Texas Oil Field Injury Law: What It Says & How Injuries Happen

Table of Contents

• Texas Oil Field Injuries: An Overview
• Why Oil Field Work Is So Dangerous
• Common Causes of Oil Field Injuries
• Federal Laws Governing Oil Field Safety
• Texas Workers’ Compensation Law
• Third-Party Injury Claims in Texas
• Offshore & Maritime Injury Laws
• Texas Statute of Limitations
• Texas Oil Field Injury Statistics
• Compensation Available to Injured Workers
• What to Do After an Oil Field Injury
• Key Takeaways
• Sources & Data References

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Texas consistently ranks as the largest producer of oil and gas in the nation. Texas oil field work also remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the state. Workers face daily risks from heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and remote job sites—often with life-altering consequences when accidents occur.

This article explains what Texas oil field injury law says about recovering for injuries as well as the most common causes of oil field injuries, supported by federal and state data.

Why Oil Field Work Is So Dangerous

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas produces more crude oil than any other state in recent years, boasting well over 40% of total U.S. production.

With increased production comes increased risk. Federal data, including from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that reported nonfatal injury rates in the oil and gas extraction sector are actually lower than the national private-industry average. However, the oil and gas industry continues to experience a comparatively high rate of fatal incidents, particularly from transportation accidents, equipment contact, and explosions. While injuries may be less frequent, the consequences when they occur are often catastrophic.

Common Causes of Oil Field Injuries

Heavy Equipment & Machinery Accidents

Oil field operations rely on cranes, drilling rigs, forklifts, and pump jacks. Equipment failures or improper operation can lead to collisions, crushing injuries, amputations, or fatalities.

Falls From Height

Workers often operate on elevated platforms, scaffolding, or rig floors. Not to mention everything tends to be covered in slick grease and hydraulic fluid that makes a secure footing more difficult. Unfortunately, simple falls are a leading cause of serious injury and death.

Explosions & Fires

Highly flammable substances increase the risk of explosions, burns, and smoke inhalation injuries. This is especially true in the oil and gas sector, where all the products are highly flammable.

Vehicle & Transportation Accidents

Remote oil field locations require long commutes and heavy truck traffic. Next to falls from height, transportation incidents are the leading cause of fatal oil field accidents.

Chemical Exposure

Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause burns, respiratory damage, and long-term health issues.

Federal Laws Governing Oil Field Safety

OSHA Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires subject employers to maintain safe workplaces and follow specific safety standards. OSHA violations can be critical evidence in injury claims but are not always enough standing alone.

Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulates pipeline construction and safety practices nationwide.

Mining Safety Regulations

Certain drilling and extraction operations fall under the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Texas Workers’ Compensation Law

Texas appears to stand alone as the only state where workers’ compensation coverage is optional for most private employers. Texas is referred to as a “subscriber state” because employers may elect to subscribe to the state’s workers’ compensation system. If an employers subscribes, their employees may receive compensation for workplace injuries, including:

• Medical benefits
• Partial wage replacement
• Impairment income benefits

However, workers’ comp limits an employee’s ability to sue their employer directly. The statutory scheme extends a cloak of immunity for the employer and offers minimal protection to injured employees. But that doesn’t mean the employees is out of options for receiving compensation for their injuries.

Third-Party Injury Claims in Texas

If a third party was at fault or otherwise contributed to the injury, Texas law generally permits the injured workers to pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit against the responsible third party. Third-party liability is commonplace in oilfield injury lawsuits. Typical third-party defendants include:

• Equipment manufacturers and lessors
• Subcontractors and sub-subcontractors
• Truck drivers
• Property owners

Third-party liability may allow a path to recovery for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future earning capacity, even though the employee’s claims against the employer are barred by workers’ comp laws.

Offshore & Maritime Injury Laws

Oil field injuries occurring on navigable waters or offshore rigs may fall under federal maritime law, including the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, depending on vessel status, worker status, and the exact location of the worksite, place of injury, etc.

Texas Statute of Limitations

Texas law generally requires oil field injury lawsuits to be filed within a certain time period, also known as the statute of limitations. How long depends on the theory of liability and not the industry or necessarily the type or severity of the injury. Below are the limitations periods for common causes of action brought under Texas law:

• Two years for personal injury lawsuits – Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Sec. 16.003(a)
• Four years for fraud and certain contract remedies – Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code Sec. 16.002(a)

When the statue of limitations time period begins, or when it “accrues,” is a whole separate legal issue. In general, a personal injury claim begins to accrue on the date of injury. However, for latent injuries, the accrual date may be the later date that the plaintiff discovered the injury or made the connection between their injury and the defendants conduct. Determining the accrual date and the time elapsed should only be attempted by a skilled attorney. That is because missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.

Texas Oil Field Injury Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, oil and gas extraction consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries in the United States.

The leading causes of fatal oil field injuries include:

• Transportation incidents
• Contact with equipment
• Falls from height

Compensation Available to Injured Workers

Depending on the case, the types of damages and are entitled to compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages

What to Do After an Oil Field Injury

1. Seek immediate medical treatment and stabilize your health
2. Report the injury to your employer in accordance with company policies
3. Document the scene and injuries, including gather names and contact information for any witnesses to the incident or related issues
4. Preserve equipment and evidence
5. Consult an experienced oil field injury attorney

Key Takeaways

• Oil field work is among the most dangerous occupations in Texas
• Both federal and Texas laws govern worker safety and compensation
• Workers’ compensation may not be the only legal remedy
• Third-party claims can significantly increase compensation
• Strict deadlines apply

Sources & Data References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration – https://www.osha.gov
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration – https://www.phmsa.dot.gov
• Texas Statutes – https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• U.S. Energy Information Administration – https://www.eia.gov