Permian Basin Personal Injury Lawyers

Understanding Permian Basin Oilfield Dangers

High-Risk Operations Across West Texas

The Permian Basin spans 86,000 square miles across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, producing over 5 million barrels of oil daily. This massive operation creates numerous hazards for workers throughout Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Andrews, and surrounding communities.

Common Permian Basin workplace hazards include:

• High-pressure drilling operations leading to blowouts and explosions
• Hydrogen sulfide exposure causing respiratory failure and death
• Heavy machinery accidents involving drilling rigs and fracturing equipment
• Transportation incidents on congested rural roads serving multiple well sites
• Chemical burns from fracking fluid and completion chemical exposure
• Confined space accidents during tank cleaning and maintenance operations

Devastating Injuries in Oilfield Operations

Permian Basin oilfield accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Our Midland TX injury lawyer team has handled numerous cases involving:

• Severe burn injuries from flash fires during well completions, chemical burns from drilling fluids, and thermal burns from equipment malfunctions
• Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects, equipment strikes, and high-impact collisions common in oilfield operations
• Spinal cord injuries causing partial or complete paralysis from heavy machinery accidents and falls from heights
• Crush injuries and amputations from caught-in accidents involving rotating equipment and pipe handling operations
• Respiratory injuries from toxic substance exposure, including silicosis from fracking sand and chemical pneumonia from hydrocarbon vapors

What to Do After an Oilfield Truck Accident in the Permian Basin

The Permian Basin's extensive truck traffic creates significant collision risks on highways like US-285, State Highway 158, and Interstate 20. When massive oilfield trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.

Immediate steps after an oilfield truck accident:

• Seek emergency medical attention - Even if injuries seem minor, internal damage from high-impact collisions may not be immediately apparent
• Document the accident scene - Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries if safely possible
• Identify all parties involved - Oilfield truck accidents often involve multiple companies, including trucking firms, oilfield service companies, and equipment manufacturers
• Preserve crucial evidence - Don't allow vehicles to be moved or repaired until evidence is properly documented
• Contact a Permian Basin accident attorney immediately - Early legal intervention protects your rights and preserves critical evidence

Filing an Oilfield Truck Accident Injury Claim in Texas

Oilfield truck accident cases in the Permian Basin are complex, often involving multiple liable parties and intricate insurance arrangements. Our experienced attorneys investigate every aspect of your accident to identify all responsible parties and maximize compensation.

Our investigation typically examines:

• Driver qualifications, training, and compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations
• Vehicle maintenance records and safety inspection compliance
• Company safety policies and enforcement practices
• Load securement and weight distribution issues
• Road conditions and traffic control measures at the accident scene

Why Choose Shaw Cowart LLP for Your Permian Basin Injury Case

Proven Track Record in Complex Industrial Accidents

Shaw Cowart LLP has successfully represented oilfield workers and their families throughout Texas, securing substantial compensation for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Our attorneys understand the technical complexities of oil and gas operations and work with industry professionals to build compelling cases against negligent employers and equipment manufacturers.

Resources to Challenge Major Corporations

Permian Basin injury cases often involve large energy companies with extensive legal resources. Shaw Cowart LLP has the financial capacity and legal experience necessary to conduct thorough investigations, retain qualified witnesses, and pursue cases through trial when necessary. We're not intimidated by corporate legal teams—we fight aggressively to protect our clients' rights.

Deep Understanding of Texas Oilfield Operations

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases throughout Texas's major energy regions, including Texas oilfield and refinery injury cases. This knowledge allows us to quickly identify safety violations, equipment defects, and negligent practices that contribute to serious accidents.

Compensation Available for Permian Basin Injuries

Seriously injured oilfield workers in the Permian Basin may be entitled to substantial compensation beyond basic workers' compensation benefits. Our Odessa personal injury attorney team fights to secure maximum recovery for:

• Economic damages including medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation costs
• Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability
• Punitive damages when gross negligence or willful misconduct contributed to your injuries

Third-Party Claims Beyond Workers' Compensation

While Texas workers' compensation provides some benefits, it often falls short of fully compensating catastrophic injuries. Our Permian Basin wrongful death lawyer team identifies additional claims against:

• Equipment manufacturers for defective drilling rigs, safety systems, and protective equipment
• Third-party contractors for negligent work practices and inadequate safety measures
• Property owners for unsafe working conditions and inadequate site security
• Transportation companies for vehicle accidents and cargo-related incidents

Frequently Asked Questions About Permian Basin Injury Cases

What should I do immediately after a serious oilfield injury?

Seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to your supervisor following company procedures. Document the scene if safely possible and contact an experienced Permian Basin personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance representatives. Early legal intervention protects your rights and preserves crucial evidence.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a Permian Basin accident?

Texas generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, specific circumstances may affect this deadline, and some claims may have shorter notice requirements. Contact Shaw Cowart LLP immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

Can I sue if my employer claims the accident was my fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as the defendant was more than 50% responsible for your injuries.

What if my loved one was killed in a Permian Basin oilfield accident?

Family members may pursue wrongful death claims seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages. Our wrongful death attorneys understand the devastating impact these tragedies have on families and fight aggressively for maximum compensation.

Will I have to go to court for my injury case?

Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers prepared to take your case to court when necessary to secure fair compensation.

How much does it cost to hire Shaw Cowart LLP?

We handle Permian Basin injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for your injuries. This allows injured workers to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.

Contact Shaw Cowart LLP for Your Free Legal Consultation

Don't let negligent employers or equipment manufacturers escape responsibility for your catastrophic injuries. The experienced Permian Basin personal injury lawyers 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 oilfield workers and families throughout the Permian Basin. We're committed to holding negligent parties accountable while helping you rebuild your life after a serious injury.

Contact us today for a free legal consultation by calling 512-842-7085 or visiting our contact page. Time is critical in oilfield accident cases, so don't delay in protecting your rights and securing your family's future.