Gonzales County Oilfield Accident Lawyer
Our Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyers at Trey Barton Law have a proven track record of helping injured oilfield workers and families of workers who sustain fatal injuries secure maximum financial compensation. Workers with serious or catastrophic injuries caused by oilfield accidents often have more personal injury damages and require more resources than Texas workers’ compensation benefits can cover. Our experienced oilfield accident lawyers in Gonzales County help those injured in workplace accidents file workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits to secure the fair compensation they deserve.
Our law firm handles personal injury and workers’ compensation claims on a contingency fee basis, so workers injured in an oilfield accident don’t owe any legal fees unless their oilfield accident attorney secures a fair settlement or jury award on their behalf.
Call 832-916-2526 for a free consultation.
Common Oilfield Accidents in Gonzales County, Texas

Oil Rig Explosion and Gas Explosion Accidents
Oil and gas companies run high-risk operations where oilfield accident cases can lead to catastrophic injuries caused by natural gas explosions, equipment failures, and well blowouts. These oilfield accidents leave workers with overwhelming medical expenses, and while a workers’ compensation claim may provide some relief, it rarely covers the full extent of lost wages and ongoing medical care. A Gonzales County oilfield injury lawyer can help explore all legal options, including third-party liability claims, to recover what victims truly deserve. Seeking maximum compensation is crucial for those with permanent personal injury damages. A Texas explosion injury lawyer from our law firm can fight against negligent parties and ensure workers receive full and fair compensation.
Gas and Oil Well Blowouts
Gas and oil well blowouts are among the most dangerous oilfield accidents, often leading to gas accidents that release natural gas, crude oil, and toxic chemicals. These incidents put oilfield workers at risk of catastrophic injuries. Many blowouts are caused by defective equipment or poor safety protocols, potentially making them grounds for a third-party claim beyond a standard workers’ compensation claim. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can help workers navigate complex oilfield injury cases and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Chemical Leaks
Toxic chemical leaks and releases are a serious hazard in the oil and gas industry, exposing workers involved to toxic chemicals that often cause serious injuries. Chemical release accidents often occur due to pipeline failures, equipment malfunctions, or negligent handling of hazardous materials. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving workers without the support they need. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can help victims fight for full compensation and hold liable parties accountable.
Gas and Oil Truck Accidents
Gas and oil truck accidents are some of the most dangerous transportation accidents, often leaving oil and gas workers with severe injuries due to vehicle accidents involving heavy machinery and hazardous materials. These transportation accidents result in mounting medical bills, lost income, and long recovery times, with workers’ comp benefits rarely covering the full extent of damages. Gonzales County oil field injury lawyers at our Texas truck accident law firm can help families navigate insurance company negotiations and determine whether filing a personal injury lawsuit for injuries resulting from the vehicle accident is appropriate.
Derrick and Oil Rig Collapse
Derrick and oil rig collapses are among the most devastating accidents, often leaving oilfield workers with severe injuries and fatalities. Rig and derrick collapses can result from structural failures, equipment malfunctions, or poor maintenance, making workers’ compensation claims complicated. In some cases, an experienced oilfield accident lawyer in Gonzales County can help oilfield injury victims pursue full compensation beyond basic workers’ compensation benefits. Our law firm fights for maximum compensation, ensuring that victims receive the financial support they need for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.
Structural Collapse and Falling Equipment
Structural collapses and falling equipment are common hazards, often caused by negligent contractors for oil and gas companies, poor maintenance, or defective machinery. These accidents leave injured workers suffering from broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other common oilfield injuries, which have lasting consequences. While workers’ compensation benefits may help, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, a Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyer can help you fight for full compensation.
Defective Equipment Malfunctions and Heavy Machinery Accidents
Equipment and machinery accidents are leading causes of severe injuries in the oil and gas sector, often resulting from defective machinery, improper maintenance, or safety violations by employers and manufacturers. In Texas, injured oilfield workers may be entitled to compensation through workers’ comp benefits or personal injury claims if a third party is responsible. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can evaluate the case, determine liable parties, and fight to ensure injured employees pursue maximum settlements under Texas law.
Fall Accidents
Fall accidents are a major risk in the gas and oil industry. They often occur when oilfield workers lack proper safety equipment or work on unstable surfaces. These accidents can cause serious injuries, leaving workers unable to return to work. When contractors for gas and oil companies fail to provide safe working conditions, oil and gas workers have the right to pursue compensation. A Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyer from our law firm can help fight for adequate resources.
Electrocution
Electrocution accidents are a serious hazard in the gas and oil industry, often occurring when oilfield workers come into contact with exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or high-voltage power sources. These oilfield accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to limit payouts, leaving injured workers struggling with medical bills. The experienced Gonzales County oilfield accident attorneys can help victims fight for the compensation they deserve.
