Texas is famous for oil, but it’s a dangerous business. While some employers keep worker safety a priority, others do not. Workers are considered expendable if safety costs too much. When accidents happen, they are bloody and horrific. The jobs come with hefty paychecks, so there is no shortage of replacement workers.
The Eagle Ford Shale region in south Texas proved deadly for 11 oilfield workers in February, 2013. OSHA investigations have found that many oil field deaths could have been prevented. In one case, a young father told his wife that he was nervous about climbing a certain tower because he felt it was unsafe, but he was threatened with the loss of his job if he didn’t do it. The next day, he was 25 feet up in the derrick when it toppled, crushing him to death. OSHA levies fines against oil companies when a worker dies, but at the time, the penalty was only $6,100 per death, reduced from $10,900. The best recourse for the workers’ families is to consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston.
While workers are only supposed to work 8 hour shifts, longer hours are common. Tired workers and unsafe, dangerous conditions inevitably leads to injuries. Crushed bones, fractures, concussions, severed fingers or limbs are some of the injuries seen. In addition, much of this work is done in remote areas, causing lost time before reaching emergency medical personnel. On-the-spot first aid is not adequate for the type of injuries encountered. Talking to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston is an important option for injured workers faced with mounting medical expenses and an inability to work.
DeHoyos & Connolly, PLLC is a law firm in Houston, TX that focuses on cases involving Personal Injury, including Oilfield and Auto Accidents, Divorce, Civil and Commercial Litigation and General Counsel Services. Their motto is “No Gimmicks – Just Results” and keep their attention strictly on the issues of the case. The attorneys understand that negotiation may the most effective resolution in certain situations, rather than pursuing long and expensive litigation. At this firm, the lawyers also have extensive business backgrounds. This works to their clients’ benefit as they have personal knowledge of how businesses operate. Anyone who has been injured through another’s negligence should contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX for the compensation due them.
