Oil and gas extraction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate among these workers is six times higher than the average rate for workers in any other field.
At Galloway Jefcoat, our Lake Charles oilfield work injury lawyers understand how difficult the aftermath of an oilfield accident can be and are prepared to help victims take legal action. For over 25 years, we have successfully recovered millions in compensation on behalf of injury victims across Louisiana.
Partner and founding member Rusty Galloway understands the dangers of this industry. He previously worked in the oilfields as both a roughneck and drilling fluid engineer. Galloway understands how easily someone else’s negligence can lead to serious or even fatal injuries.
The initial consultation is free and there are no fees while we work on your case. You only pay us a percentage of the compensation we successfully recover for you, so there is no risk to call us to learn more about your legal options.
Am I Eligible to File a Claim?
One of the main things we need to consider is whether your job is covered by the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Workers who are covered by the Jones Act may be eligible to file a claim if they can prove their injury was the result of negligence. Workers covered by the LHWCA do not need to prove negligence.
The experienced attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat can review your accident in a free consultation to determine which law may apply and how to go about pursuing compensation. Our attorneys have the resources to investigate a claim and build a robust case.
Types of Oilfield Injury Claims We Handle
We are ready to take cases involving many types of oilfield accidents and injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Slip and fall accidents, which often involve falls from elevated areas and slippery walkways
- Crane accidents, which often occur when cargo is being loaded or unloaded
- Fires and explosions, which could easily happen because of heat, sparks or open flames
- Motor vehicle accidents, which often happen when equipment or workers are being transported
- Stuck/caught-between accidents, which could result in life-changing injuries – these accidents often involve equipment like forklifts, derricks, cranes and high-pressure lines
These types of accidents are often the result of negligence on behalf of one or more parties. There are many examples of negligence that could result in accidents:
- Improperly trained workers
- Negligent supervision
- Lack of safety equipment/precautions
- Violation of safety regulations
- Using old equipment that is defective or does not work as it should
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?
While the oil and gas industry can be very dangerous, it is also very profitable for executives who run oil and gas companies. That means they have a lot of money to spend defending themselves against injury claims brought by workers.
That is why hiring a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to represent you can be so important. Unlike lawyers who defend oil companies, our attorneys do not charge you by the hour. At Galloway Jefcoat, there are no upfront fees. We do not get paid unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
At Galloway Jefcoat, our attorneys have over 25 years of experience helping injury victims recover the compensation they need. Founding partner Rusty Galloway also has first-hand knowledge of the dangers of working on oilfields, as he once worked them himself.
With a lawyer at your side, you do not need to spend your time researching the law or investigating the accident. You can leave that to your lawyer, who can manage each step of the process on your behalf.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What Compensation May Be Available?
It depends on the type of claim you are filing. The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits, including compensation for medical expenses and disability. You may also be eligible for compensation for vocational rehabilitation.
The Jones Act allows injury victims to file lawsuits, which means you could seek personal injury damages, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
The Jones Act also pays for daily living expenses while you are unable to work or cannot work in the same capacity as before.
It is important to obtain full compensation for medical expenses, including future medical expenses, as many oilfield accidents result in permanent injuries, such as:
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision loss
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severely broken bones
These types of injuries, among others, often require extensive physical therapy and a long recovery period.
Our Lake Charles oilfield injury lawyers are prepared to review your claim and pursue the full value of your compensation.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Filing a Claim for an Oilfield Accident Injury
Whether you were injured in an oilfield onshore or off, there are federal laws to help injured oilfield workers pursue compensation for their injuries.
The Jones Act
If you spend more than 30 percent of your time working offshore, you may be able to file a claim through the Jones Act. You must prove your injuries were a result of negligence on behalf of your employer, co-workers or some other third party.
The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Louisiana’s workers’ compensation laws typically exclude oilfield workers. Instead, these injured workers must file a claim through the LHWCA.
While the LHWCA does not technically mention oil and gas production, there is coverage provided by an expansion of the law called the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Who May Be Liable for My Damages?
Due to the nature of oilfield work, there may be multiple parties who could be held liable for accidents that result in worker injuries.
Your Employer
If your employer fails to provide adequate equipment, train personnel, follow safety regulations or take other reasonable steps to reduce the risk of injury, it could be held liable for your damages.
Third-Party Contractors
Many oil and gas companies work with on-site contractors for specific jobs or to cut labor costs. Unfortunately, contractors do not always follow safety regulations or exercise good judgment and injuries may result.
Equipment Manufacturers
Oilfield laborers often use different types of heavy machinery and equipment to perform many aspects of their jobs. When this equipment fails to properly function and causes an injury, the manufacturer could be held liable for damages.
Oil and gas excavation continues to be a lucrative business, which means that the potentially liable companies have extensive resources to fight your claim and deny liability.
Our Lake Charles oilfield injury lawyers are prepared to take on these industry giants on your behalf. We have many years of combined experience and a track record of recovering compensation for our clients.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim?
If you were injured in an oilfield accident and need to file an LHWCA claim, you have only 30 days from the date of the accident to report it to your employer and one year to file a claim. You have three years to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act.
The clock is ticking in either scenario. Investigating, validating and building a case takes time. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner he or she can get to work on your case.
What Should I Do After an Oilfield Injury?
After an oilfield injury, you should seek medical attention to:
- Stabilize your injuries
- Determine the extent of your injuries
- Receive a prognosis for treatment and recovery
After your injuries are sufficiently stabilized, you should consider contacting a Lake Charles oilfield injury lawyer. He or she can review what happened and determine what steps you should take next. It is also important to tell your employer about the injury right away.
Speak to a Lake Charles Oilfield Injury Lawyer. Call Us Today
The oil and gas industry, while lucrative to oil executives, is extremely dangerous to work in. If you suffered an oilfield injury, may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity and more.
Our Lake Charles oilfield injury lawyers are prepared to help fight for your rights. Unlike the insurance companies that are more concerned about their bottom line, we do not get paid unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
There is no risk to speak to one of our attorneys about your claim during a free consultation.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."