Confined Space and Crush Accidents
Confined space and crush accidents are serious risks for oilfield workers in crude oil storage tanks, pipelines, and drilling rigs, where restricted areas and heavy machinery create dangerous conditions. Faulty equipment and negligent contractors for gas and oil companies often contribute to such oilfield accidents, leading to crush injuries, chemical exposure, and even fatalities. Workers trapped in confined spaces may suffer from toxic chemical fumes, oxygen deprivation, or structural collapses. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can help fight for rightful compensation.
Common Oil Rig Injuries in Gonzales County, TX
Critical but common oilfield injuries include burns, brain injuries, spine damage, crush injuries, and toxic exposure, often leaving oil and gas workers with lasting medical needs. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, contact a Gonzales County oilfield injury attorney from our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Degloving Injuries and Crush Injuries
Degloving and crush injuries are some of the most devastating injuries, often caused by oilfield accidents involving heavy machinery, falling equipment, or structural failures. These injuries can leave oilfield workers with permanent damage, requiring extensive treatment. When negligent parties fail to maintain safe working conditions, our Gonzales County oilfield injury lawyers help crush injury and degloving injury victims fight for maximum recovery.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by workers injured in an oilfield accident, often caused by falls, equipment failures, or explosions. These serious injuries can lead to multiple health impairments and require extensive medical care. Texas brain injury claims can help recover damages beyond what workers’ compensation claims can provide when third-party negligence is involved. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney from our law firm can fight for full compensation.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries from oilfield accidents can leave employees facing permanent disabilities, paralysis, and lifelong care. These devastating injuries often result from falls, equipment malfunctions, or structural collapses, making it difficult or impossible for workers to return to work. Depending on the circumstances, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help gas and oil workers recover compensation for medical costs, lost earning capacity, and long-term care. A Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can fight for adequate financial support.
Burn Injuries
Severe burns are among the most common injuries suffered in oilfield accidents, often caused by explosions, fires, and chemical exposure. Flash burn victims may endure intense trauma, requiring extensive treatment, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. The medical expenses for treating such oilfield injuries can be overwhelming. A Gonzales County oilfield injury attorney can help burn victims seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and financial losses.

Legal Options for Injured Workers In The Oil and Gas Industry
Workers injured in oilfield accidents can file a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. An experienced Gonzales County oilfield accident attorney can help injured parties and families of workers who were fatally injured explore their legal options during a free consultation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits From Oil and Gas Companies
In some cases, employers don’t have workers’ compensation insurance. This means that after oilfield accidents, workers injured on the job may not be able to file standard workers’ compensation claims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Instead, those who suffer serious injuries in oilfield accidents may have the right to seek compensation by suing the oilfield company directly or pursuing third-party oilfield injury claims if another party is responsible. A Gonzales County oilfield injury lawyer can help those injured fight for the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve or explore other legal options to secure maximum financial recovery for serious or permanent injuries.
Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs)
If the employer has coverage, Temporary Income Benefits are provided after the employee misses at least 7 days of work.
The average weekly wage (AWW) for Gonzales County oilfield workers, including standard overtime hours and pay, is between $1,105 and $2,805. TIBs compensate for 70% of the AWW for those earning at least $10/hour, up to $1,112/week.
Employees earning $1,105 AWW qualify for $773.50/week (70%), resulting in a loss of $331.50/week or $17,238 annually. For those earning $2,805 AWW, compensation is capped at $1,112/week, resulting in a loss of $1,693/week or $88,036 annually.
Benefits continue for 104 weeks or until the oilfield worker can earn pre-injury wages or reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs)
If the injured party reaches MMI, a qualified medical provider will assign an Impairment Rating (IR). From here, workers can file for Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). These compensate for 70% of the AWW, up to $1,112/week. This provides 3 weeks of benefits for each IR percentage point assigned.
So, for example, 15% IR ratings qualify for 45 weeks of assistance.
Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs)
Supplemental Income Benefits (SIBs) help oilfield accident victims who can no longer earn at least 80% of prior pay. These begin after IIBs are exhausted and apply to those with IR ratings of at least 15%. Injured parties must actively seek employment or enroll in a vocational rehabilitation program to qualify for these quarterly benefits.
SIBs cover 80% of the wage gap between pre-injury and post-injury income, and they last for 401 weeks.
Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs)
Gas and oil industry workers can only qualify for Lifetime Income Benefits (LIBs) for one or more of these catastrophic injuries:
Double feet amputations at or above the ankles
Double hand amputations at or above the wrists
Paralysis of both legs, arms, or one arm and leg
Traumatic brain injuries causing incurable insanity or severe impairment
Total permanent blindness in both eyes
LIBs provide 75% of the AWW, increasing 3% annually for inflation (up to $1,112/week), and continue for life.
