Our Attorneys Handle Claims for Oil Workers and People in the Drilling Industry

The oil and drilling industry is one of the most dangerous fields for workers, and an on-the-job injury can change your life forever. If you’re a driller or oil worker who has been injured, a Columbus oil workers’ compensation lawyer at Malek & Malek can explain your options and help you navigate the  process. 

What Workers’ Compensation Provides to Injured Oil Workers

Generally speaking, workers’ compensation pays two main benefits to people who are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness: 

• Benefits that cover up to two-thirds of your lost wages; and
• Benefits that pay your medical expenses. 

In the event that your injury or illness results in a permanent disability, workers’ compensation will also pay a disability benefit. 

Workers’ compensation provides a much-needed safety net for those who work in dangerous industries such as oil workers and drillers. However, it’s important to understand that workers’ comp will not cover all of your lost income or compensate you for your pain and suffering. An experienced Columbus oil workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what benefits are available. 

Were You Injured While on a Rig or During Drilling? 

The crucial element of any workers’ compensation case is proving that you were injured on the job or “in the course of” your employment. For most oil and drilling industry workers, this is not a problem. Injuries in the following accidents will typically qualify for workers’ compensation: 

• Drilling rig collapses
• Equipment failures
• Electrocutions
• Chemical fires
• Falls from drilling platforms and derricks
• Vehicle accidents
• Pipeline explosions
• Chemical exposures
• Refinery fires

These accidents can cause severe injuries that can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death. For these reasons, it’s important to work with an experienced Columbus oil workers’ compensation lawyer to make sure you can get the benefits you deserve. 

Do You Have a Claim Against Your Employer?

It’s important to understand that you cannot pursue a claim against your employer if you have a workers’ compensation claim. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when an employer acts with extreme negligence, but they are fairly rare. The advantage is that you can get compensation without having to prove fault, which means that you can begin receiving benefits relatively quickly. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that you will likely have uncompensated losses. 

Third-Party Claims for Drilling Accidents 

While you may not be able to sue your employer, you may be able to pursue a claim against a third party for any uncovered losses. For example: 

• You were injured as a result of a subcontractor’s negligence. 
• You were injured as a result of defective equipment or because safety equipment failed. 
• You were injured due to exposure to a toxic substance that did not carry adequate warnings or instructions regarding its use.
• You were injured in a motor vehicle accident with a non-employee while at work. 

In each of these scenarios, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent party in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. This means that you can seek compensation for any lost income not covered by workers’ comp, your pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by your accident. 

Injured in the Oil or Drilling Industry? Call Malek and Malek Today

At Malek & Malek, we’ve been helping injured workers across Ohio in almost every industry get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. If you’re an injured driller or oil worker, we can help – contact us at 888-444-7440 to schedule a free consultation today.