Oilfield Blowouts and ‘Frac Stack’ Failures: Beyond Workers’ Comp in Desoto Parish

Oil field blowouts and frac ‘stack failures’ are among the worst types of accidents that can happen in the energy industry. Explosions, equipment failures, and other types of incidents related to these events can lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Environmental disasters are also possible.

If you live in DeSoto Parish and work in the oilfields or nearby drilling sites, you know how important this industry is to our economy. Accidents, sadly, also trigger legal consequences. The right Desoto Parish oilfield accident attorney can help you understand what happened and work for your rights to fair physical and financial recovery.

What Are Blowouts and Frac Stack Failures

Essentially, a blowout is any instance in which pressure inside a well cannot be controlled. Oil, gas, chemicals, or other byproducts escape from the ground at forceful speeds. Explosions are possible. Fires are likely. Serious injuries can occur.

Frac stack failures are accidents that occur when the frac stack unit malfunctions. The frac stack is a metal tower that helps relieve pressure while routing from a drilling site to a fracking tank. Defects in the unit itself, as well as errors in assembly or setting pressure limits too high, can lead to failure. Both can usually be prevented with proper safety protocols and equipment maintenance.

What Makes These Accidents Dangerous

Oilfields are dangerous places to work, even during routine operations. The presence of heavy equipment, high pressure, and flammable chemicals means severe injuries are a very real possibility daily. However, when a catastrophic accident like a blowout or frac stack failure occurs, the danger intensifies to extreme levels. Employees can be injured by the following:

• Explosions and flying debris
• Fires and burns
• Hazardous chemical exposure
• Falling objects and collapsing equipment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 104 fatal injuries in the workplace due to explosions or fires. Of these, 87 were in the private industry, and 17 were in construction in DeSoto Parish.

Many victims are unable to return to work. Some never recover enough to leave the hospital. If your loved one was killed, you could face financial challenges as well.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Louisiana law requires most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance on hand. When an employee suffers an injury or wrongful death on the job, this insurance kicks in to cover some of the financial losses involved. While workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, it limits your ability to seek legal recourse.

You will not be able to file a claim against your employer for pain and suffering. Many other damages that accompany serious injuries are left uncompensated by workers’ compensation. In these accidents, many affected individuals require support that exceeds standard workers’ compensation.

When You Can Go Beyond Workers’ Compensation

There are circumstances where injured workers can receive compensation outside of the workers’ compensation system. If you were hurt in an oilfield accident and any of the following apply to you, you may have a valid personal injury claim:

• A third-party contractor was at fault (or partially at fault) for the accident
• Frac stack equipment was defective or designed improperly
• The equipment manufacturer was negligent in some way
• Company leaders ignored safety protocols and regulations

When third parties are responsible for your injuries, workers’ compensation is no longer your only option. You can file a civil claim to seek damages in your oilfield accident case beyond those offered by workers’ comp. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, full coverage of future medical expenses, and more.

Accident laws specific to oilfields generally refer to state regulations and federal safety guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets rules and regulations that are meant to be followed by companies that want to keep their workers safe.

Hire an Oilfield Accident Lawyer

Don’t wait to defend your rights. When you hire an oilfield accident lawyer, you get access to someone who can stand up for you and advocate for the compensation you deserve. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we offer victims of significant oilfield accidents in DeSoto Parish the legal assistance they need. Our staff is skilled in oilfield accident laws, and we can handle these situations, identify carelessness, and defend our clients’ rightful pay.

FAQs

What Injuries Are Common in Oilfield Accidents?

Oilfield blowouts and frac stack failures have been known to cause serious burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and respiratory injuries. There can also be injuries due to exposure to chemicals that can lead to chronic health problems. Many of these injuries are life-altering and require significant medical attention. Be sure to seek medical attention right away after an accident.

How Do I Prove Negligence in an Oilfield Case?

You must prove that someone owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries to prove negligence in an oilfield case. This usually includes obtaining safety records, maintenance logs, and witness statements. An attorney will know how to obtain evidence and build you a strong oilfield accident case.

What Should I Do After an Oilfield Accident?

If you are involved in an oilfield accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you are not injured. Report the accident to your employer and write down everything you can remember about what happened. Do not give a statement to an insurance company without first talking to an attorney. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Delaying can destroy evidence and harm your claim.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim for My Injuries?

There is a time limit to file a claim for injuries. Louisiana has time limits for filing workers’ compensation claims as well as personal injury claims. If you fail to file within the time limit, you may be barred from receiving any compensation. Promptly discussing your case with an attorney can help protect your rights and preserve your right to file a claim.

Louisiana Oilfield Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an oilfield accident, don’t delay in seeking legal assistance to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates can help. Contact us today for more information.