San Antonio Oilfield Accident Lawyer

The San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer group at Trey Barton Law has extensive experience handling cases of devastating accidents that occur at drilling sites and understands the hazardous conditions oilfield workers face. When injured workers suffer significant injuries or fatalities in the oil and gas industry, the claims process can be overwhelming for family members, especially when dealing with mounting medical bills, physical pain and suffering, and missed paychecks. Our San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer team has a track record of successfully representing clients in complex oilfield accident cases, helping them file claims for workers’ compensation benefits and obtain personal injury damages in oilfield accident lawsuits through skilled negotiations with insurance companies.

Oil and gas companies often try to mitigate liability, but we fight aggressively to ensure clients are compensated fairly. If you or a loved one has been injured, our attorneys will work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain maximum compensation on your behalf. As a committed oilfield accident law firm in San Antonio, Texas, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t pay unless we win.

Don’t settle for less, contact our oilfield injury attorneys at 832-916-2526 for a free consultation.

San Antonio Oilfield Accident Lawyer

Why San Antonio is a High-Volume City for Oilfield Accidents

San Antonio’s proximity to the Eagle Ford Shale makes it a high-risk area for oilfield accidents. With over 16,000 oil wells and 3,000 gas wells in production, the south and west Texas region employs thousands of oilfield workers who face unsafe conditions. The oil and gas industry is known for prioritizing profits over safety regulations, often failing to provide safe work environments and causing devastating accidents involving large equipment, transportation incidents, and sudden explosions.

Texas law does not require businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance, leaving many oil and gas workers unable to file a workers’ compensation claim. Without coverage, they must recover damages by filing a lawsuit to recover costs for medical attention, missed paychecks, and non-economic damages. When pursuing claims, victims often face aggressive insurers and legal teams working to mitigate liability.

With so many oilfield accidents, catastrophic harm, and even death in the area, having an experienced San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer is crucial for navigating the claims process and ensuring injured workers receive fair settlement offers from negligent subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and other parties.

What To Do After an Oilfield Accident in San Antonio, Texas

After an oilfield accident in San Antonio, you must take immediate steps to protect your health and legal options:

  1. Seek Medical Attention – Some oilfield injuries worsen over time, and medical records are necessary for recovering damages.
  2. Report the Accident – Report to your employer and ensure they file an accident report.
  3. Gather Evidence – If possible, take photos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and any visible injuries.
  4. Don’t Speak To Insurance Companies – Oil and gas companies and their insurance carriers will try to shift blame. Do not provide recorded statements without legal guidance.
  5. Consult a San Antonio Oilfield Injury Lawyer – You may be eligible for third-party liability oilfield injury claims. An experienced San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer can help build a strong personal injury case and protect you from unfair legal teams.

Legal Assistance For Injured Oilfield Workers in San Antonio, Texas

Our San Antonio oilfield accident attorney group handles these common accidents to ensure negligent parties are held accountable:

Explosion accidents happen in many forms. Well blowouts occur when pressure control systems fail, leading to uncontrolled releases of crude oil and natural gas, often igniting massive fires. Pipeline explosions result from gas leaks, corrosion, or failing equipment, putting gas workers at risk. Refinery and storage tank explosions can be triggered by flammable vapors, sudden explosions, or defective machinery. Oil rig explosions are often linked to hydrogen sulfide exposure or mechanical failures.

Many gas and oil companies and their insurers try to deny responsibility. Filing claims with the help of a San Antonio oilfield accident attorney is often necessary to obtain fair settlement offers. Those with serious injuries should seek medical attention immediately and then contact an experienced Texas explosion accident lawyer from our law firm before making any recorded statements.

Blowouts are a major hazard, often caused by pressure surges, defective equipment, or oilfield companies not following safety regulations. When natural gas or crude oil escapes uncontrollably, it can lead to devastating accidents, exposing oilfield workers to toxic chemicals, fires, and explosions. Many blowouts occur when companies cut corners on safety measures, increasing the risk of severe injuries and fatalities. For those who have suffered injuries in a well blowout, a San Antonio oilfield accident attorney is critical in holding negligent contractors accountable and securing fair settlement offers from insurers.

