New Mexico Oilfield Injury Lawyers

Common Oilfield Injuries

In New Mexico, like in other states with a significant oil and gas industry presence, oilfield workers face a variety of hazards daily. These hazards can lead to a range of injuries, some of which can be serious and life-changing.

• Burn injuries. Oilfield workers are often exposed to flammable substances, high-pressure equipment, and hot surfaces, putting them at risk of burn injuries. These injuries can range from minor burns to severe, life-threatening burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Fractures and crush injuries. The heavy machinery and equipment used in oilfield operations pose a significant risk of fractures and crush injuries to workers. Accidents involving vehicles, drilling equipment, or falling objects can result in bone fractures or crush injuries—which can lead to long-term disabilities or death.
• Head and brain injuries. Oilfield workers may suffer head injuries from being struck by an object, falls, or vehicle accidents. These injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have lasting cognitive and physical effects on the individual.
• Back and spinal cord injuries. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive movements, and slips and falls are common causes of back and spinal cord injuries among oilfield workers. These injuries can result in chronic pain, paralysis, or other debilitating conditions that may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Chemical exposure injuries. Oilfield workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as drilling fluids, fracking chemicals, and hydrocarbons. Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, chemical burns, and long-term health issues.
• Electrocution injuries. Working with electrical equipment and power lines in oilfield operations poses a risk of electrocution. Contact with live wires or faulty equipment can lead to severe electric shock injuries that include burns, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage.
• Amputations. Accidents involving heavy machinery, equipment malfunctions, or entanglement in moving parts can result in traumatic amputations for oilfield workers. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support for affected individuals.
• Heat-related illnesses. Working in the extreme heat common in New Mexico’s oil fields puts workers at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Without proper hydration, rest breaks, and heat safety protocols, workers can suffer from dehydration, heat cramps, or even fatal heatstroke.

Other common workplace injuries such as musculoskeletal fractures or muscle strains can occur on oilfield sites as well.

Legal Rights of Injured New Mexico Oilfield Workers

If you or a loved one was injured in a New Mexico oil field, it’s understandable that you want to seek compensation. But you may wonder who owes you compensation and how much your claim is worth.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program designed to provide medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Most employers in New Mexico are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits to their employees in case they are hurt on the job. This coverage extends to all employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.

Benefits typically cover medical expenses related to the treatment of the injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitative therapy. In addition, injured workers may receive partial wage replacement benefits if they are unable to work due to their injury or illness.

New Mexico uses a no-fault system for workers’ compensation, meaning that you are generally entitled to compensation regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Therefore, you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to recover compensation. This benefit does come with a drawback in that it does not allow you access to noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

It’s important to know that you must report your injuries to your employer as soon as possible (usually within 15 days) and file a workers’ compensation claim with the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration.

Third-Party Claims

Third-party liability claims can arise when someone other than the employer or a fellow employee—such as a contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—contributes to or causes your injury. Such claims are based on the legal concept of negligence, which requires proving that the responsible party breached a duty of care owed to you and that this breach directly caused your injury. Possible scenarios include:

• Defective equipment or machinery,
• Unsafe work conditions created by subcontractors,
• Negligent operation of vehicles or heavy machinery, or
• Premises liability for hazardous conditions on oilfield sites.

Injured workers who successfully pursue third-party liability claims may be entitled to compensation for noneconomic damages that are not available through workers’ compensation. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

It’s essential to coordinate third-party liability claims with workers’ compensation benefits to avoid potential conflicts or double recovery issues. Workers’ compensation insurers may have a right to recover some of the benefits paid out if a third-party settlement is reached. That’s why it’s essential to contact New Mexico oilfield injury lawyers as soon as you can.

Seek Legal Help

Seeking legal help as soon as possible after sustaining an oilfield injury is of paramount importance for several reasons. Oilfield injury claims can be complex, involving multiple parties, intricate regulations, insurance companies, workers’ compensation questions, and potential liability issues.

An experienced oilfield injury attorney can navigate on your behalf to protect your rights and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the law. They can help collect and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate settlements, and more. Seeking the counsel of a trusted attorney is essential for protecting your legal rights, maximizing compensation, and securing the best possible outcome in the aftermath of what can be a devastating accident.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries while working on an oilfield in New Mexico, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath and recovery alone. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we help injured employees get back on their feet.

With a proven track record of success and millions earned on behalf of our clients, we are here to help you navigate the legal system and will be your advocate throughout the process. Oilfield injury cases can be complex, but that shouldn’t prevent you from obtaining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. To set up a consultation with a member of our team, call us or fill out our online contact form to get started.