Were you injured while working in the Eagle Ford Shale or on another site near Corpus Christi, Texas? Contact the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. for a free consultation at (361) 643-9200. Our Corpus Christi oilfield accident attorney can help you evaluate your legal options and follow through with your best course of action.
Our personal injury attorney has 42 years of experience and has recovered more than $300 million for injured clients in that time. We understand the unique hazards oilfield workers face and are passionate about helping victims make things right after getting hurt in an accident.
Reach out to us today to learn about what you should do next and how we can help you make the most of your claim.
Why Choose the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. to Help After an Oilfield Injury in Corpus Christi?
Attorney William J. Tinning is quite literally one of the most successful personal injury attorneys in Corpus Christi, TX. He’s received accolades from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law for over 40 years, to name just a few of his numerous awards. You can feel confident that your case is in good hands from the start if you hire us to represent you.
Some of the other reasons to consider selecting us for your case include:
- We have recovered hundreds of millions for injured Texans, including complex industrial and oilfield cases
- Forty-two years of practice means we know how to investigate thoroughly, present evidence effectively, and overcome common defenses from even the strongest opponents
- Insurers know we are ready to try a case if a fair offer is not on the table
- We keep our caseload manageable so you receive clear communication and a tailor-made, intensive legal strategy
- We will be ready to take your case to court and potentially all the way to trial if that’s what it takes
Contact our Corpus Christi oilfield accident lawyer today to schedule a completely free initial consultation. At that time, we can provide you with some preliminary legal advice about your claim.
What Are My Legal Options After an Oilfield Accident in Texas?
Your legal options after a Corpus Christi oilfield accident depend on things like where you were hurt, who employed you, and who caused your injuries. We will help you explore your possible legal options and pursue the one that best suits your situation.
Common avenues for recovery include:
- Workers’ compensation or employer-provided benefits: Some workers are covered by workers’ compensation or a similar plan, such as an ERISA plan. These benefits may pay for your medical care and a portion of lost wages.
- Non-subscriber negligence claims: Many Texas employers do not carry workers’ comp insurance. If yours is a non-subscriber, you may bring a negligence claim directly against them.
- Third-party personal injury lawsuits: In some cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party (such as a subcontractor) even if you can also file a workers’ comp claim.
- Product liability claims: You may have a claim against the manufacturer of a defective part or machinery in some cases.
- Wrongful death claims: Families may seek compensation when a loved one is killed by an oilfield incident caused by another’s negligence.
Our legal team will investigate your job status, contracts, and insurance to identify every viable source of compensation. We will then work to coordinate your benefits and other legal claims so that you do not leave money on the table.
How Much Is My Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident Claim Worth?
No two oilfield cases are the same at the end of the day. The value of your claim depends on the facts and circumstances of your case, including your specific injuries and the nature of the accident.
Key factors that we will assess as we evaluate your claim’s potential value include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- What your legal options are, including your ability to file a lawsuit
- The medical care you have received and the treatment you will need in the future
- The time you will miss from work and any loss of earning capacity
- The impact on your daily activities and quality of life
- Whether safety rules were broken or corners were cut intentionally
- The strength of the available evidence and applicable insurance limits
Oilfield injuries often lead to significant financial and personal losses. During your free consultation, our Corpus Christi oilfield accident attorney can review the details and provide a clearer sense of case value based on your situation.
Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents in Corpus Christi, TX
Oil and gas sites combine heavy machinery and tight production schedules, which is a potential recipe for disaster. When safety takes a back seat in these cases, serious incidents and injuries can follow.
Frequent causes of these accidents include:
- Inadequate training and supervision
- Failure to follow lockout/tagout and other safety procedures
- Equipment failures
- Gas leaks that lead to fires and explosions
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- Vehicle and truck collisions in and around the site
- Fatigue from excessive hours or staffing shortages
- Defective tools, valves, or protective gear
- Poor site maintenance and housekeeping
Determining the cause of your accident is essential because it directly ties to liability. Our law firm can work with industry experts to thoroughly investigate your claim and make it as strong as possible.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover After a Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident?
Texas law allows injured workers to seek both economic and non-economic damages in qualifying personal injury claims. These are designed to address the full impact of an accident and make you whole again as best as possible.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages/diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases that reach the courtroom, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party acted egregiously.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident Lawyer?
You may already be struggling to pay bills or provide for your family after an oilfield accident takes place, which is one reason why our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and no hourly fees to hire us, and, from there, we only get paid if we win money for you.
If we secure compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict, our attorney’s fees come out as a percentage of that recovery (usually around 33% in most cases). We’ll sign a written contingency fee agreement at the start of your case as well and will explain all terms clearly so there are no surprises.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Oilfield Accident in Texas?
Workers’ comp is generally a no-fault system, so you can still receive benefits even if you share some of the blame (with only rare exceptions, like if you injure yourself on purpose).
Regarding any potential personal injury lawsuits you may be able to file, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence statute that will apply. This means you can still collect damages as long as you are 50% or less responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your case is worth $1,000,000 and you are found 10% at fault, you would still recover $900,000.
At the Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C., we know how to challenge accusations of unfair blame. Our oilfield accident lawyer will examine all of the facts of your case to present an effective argument in response.
How Long Do I Have to File an Oilfield Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law sets strict deadlines for personal injury claims based on oilfield accidents. If you intend to file a workers’ compensation action, you must generally notify your employer within 30 days and file your claim within one year. For personal injury lawsuits, the time limit is typically two years.
However, note that there are exceptions that can adjust these deadlines in some cases. As a result, it’s best to speak with an experienced Corpus Christi oilfield accident lawyer as soon as possible for help submitting your claim on time.
Contact Our Corpus Christi Oilfield Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident in Corpus Christi or anywhere in South Texas, don’t wait to get legal help. The Law Office of William J. Tinning, P.C. has 42 years of experience and a long track record of success you can depend on, with more than $300 million recovered for clients to date.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced Corpus Christi oilfield accident lawyer. We’re ready to help you get back on your feet as best as the law allows.