Injured in an Oil or Gas Field Accident in Fort Worth?
A Fort Worth oilfield injury lawyer can help you demand the compensation you deserve
Oil and gas work in Texas is grueling, dangerous, and all too often, deadly. From well sites in the Barnett Shale to rigs in the Permian Basin, workers are expected to operate heavy machinery, endure long hours, and face the constant risk of explosions, toxic exposure, or crushing injuries. When safety fails, lives are shattered.
And yet, when something goes wrong, the same companies that profit from your labor try to avoid responsibility. They point fingers, blame the worker, and delay claims. That’s where our law firm comes in.
At Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., our lawyers fight for oilfield workers who’ve been injured in Fort Worth and across Texas. If you were hurt in a rig accident, pipeline blast, or drilling site incident, our Fort Worth oilfield injury attorneys can help you take control and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Oil & Gas Field Accident FAQ
- What should I do if I was injured while working in an oilfield?
- Can I sue if I was hurt in a drilling or fracking accident?
- What are the most common injuries in oil and gas field accidents?
- Who can be held responsible for an oilfield injury in Texas?
- What if a subcontractor caused my injury?
- What compensation can I recover in a Texas oilfield injury case?
- How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
- What if my loved one died in an oilfield accident?
- Do I need a lawyer if I’m getting workers’ comp?
- How much does it cost to hire a Fort Worth oilfield injury lawyer?
What should I do if I was injured while working in an oilfield?
Start by getting immediate medical care—even if your injuries seem manageable at first. Oilfield injuries can worsen quickly, and a delay in treatment can hurt both your health and your claim. Report the accident to your employer right away and request a written record of the report. If possible, document the scene: take photos, gather contact info for witnesses, and preserve any damaged gear or clothing.
Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or company investigators until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. These early statements can be used against you later. Contact a law firm with experience in oilfield injury claims so they can begin investigating before critical evidence disappears.
Can I sue if I was hurt in a drilling or fracking accident?
Yes—if a third party’s negligence played a role in the accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. While workers’ comp covers many oilfield injuries, it doesn’t apply to all employers in Texas. Even if your employer is covered, third-party claims are often available when outside contractors, vendors, or manufacturers contribute to a dangerous incident.
Drilling and fracking sites often involve many moving parts and multiple companies working together. If one of them failed to follow safety rules or maintain equipment properly, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Our firm investigates exactly what happened—and we hold the responsible parties accountable.
What are the most common injuries in oil and gas field accidents?
Oilfield accidents frequently result in devastating, long-term injuries, including:
- Severe burns from explosions, chemical exposure, or flash fires
- Crush injuries from rig equipment, falling pipes, or heavy vehicles
- Broken bones and amputations
- Back and spinal cord injuries from falls or impact trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries from dropped objects or blowouts
- Hearing loss from constant exposure to loud drilling equipment
- Respiratory problems from inhaling toxic chemicals or gases
These injuries don’t just affect your ability to work—they impact your entire life. Our job is to fight for every dollar it will take to rebuild it.
Who can be held responsible for an oilfield injury in Texas?
Multiple parties may be liable in oil and gas field accident cases. These include:
- Third-party contractors who failed to follow safety rules
- Drilling or rig operators who cut corners to speed up production
- Property owners who didn’t maintain safe conditions
- Equipment manufacturers whose products failed under pressure
- Trucking or logistics companies that created unsafe site conditions
Texas oilfields often involve overlapping responsibilities. We identify every party involved and pursue the ones whose negligence caused your injuries.
What if a subcontractor caused my injury?
If a subcontractor or someone outside your company caused your injury, you may have a third-party claim—even if your employer is paying workers’ comp. These claims are essential because they allow you to recover more than just basic medical bills or partial wage replacement. You can pursue full lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.
Our firm regularly handles cases involving subcontractor negligence. We know how to gather evidence, review safety logs, and hold these parties accountable under Texas law.
What compensation can I recover in a Texas oilfield injury case?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Ongoing treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability, scarring, and disfigurement
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Wrongful death benefits (for surviving family members)
If gross negligence is involved—such as willful safety violations—we may also pursue punitive damages. Our goal is to make sure you’re fully compensated for every way this injury has affected your life.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Delays can mean lost evidence, faded witness memories, or missed deadlines.
Don’t wait. Contact our office immediately so we can evaluate your case and preserve your rights.
What if my loved one died in an oilfield accident?
If your spouse, parent, or child was killed in an oil or gas field accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help surviving family members recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of income and financial support
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Nothing can replace the person you’ve lost—but holding negligent parties accountable can help your family find justice and avoid financial hardship.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m getting workers’ comp?
Yes—especially if there may be a third-party claim or if your injuries are serious. Workers’ comp doesn’t cover everything. It won’t compensate you for pain and suffering or full lost income. It also doesn’t apply to all employers in Texas, especially in the oil and gas industry where some companies are non-subscribers and opt out of the system altogether.
A lawyer can investigate whether you have a claim beyond workers’ comp, help protect your rights, and make sure you’re not being underpaid or pushed into a lowball settlement.
How much does it cost to hire a Fort Worth oilfield injury lawyer?
At Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing up front
- You owe no legal fees unless we win
- We offer free consultations to review your case
If you’re injured, we’re here to help you take control—without adding to your financial stress.