Oil rig collapses are among the most catastrophic failures in the oil and gas industry, often caused by structural defects and maintenance issues. When these oilfield accidents happen, they can cause many common types of secondary accidents. When contractors cut corners on safety rules or don’t inspect aging structures, those with significant injuries may need to pursue claims to receive a fair settlement offer. Our San Antonio oil rig injury lawyers can help navigate the claims process.

Structural collapses and dropped materials are among the most dangerous and common accidents occurring in the gas and oil industry, often caused by poor maintenance, equipment failure, and contractor negligence. Falling materials from derricks, cranes, or drilling rigs put oil and gas workers at risk of crush injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even death. Meanwhile, structural collapses can trap those working near complex machinery, causing severe injuries.

Despite safety regulations, some employers and contractors refuse to sustain safe work environments, such as providing personal protective equipment and exposing staff to avoidable hazards and catastrophic harm. When contractors and insurance companies try to deny responsibility, injured workers may need to file third-party claims to recover damages. A San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer can help hold negligent parties liable, ensuring employees and their loved ones obtain more compensation than workers’ compensation benefits typically provide.

Our San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer group represents those sustaining severe injuries in transportation incidents. When industry standards aren’t followed, these vehicle accidents result in devastating consequences. In many areas, transportation accidents happen due to long hours, heavy loads, mechanical failures, or hazardous conditions, causing significant injuries and even death.

Under dangerous circumstances, many victims rely on workers’ comp benefits, but these rarely cover the full extent of the losses. A personal injury claim may be necessary to secure damages if a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, is responsible for the accident. Insurers aggressively work to minimize claims, but negligent contractors and manufacturers must be held liable when their failures cause harm. If you’ve suffered injuries in a transportation accident, contact a Texas oil truck accident lawyer from our law firm.

These are among the common types of oilfield accidents, often caused by defective machinery or failures in large equipment handling oilfield materials. These common accidents frequently result in severe injuries, including amputations and fatalities, leaving oilfield workers and loved ones facing medical bills and other expenses. Industry standards require that complex machinery is properly maintained, but if it isn’t, at-fault parties must be held accountable. Our San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys help injured workers by handling insurance company negotiations and filing oilfield accident claims to obtain fair settlements. Our law firm prioritizes justice, ensuring clients can move forward while enforcing legal duties under Texas law.

Fall accidents in the gas and oil industry are often caused by unsafe oilfield structures, hazardous conditions, and failure to maintain safe working conditions. While personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, is required, it cannot always prevent catastrophic damage when other safety rules are ignored. Many sites have been in operation for decades, and negligent maintenance will eventually lead to serious injuries for oilfield workers performing gas work. In some cases, Texas law entitles those injured in workplace accidents to file oilfield injury lawsuits to recover losses. A San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer from our law firm can help establish fault from outside parties, ensuring clients receive more compensation than workers’ comp benefits can provide. We fight on behalf of clients to secure the settlements they deserve.

Chemical leaks and toxic gas accidents expose those performing oil or gas work to toxic substances, causing respiratory damage, severe health complications, and other serious injuries. When gas and oil companies don’t have proper safety protocols, toxic chemicals can cause serious injuries that worsen over time. At-fault parties often try to deny fault or minimize claims, leaving family members struggling with medical attention costs and other expenses. If you were involved in a toxic chemical accident while working in the gas and oil industry, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. A San Antonio oilfield accident attorney can assess the severity of your oilfield injury case and fight on your behalf.

Electrocution remains a serious danger to those in the gas and oil industry, often happening due to faulty wiring, exposed power lines, or poorly maintained equipment at drilling sites. These oilfield accidents can cause serious injuries such as burns, nerve damage, and even fatalities. Insurance companies often try to deny fault or force oilfield workers to settle for far less than what’s fair. Our San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys advocate for employees, fighting for the resources they deserve.

