East Texas Oil Field

East Texas Oil Field Personal Injury Lawyers
Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP

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When catastrophic accidents strike the East Texas Oil Field, workers face devastating injuries that can forever change their lives and their families' futures. Shaw Cowart LLP provides aggressive legal representation for seriously injured oilfield and refinery workers throughout East Texas who have suffered life-altering injuries or lost loved ones due to workplace negligence, equipment failures, or safety violations.

Our experienced East Texas oilfield accident attorneys understand the unique dangers present in this historic oil-producing region spanning 43 counties across East Texas. We fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries while holding negligent employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers accountable for their actions.

Understanding the East Texas Oil Field's Unique Hazards

The East Texas Oil Field remains one of the most productive oil regions in the United States, but its aging infrastructure and intensive operations create significant risks for workers. This historic field presents unique challenges that can lead to catastrophic accidents:

Aging Infrastructure and Equipment Failures

Many facilities in the East Texas Oil Field operate with decades-old equipment that requires constant maintenance and monitoring. Common hazards include:

• Structural collapses from deteriorating platforms and support systems
• Pipeline ruptures causing fires, explosions, and toxic chemical releases
• Pressure vessel failures leading to catastrophic explosions and injuries
• Electrical system malfunctions resulting in electrocution and fire hazards

Saltwater Disposal and Environmental Hazards

The East Texas Oil Field generates significant amounts of produced water that must be properly disposed of through saltwater disposal wells. Workers face risks from:

• Chemical exposure during water treatment processes
• Equipment failures at disposal facilities
• Transportation accidents involving hazardous materials
• Environmental contamination affecting worker health

Refinery and Processing Facility Dangers

Major refineries throughout the East Texas region process millions of barrels of crude oil, creating additional risks for workers including:

• Process unit explosions causing severe burns and traumatic injuries
• Toxic chemical exposures leading to respiratory damage
• Confined space accidents during maintenance operations
• Steam releases and thermal burns from hot surfaces

Catastrophic Injuries Common in East Texas Oilfield Accidents

Severe Burn Injuries and Chemical Exposure

ETX oilfield workers frequently suffer devastating burn injuries from various sources:

• Flash fires during well completions and maintenance operations
• Chemical burns from drilling fluids, completion chemicals, and produced water
• Thermal burns from steam releases and contact with hot equipment
• Electrical burns from high-voltage equipment and power lines

These injuries often require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and result in permanent scarring and disability.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Damage

The heavy machinery and high-impact nature of oilfield work frequently results in:

• Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or equipment strikes
• Spinal cord injuries causing partial or complete paralysis
• Crush injuries from heavy pipe handling and drilling equipment
• Amputations from caught-in accidents involving rotating machinery

Respiratory Injuries and Occupational Diseases

Long-term exposure to toxic substances in East Texas oil operations can cause:

• Silicosis from exposure to crystalline silica in fracking sand
• Chemical pneumonia from hydrocarbon vapors and toxic gases
• Cancer from benzene and other carcinogenic substances
• Acute respiratory distress from hydrogen sulfide exposure

How an East Texas Oil Field Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Thorough Investigation of Your Accident

Our ETX oilfield truck accident lawyers conduct comprehensive investigations to identify all factors contributing to your injuries:

• Equipment inspection to identify mechanical failures and maintenance issues
• Safety protocol review to determine if proper procedures were followed
• Witness interviews to establish the sequence of events
• Documentation analysis including maintenance records, training materials, and safety reports

Identifying All Liable Parties

East Texas oilfield accidents often involve multiple parties who may be held responsible for your injuries:

• Primary employers who failed to maintain safe working conditions
• Subcontractors who performed negligent work or violated safety protocols
• Equipment manufacturers whose defective products caused accidents
• Property owners who maintained unsafe premises

Maximizing Your Compensation

Our East Texas oilfield accident attorneys fight to secure compensation for all damages related to your injuries:

• Medical expenses including emergency treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma
• Disability accommodations and vocational rehabilitation costs
• Wrongful death damages for families who have lost loved ones

Legal Questions Critical to Your East Texas Oilfield Injury Case

Was Adequate Safety Training Provided?

Texas employers must ensure all workers receive comprehensive safety training covering:

• Hazard recognition and communication protocols
• Proper use of personal protective equipment
• Emergency response procedures and evacuation plans
• Equipment operation and maintenance safety

Inadequate training can establish employer liability for resulting injuries.

Were Industry Safety Standards Followed?

Multiple agencies regulate East Texas oil and gas operations:

• OSHA standards for general workplace safety and health
• Railroad Commission of Texas regulations for drilling and production operations
• EPA requirements for environmental protection and waste management
• DOT regulations for transportation of hazardous materials

Violations of these standards provide strong evidence of negligence in injury claims.

Was Equipment Properly Maintained and Inspected?

Equipment failures cause many East Texas oilfield accidents. Critical maintenance issues include:

• Inadequate inspection schedules for aging pressure vessels
• Failure to replace worn safety systems and protective devices
• Improper installation or modification of equipment
• Lack of preventive maintenance on critical safety components

Frequently Asked Questions About East Texas Oil Field Injuries

What compensation is available for East Texas oilfield injuries?

Injured workers may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability benefits, and punitive damages. The specific compensation depends on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the accident.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an East Texas oilfield accident?

Texas generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, specific circumstances may affect this deadline, making it crucial to contact an attorney immediately.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in an East Texas oilfield accident?

Yes, family members may pursue wrongful death claims seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages resulting from the loss of their loved one.

What if my employer claims I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation if the defendant was more than 50% responsible for the accident.

Can I return to work after a catastrophic oilfield injury?

Many catastrophic injuries prevent workers from returning to their previous jobs. Our attorneys fight to secure compensation for diminished earning capacity and retraining costs to help you transition to new employment.

Do I need an attorney for an East Texas oilfield injury case?

Given the complexity of oilfield accidents and the substantial resources of energy companies, having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact Shaw Cowart LLP for Your Free Legal Consultation

Don't let negligent employers or equipment manufacturers escape responsibility for your catastrophic injuries in the East Texas Oil Field. The experienced oilfield injury attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP will thoroughly investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

Our legal team understands the devastating impact these accidents have on workers and families throughout East Texas. We're committed to holding negligent parties accountable while helping you rebuild your life after a catastrophic injury. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. Time is critical in oilfield accident cases, so don't delay in protecting your rights and securing your family's future.

Contact our personal injury attorneys at 512-842-7085 or use the form on this page to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients in the Tyler, Longview and greater East Texas area.