Abilene Oil Rig & Field Accident Lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial AttorneysThe company named on your paycheck may not be the only company responsible for what happened.
If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you may be entitled to medical and income benefits through that system. Those benefits can provide important support, but they are not always the end of the legal story.
Oilfield work often brings several companies onto the same site. An operator may control the location. A contractor may supervise part of the work. Another company may own, supply, inspect, or repair the equipment. If one of those businesses caused or contributed to the accident, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against that third party.
Finding that out takes more than reading the incident report. It means identifying who controlled the work, who knew about the danger, and which company had the power to prevent it.
That is where Keith & Lorfing begins.
Our team includes former state and federal prosecutors, and our attorneys have handled more than 500 jury trials. We know how to compare company explanations with the records, question what does not add up, and follow responsibility beyond the most obvious name.
Our roots are also in families of farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. We understand what an oilfield injury can do to someone whose health and ability to work support an entire family.
Hurt in an oil rig accident? Contact Our Abilene lawyers now for immediate assistance at (325) 308-6960
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
How to Know If You Have a Case For an Oil Rig or Oil Field Accident
The fastest way to misunderstand an oilfield injury case is to ask only one question: “Was my employer at fault?”
The better starting point is to find out who provided workers’ compensation coverage, who controlled the work, and whether another company helped create the danger.
Your employer carried workers’ compensation
You may be eligible for medical and income benefits through the workers’ compensation system. But that does not automatically end the investigation.
If another business contributed to the accident, you may also have a separate claim against that third party. That could include a site operator, outside contractor, equipment company, maintenance provider, or another company working alongside your employer.
Your employer did not carry workers’ compensation
Not every private employer in Texas provides workers’ compensation insurance. If yours did not, your legal options may be different, and the employer’s own actions may need to be examined more closely.
Another company controlled the hazard
Oilfield sites rarely involve only one business. A separate company may have owned the equipment, managed part of the site, performed the maintenance, supplied a defective product, or created the unsafe condition that caused the injury.
Your case deserves a closer look if:
- Several companies were working at the location
- Equipment failed, malfunctioned, or lacked a safety guard
- A known hazard was reported but not corrected
- Workers were pressured to continue despite unsafe conditions
- The company’s explanation changed after the accident
- You do not know whether your employer carried workers’ compensation
- Your injuries have kept you from working or may affect your future ability to earn
You do not need to identify the correct defendant before contacting a lawyer. Keith & Lorfing can investigate the employer’s coverage, determine which companies controlled the work, and help you understand which legal options may apply.
What Damages Can You Claim in an Oil Rig Injury Case?
In an oil rig injury case, victims can seek various types of damages to compensate for their losses.:
1. Medical Expenses
- Current and Future Medical Costs: This includes all medical bills related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required for ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
2. Lost Wages
- Past Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost from the time of the injury to the present due to inability to work.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If the injury has resulted in long-term or permanent disability, you can claim compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering
- Physical Pain: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts resulting from the injury.
4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Lifestyle Impact: Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life if the injury prevents you from participating in hobbies, recreational activities, and other pleasures you previously enjoyed.
5. Disfigurement and Permanent Disability
- Physical Alterations: Damages for permanent scars, disfigurement, or other physical changes resulting from the injury.
- Disability: Compensation for any permanent disability that affects your ability to perform daily activities or work.
6. Loss of Consortium
- Spousal Relationship: Damages claimed by the spouse of the injured party for loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.
- Parental Relationship: In some cases, children may claim damages for the loss of parental guidance and support.
7. Punitive Damages
- Punishment and Deterrence: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Here are the various ways you can get in touch with us:
- Call Us Directly: Speak with our experienced legal team by calling us at (325) 308-6960. We are available to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.
- Online Inquiry Form: Fill out the contact form with your details and a brief description of your case. One of our attorneys will get back to you promptly to discuss your situation and the next steps.