Confined space and crush accidents often result from safety regulation violations, equipment malfunctions, and pressure failures in drilling sites, pipelines, and crude oil storage tanks. In many cases, subcontractors ignore safety standards, while insurers often try to limit claims, leaving family members without the resources they need. Under Texas law, those harmed or killed in preventable oilfield accidents may be entitled to seek more compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits. A San Antonio oilfield accident attorney can help investigate the case and fight for a settlement offer that reflects the true value of your injuries.

San Antonio Oilfield Accident Attorney

Common Oilfield Injuries in San Antonio, TX

The San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer group at our law firm frequently helps clients suffering from these significant but common oilfield injuries. If you or a loved one have been hurt in an oilfield accident in San Antonio, Texas, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation to explore the legal avenues to move forward.

Neck and back injuries are among the most common injuries suffered in oil field accidents. Back injuries, including ruptured discs and spinal cord injuries, can lead to chronic physical pain and permanent disabilities requiring extensive medical care. When non-subscribing contractors or other parties are responsible for these life-altering injuries, taking legal action is crucial. A San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer can help file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue full damages, ensuring that those at fault pay for the losses.

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious oilfield injuries, often impacting a worker’s health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. If you’ve suffered oilfield injuries due to negligence in a drilling site or oilfield accident, you may be entitled to compensation to repay medical providers, for lost pay, and other expenses. The Texas traumatic brain injury lawyers at our San Antonio oilfield accident law firm are prepared to fight on your behalf and hold responsible parties accountable.

Crush injuries are unfortunately common injuries in oilfield accidents, often caused by falling tools, structural collapses, or machinery failures, and often lead to amputations. These oilfield injuries can result in long-term disabilities, requiring extensive medical records to support claims. A San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer can help oilfield workers file crush injury claims and ensure they don’t settle for less than they deserve.

Paralysis from oilfield accidents will drastically impact a worker’s earning capacity and quality of life. If you’ve sustained these significant injuries in an oilfield accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care and long-term recovery. Proper medical records are essential when filing an oilfield accident claim to obtain financial support. A San Antonio oilfield accident attorney can work with your medical providers and help ensure you don’t take an unfair settlement offer.

Burns are among the most common injuries suffered in oilfield accidents, often caused by fires, blowouts, and toxic substance exposure. Third-degree burns and fourth-degree burns can lead to permanent damage, requiring extensive treatment and overwhelming medical expenses. A San Antonio oilfield injury attorney from our law firm can help injured employees secure compensation for their losses.

Eye injuries and vision loss are common oilfield injuries that employees often suffer due to debris, toxic substance exposure, and blowouts in oilfield accidents. These serious but common injuries can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform their job and may require extensive medical care. When third-party negligence is involved, a San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer can help file an oilfield accident claim to pursue recompense for missed pay, medical costs, and other financial losses.

Amputations are among the most catastrophic oilfield injuries, often resulting from blowouts, equipment failures, and other severe injuries. When such accidents happen, workers require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. A San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer can help hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the compensation needed for a full recovery.

Most Dangerous Oilfield Jobs in Texas

  • Derrickhands – Work at extreme heights and are exposed to toxic chemicals.
  • Drillers – Directly operate the rig, constantly at risk of equipment failures, blowouts, and flammable gas exposure.
  • Roughnecks – Handle heavy drilling machines, facing crush injuries, falls, and equipment malfunctions.
  • Welders – Work in high-heat, confined spaces, with a high risk of burns, toxic substance inhalation, and explosions.
  • Rig Mechanics – Repair and maintain heavy machinery, regularly exposed to moving parts, mechanical failures, and crush injuries.
  • Mud Engineers – Handle hazardous drilling fluids, with dangers of toxic exposure and well blowouts.
  • Heavy Equipment Operators – Manage cranes, forklifts, and loaders, dealing with malfunctions, unstable terrain, and fatigue-related accidents.
  • Truck Drivers – Transport heavy oil field materials, with risks of road accidents, rollovers, and fatigue after long hours.
  • Floorhands – Help in rig operations, exposed to dangers of falling, moving supplies, and toxic exposure.
  • HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) Officers – Oversee safety regulations but still face risks from emergency situations.

