Equipment Failure and Oil Rig Injury Claims
Oil and gas production remains a cornerstone of the Western Colorado economy, but the equipment involved, from drilling rigs to pressure vessels and heavy machinery, carries serious risks when it malfunctions or fails. Workers on rigs, well pads, and production sites often work in close proximity to powerful equipment that can cause catastrophic injuries in an instant. If you have been hurt this way, our Grand Junction oil and gas accident lawyers can help you sort out what went wrong.
The Realities of Working Around Heavy Oilfield Equipment
Oilfield work involves a combination of pressure, weight, and mechanical force that leaves little room for error. Drilling rigs, pumps, cranes, and pressurized lines must function exactly as designed. When a piece of equipment is poorly maintained, improperly manufactured, or used outside its intended purpose, workers nearby can suffer amputations, crush injuries, burns, or worse.
Common Types of Equipment Failures
Equipment related oilfield injuries often stem from a handful of recurring problems. These include defective or poorly maintained drilling equipment, hydraulic system failures, malfunctioning pressure control devices, improperly secured loads or rigging, and inadequate maintenance schedules that allow wear and corrosion to go unaddressed. Struck by and caught in incidents involving moving or falling equipment are among the leading causes of serious injury at well sites.
Workers Compensation and Third Party Claims
An injured oilfield worker is generally entitled to workers compensation benefits regardless of fault, covering medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. However, workers compensation does not typically account for pain and suffering or the full extent of long term losses. When equipment failure results from the negligence of someone other than the employer, such as an equipment manufacturer, maintenance contractor, or another company operating on site, an injured worker may also have grounds for a third party claim. This can allow for recovery of damages that workers compensation alone does not provide.
What to Do After an Oilfield Injury
Following an equipment related injury, reporting the incident promptly and seeking medical care are important first steps. Preserving the failed equipment, photographing the scene, and identifying witnesses can also become critical later, since equipment may be repaired, replaced, or removed from service quickly after an incident. Multiple parties are often involved in oilfield operations, including operators, drilling contractors, and equipment suppliers, which can make identifying every responsible party a complex task.
According to OSHA, struck by, caught in, and caught between hazards account for three of every five on site fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry.
If you have been injured due to equipment failure while working in Colorado’s oil and gas industry, our Grand Junction oil and gas accident lawyers at Killian, Davis & Richter, P.C. understand the unique challenges these cases present. We proudly serve injured workers throughout Grand Junction, Montrose, and Mesa County, Colorado. Call us today at 970-241-0707.
Source:
osha.gov/oil-and-gas-extraction/hazards