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New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyer

Oilfield accidents in New Mexico

Oilfield accidents can be serious and result in injury or death to workers. In New Mexico, the oil and gas industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, and the safety of workers in this industry is of utmost importance.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) is responsible for regulating the state’s oil and gas industry, including overseeing safety and environmental standards. The OCD works with companies and industry organizations to ensure the safe operation of oil and gas production facilities.

Accidents in the oilfield can be caused by a variety of factors, including equipment failure, human error, lack of proper training or supervision, and poor maintenance of facilities or equipment. To prevent accidents in the oilfield, it’s important to follow industry regulations and best practices, invest in regular training and equipment maintenance, and prioritize safety in all operations.

Types of oilfield accidents in New Mexico

Some types of oilfield accidents that can occur in New Mexico include:

  1. Explosions and fires caused by gas or oil leaks or equipment failure
  2. Injuries from falling or being struck by heavy equipment or materials
  3. Chemical exposure or chemical spills
  4. Vehicle accidents, including collisions or rollovers of vehicles used in the oilfield
  5. Injuries from defective equipment or lack of proper maintenance
  6. Accidents related to rigging and hoisting, such as dropped loads or equipment failure
  7. Slip and fall accidents caused by slippery or uneven surfaces
  8. Injuries caused by manual labor or repetitive motions
  9. Injuries caused by exposure to extreme temperatures or hazardous weather conditions
  10. Accidents related to pipeline failures or leaks.

It’s important for oilfield workers and companies to follow safety regulations and best practices to minimize the risk of accidents in the oilfield and to prioritize the safety of workers and the environment.

 

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Common injuries sustained in oilfield accidents

Oilfield accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be serious or life-threatening. Some common injuries sustained in oilfield accidents include:

  1. Burns: from fires or explosions, exposure to chemicals, or hot equipment.
  2. Fractures or broken bones: from falls, being struck by heavy equipment, or vehicle accidents.
  3. Head injuries: from falling objects, being struck by equipment, or vehicle accidents.
  4. Soft tissue injuries: such as sprains, strains, and cuts from falls, being struck by equipment, or vehicle accidents.
  5. Internal injuries: such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs from blunt force trauma.
  6. Eye injuries: from exposure to chemicals, dust or debris, or being struck by objects.
  7. Hearing loss: from exposure to loud equipment or explosions.
  8. Respiratory problems: from exposure to toxic fumes or chemicals.
  9. Back and neck injuries: from manual labor, falls, or vehicle accidents.
  10. Repetitive motion injuries: from performing the same motions repeatedly over a long period of time.

These are some of the common injuries that can occur in oilfield accidents. It’s important for oilfield workers and companies to prioritize safety and to follow industry regulations and best practices to minimize the risk of accidents and prevent serious injuries. If you have been involved in an accident and need a New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyer, contact Ornelas and Serna, it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney to understand your legal rights and options for compensation.

What information to collect after being in an oilfield accident

If you have been involved in an oilfield accident, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to help with any potential legal claims or insurance claims. Some information to collect after an oilfield accident may include:

  1. Contact information for witnesses and other individuals involved in the accident.
  2. Photos or videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries or damage.
  3. A detailed written account of the events leading up to and including the accident, including what you remember about the accident and the conditions at the time.
  4. A copy of any police or incident reports related to the accident.
  5. Medical records and documentation of any medical treatments or expenses related to the accident.
  6. Information about the insurance coverage of any involved parties, including the names and contact information of any insurance companies.
  7. Documentation of any time off work or loss of income related to the accident.
  8. Any other relevant documentation or evidence, such as equipment maintenance records, safety regulations, or company policies.

Having accurate and complete information can help support your case if you need to make an insurance claim or pursue legal action. An attorney can help guide you in collecting the necessary information and building a strong case for compensation.

Who’s responsible for an oilfield accident?

Liability for an oilfield injury depends on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, there are several potential parties who may be liable for an oilfield injury, including:

  1. The employer: if the injury occurred in the course of employment and was due to the employer’s negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment, the employer may be held liable.
  2. Equipment manufacturers: if the injury was caused by a defect in equipment or machinery, the manufacturer of that equipment may be held liable.
  3. Contractors or sub-contractors: if the injury was caused by the negligence of a contractor or sub-contractor working on the oilfield, they may be held liable.
  4. Property owners: if the injury occurred on property owned by someone other than the employer, the property owner may be held liable if they were negligent in maintaining the property or failed to warn of any known hazards.
  5. Other drivers: if the injury was caused by a motor vehicle accident, the driver of the vehicle may be held liable if they were negligent or violated traffic laws.

It’s important to note that in some cases, multiple parties may be liable for an oilfield injury. An attorney can help you understand the specific facts of your case and determine who may be liable for your injuries. Additionally, some oilfield injury cases may be subject to workers’ compensation laws, which provide benefits to workers injured on the job without the need to prove fault. An attorney can also advise you on your options for compensation under workers’ compensation laws.

How can a personal injury lawyer help you with your oilfield accident

An attorney can help you in several ways if you have been involved in an oilfield accident:

  1. Investigation: An attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and determine who may be liable for your injuries.
  2. Representation: An attorney can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court, if necessary. They can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
  3. Expert witnesses: An attorney may bring in expert witnesses to help prove your case, such as engineers or safety specialists.
  4. Advocacy: An attorney can be a strong advocate for you and fight for your rights and interests. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
  5. Settlement negotiation: An attorney can negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company, if appropriate. This can save you time and money and allow you to receive compensation more quickly.

If you have been involved in an oilfield accident, it’s important to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.