Even the least hazardous jobs in the oil and gas industry come with significant dangers, making strong safety protocols and experienced oilfield accident lawyers in San Antonio essential for those injured in oilfield accidents.

San Antonio Oilfield Injury Lawyer

Legal Options for Workers Injured in an Oilfield Accident in San Antonio, TX

Those injured in an oilfield accident can file a worker’s compensation claim or a third-party personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Contact a San Antonio oilfield accident attorney from our law firm for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

Workers’ Compensation Claim Through San Antonio Oil and Gas Companies

If an employer has workers’ compensation insurance, those injured on the job can file a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical expenses, around two-thirds of missed pay, and disability benefits.

Under Texas workers’ compensation laws, oilfield workers who are provided with workers’ compensation benefits typically cannot sue their employer. However, if the employer isn’t covered or if the oilfield injury resulted from third-party negligence, parties may pursue oilfield injury claims against negligent manufacturers, contractors, or other third parties to seek full repayment.

A skilled San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer from our law firm can help oilfield workers explore all available legal options for recovery.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

TIBs are provided after oil field workers miss over seven days of work.

The average weekly wage (AWW), for San Antonio oilfield workers, including standard overtime hours and pay, is $2,231.25/week. For those making at least $10/hour, Texas workers’ compensation benefits replace 70% of the AWW, up to $1,112/ week.

For example, if your AWW is $2,231.25, you’d receive $1562.86/week (70% of prior AWW), capped at $1,112. This results in a loss of $1,119.25/week or $58,201 annually. ​

TIBs are paid until the worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), can earn pre-accident income, or 104 weeks (two years).

After reaching MMI and receiving an Impairment Rating (IR) from qualified doctors or medical providers, workers may become eligible for Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). These are based on 70% of the AWW but cannot exceed $1,112/week. The length of IIB payments depends on the IR, with three weeks awarded for each percentage point.

For example, if you have a 10% IR you’d receive IIB payments for 30 weeks.

Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs) assist oilfield workers who are unable to earn at least 80% of their pre-accident income and are available once IIBs are exhausted. To qualify, you must:

  • Have an IR of 15% or higher.

  • Be actively seeking employment or participating in a vocational rehabilitation program.

SIBs are determined by 80% of the difference between the worker’s pre-accident AWW and their current earnings. Payments are issued quarterly and can continue for up to 401 weeks.

Lifetime Income Benefits provide long-term support to those who have sustained catastrophic damage on the job. To qualify, you must have:

  • Total and permanent blindness in both eyes

  • Loss of both feet at or above the ankle

  • Loss of both hands at or above the wrist

  • Paralysis affecting both arms, both legs or one arm and one leg

  • Traumatic brain injury resulting in severe cognitive impairment or incurable insanity

LIBs are calculated at 75% of the AWW, with a 3% annual increase to adjust for inflation. However, payments are capped at $1,112/week (as of 2025). These are paid for life.

Personal Injury Lawsuit for a San Antonio Oilfield Accident

Texas personal injury law entitles oilfield workers who suffer catastrophic health damage to be fairly compensated. However, they often face unfair legal battles against major companies with deep pockets and aggressive insurance companies. Because many employers in the industry do not carry workers’ comp. insurance, those injured are often forced to file third-party oilfield injury claims to recover damages.

However, these companies have high-powered attorneys whose job is to deny liability, shift blame, and minimize payouts—leaving workers struggling with lost wages, mounting medical bills, and permanent disabilities.

In a serious oil field accident, staff may suffer severe injuries that require lifelong medical care. A personal injury lawsuit is often the only way to secure full financial recovery beyond the limited protections of workers’ compensation benefits. However, insurance companies will do everything possible to limit payouts, using delay tactics, claim denials, and loopholes.

This is why those hurt on the job need a San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer with experience taking on big oil companies and their legal teams. Our attorneys build strong personal injury claims, uncover evidence of corporate liability, and fight to ensure that clients and their family members receive maximum compensation.

In an industry where profits come before safety, holding negligent companies accountable is critical to protecting your legal rights.

