North Dakota Personal Injury Lawyer
Now is a pivotal moment for the oil industry. With a demand crash that has been induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty about the future for gas continues to grow. Oil and gas have powered a century of economic growth.
Unsurprisingly, the oil field is a challenging and dangerous work environment, even under the best working conditions. This is no excuse for companies to allow unnecessary dangers by taking shortcuts on safety. If you have been injured in an oil field accident, you may be entitled to compensation far beyond what you may be eligible for in Workers’ Compensation benefits.
It is important to hire a law team that will be passionate about fighting for your rights. Our lawyers at Schwab, Thompson & Frisk are respected in our legal community and the local courts. This is why we passionately represent those injured in oil field accidents throughout West Fargo & Bismarck, and all around North Dakota.
What Type Of Cases Can We Handle?
Injury cases in the oil field can be distinctive. Our offices are located in West Fargo & Bismarck and we take on cases that many lawyers do not see regularly practicing in bigger cities. Some cases we have handled include the following:
- Workers suffering injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning or exposure to sulfur hydroxide fumes
- Workers suffering an injury from the collapse of a mine or a trench
- Workers being injured due to fires or explosions that were caused by defective equipment, inefficient training, or lapses in safety
In many cases, the above accidents are a result of improper or ineffective safety strategies or protocols. Many companies will overwork their workers, and this can lead to many minor and major accidents.
North Dakota Oil Field Injuries
Many oil field workers suffer damaging injuries, including the following:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and/or lacerations
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Cancer due to exposure to certain chemicals and toxins
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If you have suffered an injury in the oil field, no matter how small you may believe the injury is, you should not hesitate to seek medical attention. All of the above injuries can have catastrophic or fatal consequences that can permanently change your life. Your ability to work will be a major concern, and you can face a lifetime of recovery.
Were The Injuries Caused By Negligence?
When an accident takes place in the oil field, workers are not typically able to sue their employer if workers’ compensation benefits are offered. However, what if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence? You may be able to file a lawsuit against the individual(s) responsible for the accident. An experienced law team will be able to help you determine what actions you should take, especially after it has been determined if your injuries were caused by a third party.
Oil Field Injuries and Workers’ Compensation
In North Dakota, the workers’ compensation system was put in place to help workers receive medical benefits. As long as a worker was injured on the job, your employer’s insurer should pay for all expenses related to your medical expenses. The workers’ compensation system in North Dakota is a no-fault system that will compensate injured workers.
North Dakota’s workers’ compensation system also offers a disability benefit that will cover a certain amount of your lost wages if it is determined you are not able to return to work. The total amount you can receive will depend on how much you were earning before your injury and how injured you are.
As mentioned previously, liability will need to be established in an oil field injury case. Unfortunately, many companies or insurance companies will attempt to scare you into thinking you do not have a case. Do not be scared or pressured into accepting a low settlement or no settlement at all.
Our team at Schwab, Thompson & Frisk is ready to help you today. Our offices are located in West Fargo & Bismarck, ND. Please do not hesitate to call us at 701-365-8088 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation