Albuquerque Oilfield Accident Lawyers

Understanding Your Rights After an Oilfield Accident

Most oilfield accidents will lead to a workers’ compensation claim or negligence lawsuit.

For workers’ compensation claims, New Mexico follows a no-fault system. Under this rule, you can seek compensation regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Once you file a claim, your employer’s insurance provider will cover the cost of your treatment and care.

However, you may need to file a negligence claim if a third party unrelated to your employer caused your injuries. Some examples of third parties include subcontractors, vendors, or equipment manufacturers.

You will need to show the following elements before you can prevail for a negligence claim:

• Duty of care. The defendant had a duty to keep you and others safe on the oilfield.
• Breach of duty. The defendant breached this duty of care, creating a hazardous situation.
• Causation. The breach of duty directly caused or contributed to the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages. You suffered tangible losses from the accident, such as physical injuries or out-of-pocket expenses.

You may have a case if your situation fits these elements. Speak with our Albuquerque oilfield accident lawyers to discuss potential legal options.

We Handle All Types of Oilfield Accidents

Oilfield accidents can take many forms, and each one presents unique challenges. Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. is here to help, no matter how your accident happens.

Here are examples of some of the cases we litigate:

• Pipe bursting accidents. When pipes carrying oil or gas rupture, they can cause devastating explosions, fires, and shrapnel injuries.
• Equipment malfunction injuries. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can lead to crushing injuries, amputations, and severe falls.
• Explosions and fires. Oilfield operations involve highly flammable materials. Even small sparks can ignite catastrophic explosions and fires.
• Slip-and-fall accidents. Slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, and cluttered work areas can all lead to dangerous falls from heights or on the rig floor.
• Toxic chemical exposure. Oilfield workers can be exposed to harmful chemicals like benzene and hydrogen sulfide, causing respiratory problems, burns, and long-term health effects.
• Work truck accidents. Collisions involving oilfield work trucks can cause severe injuries to both workers and other drivers on the road.
• Wrongful death claims. In the tragic event of a fatal oilfield accident, we can help surviving family members seek compensation for their loss.

Our firm is ready to help you get compensation and closure after any type of accident. Contact us today to work with an Albuquerque personal injury lawyer.

How Our Firm Can Help You Get Justice

An oilfield accident can leave you feeling lost and helpless. Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. is here to guide you through the legal process so you can hold the liable party accountable.

Client-Centered Support

We know that dealing with a serious injury after an oilfield accident can be overwhelming. Our firm is dedicated to providing you with personalized attention and support. Our goal is to alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on healing.

Investigation

We understand the complexities of oilfield accidents. Our team will launch a comprehensive investigation into your case, gathering all relevant evidence. Depending on your situation, we may work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injuries. This meticulous investigation builds a strong foundation for your case and helps us hold negligent parties accountable.

Aggressive Negotiation

We understand that insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. Your Albuquerque personal injury attorney will handle all negotiations with the insurer and the other side. We’ll work hard to get you the best outcome possible.

Trial Preparation

While we strive to resolve cases through negotiation, we are ready to take a claim to court when necessary.

Some of the steps we take before going to trial include:

• Working with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact,
• Consulting with economic experts to calculate your lost wages and lost earning capacity,
• Deposing witnesses and gathering expert testimony to strengthen your case, and
• Developing a compelling trial strategy to present your case to the jury in a clear and persuasive manner.

Our lawyers excel in the courtroom. They know how to explain complex legal topics to help establish liability and seek the most compensation available.

Damages You Can Recover

You can recover damages to compensate you after an accident. This settlement addresses the physical, financial, and mental toll of the incident.

Some of the damages you can demand can include:

• Medical expenses. These cover costs related to surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments.
• Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a loss of income, you can recover lost wages during your recovery period.
• Pain and suffering. You can demand funds to compensate for your physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
• Loss of consortium. If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
• Property damage. Your settlement can include funds to repair or replace damaged personal property, such as your vehicle or equipment.

Your Albuquerque oilfield injury attorney will carefully evaluate your case to determine the full extent of your damages. We will do our best to help you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

An oilfield accident can leave you feeling lost and confused. We understand that you may have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients. If you have any other questions, please contact our firm.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Oilfield Accident?

Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t have immediate symptoms but can pose a serious threat. Also, report the incident to your supervisor as required by company policy. Don’t sign any documents or make detailed statements until you’ve spoken with an Albuquerque oilfield injury lawyer.

How Long Do I Have to File an Oilfield Accident Claim?

If filing for workers’ compensation, you have 15 days to submit your claim. If filing under negligence, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal lawsuit.

However, there are exceptions that can extend both of these deadlines. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you file your claim on time.

Can I File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault for The Accident?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that the compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. This rule applies whether you are 1% or 99% at fault for the incident.

Also, it’s important to note that this rule doesn’t apply to workers’ compensation claims. Your employer’s insurance policy must cover you regardless of whether you’re at fault.

Speak with Our Albuquerque Oilfield Accident Lawyers

Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help you get justice after an oilfield accident. Our award-winning attorneys excel at proving damages and have recovered millions of dollars for victims. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case.