Compensation Options for Burn Injuries in the Oil and Gas Industry
A burn injury on an oilfield isn’t just painful — it’s often life-changing. For many oilfield workers in San Antonio, a serious burn can lead to extensive medical treatment, permanent disfigurement, and time away from work that threatens a family’s financial stability. And while the dangers of working in the oil and gas industry are well known, that doesn’t mean every injury is just “part of the job.”
When burn injuries happen because of unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or preventable hazards, someone may be legally responsible, and the injured worker may be entitled to significant compensation.
Understanding when a burn injury gives rise to a legal claim is the first step toward holding the right party accountable. A San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer can evaluate whether negligence played a role and help determine who should be held accountable.
This is especially true in Texas. The state is the nation's largest oil producer as well as a leader in industry-related employee injuries and deaths. In Texas, where many oilfield employers are nonsubscribers to workers’ compensation, knowing the difference between a workplace accident and a case of negligence can make all the difference in a recovery.
Burn injuries often stem from negligence, not bad luck
Oilfields are high-risk environments where fire, heat, electricity, and chemicals are part of the daily routine. But when a worker suffers a serious burn, it’s not always an unavoidable accident. Many injuries are preventable and happen only because someone failed to do their job safely. A new study shows that some workers are at a higher risk of being injured in an oilfield accident than others. These people include:
- Contract Workers in well drilling and service are at higher risk because they are often exposed to more hazardous work conditions and working longer shifts.
- Temporary or Nonstandard Work Arrangements increase risk because these workers typically have less information about their work environment, receive less job-specific training, have less access to safety equipment, and lack union representation.
- Drilling Contractors face more fatal injuries and fatal falls than servicing employees.
- Offshore Oil and Gas Extraction (OGE) workers are at even greater risk due to the remote and dynamic nature of platforms and living in close proximity to process units with flammable hydrocarbons.
In burn injury cases where legal liability exists, the cause is often rooted in human error, poor oversight, or ignored safety standards. These are the situations where a personal injury lawyer can help investigate the facts, identify negligence, and build a strong case.
Common causes of oilfield burn injuries that may involve liability
Burn injuries in oilfields can be caused by a variety of factors. When these factors point to negligence — whether on the part of an employer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer — the injured worker may have the right to pursue a claim outside of workers’ comp. The following causes are especially important to examine when determining whether a lawsuit may be appropriate:
- Explosions from Poor Maintenance: Faulty gas lines, pressure build-ups, or neglected equipment can lead to devastating explosions, often after warning signs were ignored.
- Defective Tools or Equipment: When power tools, heaters, or electrical panels malfunction due to a design or manufacturing flaw, the resulting burns may justify a product liability lawsuit.
- Improper Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Failing to de-energize equipment before repair or maintenance can result in electrical burns, arc flashes, or contact burns.
- Unsafe Contract Work: When a third-party contractor disregards safety protocols, their actions can directly lead to injury, even if they don’t employ the injured worker.
- Inadequate PPE or Training: Workers who aren’t provided with flame-resistant clothing, protective gloves, or burn safety training are far more vulnerable, and the employer may be at fault.
- Chemical Exposure: Acidic or caustic chemicals used for cleaning or processing can cause serious burns if improperly stored or handled.
Each of these causes requires a closer look to determine fault and liability. A personal injury attorney can gather evidence, consult safety experts, and uncover violations that may not be obvious at first glance.
Why third-party claims may offer more than workers’ comp
Texas doesn’t require most private employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Even when workers’ comp is available, it typically limits compensation to medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. That’s rarely enough in a serious burn injury case.
By filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, such as a contractor, manufacturer, or nonsubscriber employer, an injured worker may be able to pursue full compensation for:
- Medical costs, including future treatment and surgeries.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and disfigurement.
- Lost income and reduced future earning ability.
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life.
These damages go beyond what workers’ compensation provides and reflect the true impact of a life-altering burn injury.
Please note: The Herrera Law Firm does not accept workers' compensation cases but does handle third-party claims related to work injuries.
Proving negligence takes experienced legal support
Proving that someone’s negligence caused a burn injury requires more than showing a worker got hurt on the job. Lawyers often rely on a combination of evidence to build a successful oilfield burn injury case. That may include:
- Coworker affidavits that describe unsafe practices or ignored hazards.
- Expert testimony about fire safety standards or proper equipment function.
- Incident reports and OSHA findings.
- Equipment maintenance logs and inspection records.
- Evidence of missing PPE, improper signage, or safety training failures.
Burn injury claims require urgency — not just because evidence can disappear, but because oilfield employers and insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves. That’s why many injured workers turn to legal professionals who know how to investigate oilfield accidents thoroughly and challenge attempts to downplay liability.
Burn injuries demand more than just medical treatment
A serious burn can change everything. For oilfield workers in San Antonio, that often means weeks in the hospital, permanent scarring, and time off work that no paycheck can make up for. When negligence caused the injury — whether from unsafe equipment, ignored protocols, or lack of training — the companies responsible should be held fully accountable.
The Herrera Law Firm has done it before. For instance, in one case, we secured a $14 million settlement for a claim involving an oilfield burn injury. Our lawyers understand the industry, know where liability hides, and don’t back down from a fight.
If you’ve been burned working in the oilfields, get legal help from a team that’s highly respected, highly recommended, and proven in high-stakes cases. Contact The Herrera Law Firm today for a free consultation.