Keith & Lorfing: Experienced Oil Rig Accident Lawyers in Abilene
The Keith & Lorfing law firm stands out as a premier litigation firm in West Texas, specializing in oil rig and oil field injury cases. Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience, renowned for their litigation and trial skills, combined with a practical approach to resolving cases efficiently.
With a proven track record in oil field injury law, we possess the expertise and resources to safeguard your legal rights during difficult times.
- Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023 & 2024: Our firm has been recognized for excellence in the legal field, highlighting our commitment to providing top-notch legal services.
- 150 Years of Combined Experience: Our team has extensive experience handling complex oil field injury cases, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable and competent representation.
- 500+ Years of Jury Trial Experience: We have a significant history of success in jury trials, giving us the insight and skill to effectively advocate for your rights in court.
- Former State & Federal Prosecutors on Staff: Our team includes former prosecutors who bring a unique perspective and strategic advantage to your case.
- Personalized Case Handling: We treat each case with the individual attention it deserves, ensuring that your unique circumstances are fully considered.
- Multiple Offices Throughout West Texas: With several offices in the region, we make it convenient for clients to access our services and receive the support they need.
We understand the challenges that come with oil rig and oil field injuries. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the experienced and compassionate legal representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Recovery for a client seriously injured in a personal injury case.
Recovery in a commercial vehicle accident case.
Oil Rig & Oilfield Accidents
Texas hosts one of the biggest and most dangerous industries in the country – onshore and offshore oil drilling. This includes exploring for, drilling, and the completing of wells that involves the use of various types of equipment and materials.
For example, blowouts causing serious and even fatal burns can take place on both offshore oil rigs as well as land-based wells. Accidents leading to serious injuries and deaths can occur due to defective equipment, machinery and pipelines that are poorly maintained, and other negligence.
These jobs commonly involve various kinds of dangers, from the handling of combustible materials to swinging cranes. While oil rig accidents are not common, when they do happen, they can result in disastrous consequences for workers.
Types of Injuries in the Oil Industry: From Explosions to Equipment Failures
- Explosions or fires caused by flammable liquids
- Swinging cables or pipes striking workers
- Failure of equipment due to inadequate maintenance
- Workers falling from platforms, wet or oily stairways, ladders that are not secure, and other unsafe heights
- Limbs caught in equipment/machinery
- Lack of proper safety gear or other safeguards
These kinds of accidents can result in severe and life-threatening injuries, such as burns, crushed limbs, head trauma, and more. The nature of any of these oil rig injuries will depend on a variety of factors, such as what type of job was being done, whether or not it involved heavy machinery, what type of safety precautions were taken or not taken, and more.
In some cases, employers or third parties may try to cover up any responsibility they may have had in the accident which is why you need an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can act as your advocate by working to immediately to gather critical evidence about your case.
You may be eligible for compensation covering all of your medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and more.
Ignition of flammable liquids, gases, or vapors during drilling, completion, or transport operations. Blowouts can cause catastrophic burns and fatalities on both offshore rigs and land-based wells.
Swinging cables, falling pipes, or unsecured equipment striking workers. On active drilling sites with cranes and heavy lifts overhead, a single failure can cause fatal head trauma or crushing injuries.
Inadequate maintenance of machinery, pipelines, and drilling equipment. When a company delays repairs or ignores inspection failures, the resulting breakdowns injure workers who had no warning of the risk.
Unsafe platforms, wet or oily stairways, unsecured ladders, and elevated work areas without adequate fall protection. Falls on oilfield sites frequently cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities.
Limbs, clothing, or body parts caught in rotating equipment, drills, or mechanical systems. Injuries often result in amputations or crush injuries, frequently traceable to missing safety guards or inadequate lockout procedures.
Failure to provide or enforce proper personal protective equipment — hard hats, flame-resistant clothing, breathing protection, eye shields. When a company cuts corners on safety gear, workers bear the consequences of that decision.
Two Years to File a Claim
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the date of your oil rig accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- Discovery Rule: In certain cases, if the injury was not discovered immediately, the statute of limitations might begin from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
- Incapacitated Persons: If the injured party is legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Given these nuances, it’s critical to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame. If you miss the deadline, you may be barred from pursuing your claim.
