, such as separator valves, to rupture.
Accidents Involving Heavy Machinery
Heavy machinery accidents are another significant type of equipment-related oilfield accidents. Crane failures can happen due to inadequate load capacity calculations, hydraulic system problems, or structural defects. Due to extreme pressure, frac equipment faces unique failure possibilities, specifically valve problems resulting in catastrophic releases and high-pressure pumps experiencing cylinder failures.
Third-Party Liability Claims
Texas workers who are injured by defective oilfield equipment likely have a legal curative that extends beyond workers’ comp. With the help of a skilled Texas oilfield accident lawyer, a third-party liability claim can allow injured oilfield workers to seek maximum compensation against negligent parties other than their employer, including design engineers, maintenance contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
Manufacturer Product Liability
Texas product liability law lets injured workers hold manufacturers liable for injuries caused by defective products. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82, manufacturers may be held responsible for inadequate warnings, manufacturing defects, or design defects.
Maintenance Contractor Liability
Independent contractors responsible for maintaining equipment can also be liable for any injuries caused by defective oilfield equipment. Independent contractors are responsible for performing proper maintenance and identifying potential safety risks during regular servicing. Negligent maintenance can turn the most benign piece of equipment into a serious safety hazard.
Building a Strong Case for Equipment Failure
Successful defective oilfield equipment lawsuits following drilling equipment accidents require extensive evidence preservation and documentation. Unlike a workers’ comp claim, which focuses solely on medical bills and income replacement, a third-party claim needs to prove fault and show that an equipment defect caused the injury.
Why Do I Need a Texas Oilfield Accident Lawyer?
Once you report a defective oilfield equipment injury to your employer, they will open an investigation. Your employer and their insurance company will immediately get to work minimizing their liability and begin gathering evidence that supports their version of events. As a result, injured oil workers trying to navigate the claims process without legal help are at a strong disadvantage.
Accidents in the gas and oil industries are common, and many lead to serious and even fatal injuries. If you suspect that employer negligence was the cause of your workplace injuries, you may be entitled to bring a defective oilfield equipment lawsuit against them. Contact an experienced Texas oilfield accident attorney at Parks Law, PLLC, right away by calling (713) 979-3500 or filling out our online contact form. For decades, we have successfully represented both policyholders and insurers in coverage disputes and prosecuted claims against equipment manufacturers involving wrongful death, property damage, and product liability.