Workers Compensation Death Benefits vs Wrongful Death Claim for Fatal Oilfield Accidents in San Antonio

In Texas, workers’ compensation claims for wrongful death provide financial support to the families of oilfield workers involved in fatal accidents. Because Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ comp. insurance, the legal process can be complex, and the benefits often fall short of covering the full impact of a family’s loss.

Who Can Receive Death Benefits?

  • Surviving spouses – Receive benefits for life unless they remarry, at which point they receive a lump sum equal to two years’ worth of benefits.

  • Minor children – Receive benefits until they turn 18 years old or 25 if enrolled in full-time education.

  • Dependent children with disabilities – May receive lifetime benefits.

  • Other dependents (such as parents or siblings) – If no spouse or children exist, other dependents may receive benefits for up to 364 weeks (seven years).

What Benefits Are Available?

  • Weekly Death Benefits – Equal to 75% of the worker’s Average Weekly Wage (AWW), but capped at $1,112 per week (as of 2025).

  • Funeral and Burial Costs – Covers up to $10,000 for funeral expenses.

  • Lump-Sum Payment – If a surviving spouse remarries, they receive two years’ worth of benefits as a one-time payment.

Drawbacks of Workers’ Comp. Death Benefits

While workers’ comp. provides financial relief, it has severe limitations:

  • No compensation for pain and suffering

  • Weekly benefits may not be enough to cover medical expenses and future lost wages.

  • If an employer carries workers’ comp. insurance, they are generally shielded from wrongful death lawsuits.

  • If an employer or insurer disputes the cause of death, they may deny claims entirely.

A wrongful death claim allows survivors to seek justice and recovery when a loved one is killed in a fatal oilfield accident due to negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits help survivors recover lost future income, funeral costs, and non-economic damages that workers’ comp. does not provide.

Families may be limited to a workers’ compensation claim if the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, but this doesn’t cover pain and suffering or full lost wages. However, if the employer does not have workers’ comp coverage or if a third party—such as a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner—was responsible, the family can file an oilfield accident claim.

Texas law additionally allows families to pursue lawsuits against employers for wrongful death in cases involving gross negligence.

Gas and oil companies and their insurance companies aggressively fight claims, using legal teams to minimize payouts. A Texas fatal injury lawyer can help families navigate this legal process.

For families who have lost a loved one in an oilfield accident, an experienced San Antonio oilfield injury lawyer is invaluable.

San Antonio oil rig injury lawyers

How a San Antonio Oil and Gas Attorney Can Help

A San Antonio oilfield accident lawyer plays a critical role in helping oilfield and offshore workers navigate legal complexities. These oilfield accident cases often involve parties who work tirelessly to minimize or deny personal injury claims. Our experienced attorneys investigate accidents, gather evidence, and determine if third-party liability oilfield injury claims can be pursued for maximum financial compensation.

We handle insurance negotiations, ensuring all medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages are fairly calculated, and fight against unfair legal tactics. Whether through a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim, a dedicated oilfield injury attorney in San Antonio helps those injured in an oilfield accident and families obtain the resources needed to recover.

San Antonio Oilfield Injury Lawyer

Suffering serious injuries in an oil field accident can leave workers facing medical treatment costs, lost income, and long-term hardships. The San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys at our oil field accident law firm have a track record of securing full recovery for clients, and our Bexar County oilfield accident lawyer group handles claims throughout Texas. If you or a loved one has been hurt, contact an oilfield accident attorney in San Antonio, Texas, to schedule a free consultation. Call 832-916-2526.

Free Consultation

Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys want to get to know you and understand your unique situation. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t pay unless your case is won.

Awards & Recognition

Rising Stars
Super-Lawyers-2024
Super Lawyers Rated 2024
Super-Lawyers-2023
top-attorneys-2022
rising-stars-2021

No Fee Unless You Win

Trey Barton understands the hardships injured people and their loved ones face as they try to heal from their accident. Every case is prepared as if it is going to trial. This gives you the best opportunity to obtain a fair recovery for your case, and ensures I am positioned to take the case to trial if the insurance company does not give you the money you deserve.