Let's Talk Fees
When hiring a personal injury attorney for an oil rig accident case, many law firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis.
Contingency fees are a payment arrangement where your attorney’s fees are only paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case. This means that if you don’t win your case or receive a settlement, you don’t owe any legal fees.
- Percentage of Recovery: The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the amount recovered in your case, either through a settlement or a court verdict. The exact percentage can vary but is often around 33% to 40%.
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to pay any upfront costs or hourly rates. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without the burden of immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
- Deduction from Settlement: If your attorney successfully recovers compensation for you, the agreed-upon percentage is deducted from the total settlement or award before you receive your portion.
Benefits of Contingency Fees
- Risk-Free: Since you only pay if your case is successful, this arrangement minimizes your financial risk.
- Motivation for Attorneys: Attorneys are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation for you because their fee depends on it.
- Accessibility: It makes legal services accessible to individuals who might not afford to pay hourly legal fees.
Additional Costs
- Case-Related Expenses: While the attorney’s fee is contingent on success, there may be other case-related expenses such as filing fees, costs for obtaining medical records, expert witness fees, and other necessary expenses. Some firms cover these costs upfront and deduct them from the settlement, while others may require clients to pay them as they arise.
- Clear Agreement: It’s important to have a clear written agreement with your attorney outlining the contingency fee percentage and how case-related expenses will be handled.
Why Choose Us Over Other Abilene Oil Rig Attorneys
Oilfield injury cases can involve several companies, technical safety records, and disputes over who controlled the work. You need more than a firm that promises to “fight hard.” You need a team built to handle the case and make the process manageable for you.
- Former State and Federal Prosecutors: Our team includes attorneys experienced in examining evidence, questioning conflicting accounts, and finding the facts that company reports may leave out.
- More Than 500 Jury Trials: Our lawyers have handled more than 500 jury trials. We prepare cases to withstand courtroom scrutiny—not only to support an initial settlement demand.
- A Full Legal Team: Your case has access to multiple attorneys and legal professionals who can manage records, deadlines, negotiations, and the demands of a complex industrial injury claim.
- Help With Medical Treatment: We can connect clients with a network of medical professionals and provide clear guidance on the steps needed to support both their recovery and their claim.
- A Clear Client Process: Through your client portal, you receive a checklist showing what you need to do next instead of being left to navigate the case alone.
- Four West Texas Offices: With locations in Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo, we offer in-person and virtual meetings throughout the region.
- No Upfront Costs: We cover the expenses of pursuing your case. If we do not recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Keith & Lorfing combines courtroom experience, investigative skill, and practical support for the parts of an oilfield injury that continue long after the accident itself.
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Step 1: Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Step 2: Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Step 3: Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- Step 4: We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Step 5: Cash your check.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert Texas personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
- Abilene
- Lubbock
- Midland
- San Angelo
Choose Keith & Lorfing: Your Experienced Oil Rig & Field Attorneys in Abilene
In the wake of an oil rig accident, you should consult with a qualified attorney to determine your legal rights in the matter. Our firm is dedicated to upholding those rights and to helping you pursue the compensation for which you are eligible.
Each case is unique, based on a variety of factors, which is why you need the legal evaluation and guidance of our respected attorney. Let us use our considerable experience and skill to help you in such a critical legal matter.
Ready to Start Your Claim? Contact Keith & Lorfing Today at (325) 308-6960.
The Best
In the West
With over 500 jury trials and over 150 years of experience, our team of attorneys have the experience and expertise you need to win and to win big. We employ multiple former federal and state prosecutors.
Our attorneys have clerked at the highest courts in Texas, graduated from some of the best Universities, and handled the biggest cases. Our attorneys could have easily worked at the largest law firms in New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C. but chose to come back to West Texas –to their home – to protect and fight for our West Texas communities.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
Ask Russell a Question
At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.