Personal Injury Claims for Oilfield Accident Injuries
Oilfield workers sustaining serious injuries in oilfield accidents find that the Texas workers’ compensation system doesn’t fairly address workers’ injuries in this industry. Personal injury lawsuits allow parties with significant or fatal injuries to recover all of the lost wages, medical costs, and emotional damages, which aren’t addressed by the former when an outside party’s negligence is involved.
However, insurance companies are known for denying claims and providing frustrating settlement offers. Our Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyer team understands the legal process. We also have the financial backing and experience to fight back through oilfield injury claims.
Death Benefits vs Wrongful Death Claim for Fatal Oilfield Accidents in Gonzales County, TX
Texas death benefits cover funeral costs up to $10,000 and weekly checks for 75% of the worker’s prior AWW up to $1,112/week. Those eligible for these benefits include:
- Surviving spouses receive payments for life, but if remarried, they receive a lump sum equal to two years’ worth of benefits.
- Children under 18. Full-time students receive benefits until age 25 or graduation.
- Children with qualifying disabilities may receive benefits for life.
- If no spouses or children are involved, other qualifying dependents can be compensated for up to 364 weeks.
Families of workers involved in preventable fatal accidents can file a wrongful death lawsuit, which offers significantly more compensation. While Texas workers’ compensation benefits are limited to $1,112/week, wrongful death lawsuits grieving families to pursue damages for:
- 100% of past and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium, parental guidance, companionship, and more
- Punitive damages for fatalities caused by gross negligence
If employers maintain workers’ compensation insurance, they’re generally protected from lawsuits unless the case involves gross negligence. So, in Texas, third-party oilfield injury claims hold outside responsible parties, non-subscribers, and grossly negligent employers responsible. Our Texas wrongful death lawyer group understands the legal processes of fatal oilfield accident cases and can help families understand legal options for filing a third-party wrongful death or workers’ compensation claim.

Legal Options Injured Offshore Workers Commuting From Gonzales County
If you work for an offshore oil company, you have distinct legal options for recovery. Our Texas offshore lawyer group helps workers with serious injuries and families of fatally injured staff involved in offshore accidents.
Jones Act Claims
Texas Jones Act claims allow oilfield, offshore, and maritime workers to seek compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, the Jones Act enables workers to file a lawsuit to recover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you’ve suffered serious oilfield injuries while working on a vessel or offshore rig, a Texas Jones Act lawyer can help you pursue maximum financial compensation.
Maintenance and Cure Claims
Maintenance and Cure claims provide financial support to injured oilfield, offshore, and maritime workers until they reach MMI. Maintenance covers daily living expenses, while cure pays for necessary medical treatment, regardless of fault. If your employer is refusing to pay, a Gonzales County maritime injury lawyer from our law firm can help.
Longshore Claims
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides benefits to dock, maritime, and oilfield workers injured while working near navigable waters. This covers medical costs, lost income, and rehabilitation costs for those who do not qualify for traditional workers’ comp. If you’ve been hurt in an oilfield accident or other maritime-related job, a Texas longshore injury lawyer from our law firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
DOHSA Claims
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) claims provide compensation to families of oilfield, offshore, and maritime workers who suffer fatal accidents beyond three nautical miles from U.S. shores. These allow families to recover damages for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship when negligence is involved. A Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyer or maritime injury lawyer from our law firm can help families navigate the DOHSA claims process.
Our Gonzales County oilfield accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other financial losses.
What To Do After an Oilfield Accident in Gonzales County
If you’ve sustained serious injuries in an oilfield accident, seek medical treatment and report the accident to your employer. Medical records from qualified medical providers are essential for filing claims. If the oilfield accident was caused by another party, victims with severe injuries may file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation.
Our Gonzales County oilfield injury lawyers are skilled at proving fault and negotiating with insurance companies. We’ll build a strong case on your behalf to hold those responsible accountable for the oilfield accident and resulting injuries.
How a Gonzales County Oil and Gas Attorney Can Help
Our Gonzales County oilfield injury attorney group provides skilled legal assistance to help workers injured in oilfield accidents through the personal injury or workers’ compensation system. The Gonzales County personal injury lawyers at Trey Barton Law have a track record of successful insurance company negotiations and securing fair settlements on behalf of oil and gas workers throughout Texas.
Our oilfield injury attorneys in Gonzales County, Texas, fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable, ensuring those injured in oilfield accidents receive adequate compensation for the lasting effects of serious and catastrophic injuries.

Locations our Gonzales County Oilfield Injury Lawyer Group Serves
Gonzales
Gonzales is a central hub for oil and gas industry operations. For Gonzales workers facing serious injuries from oilfield accidents, consulting with a knowledgeable Gonzales oilfield accident lawyer is crucial to navigating the complexities of third-party liability claims.
Nixon
Nixon has experienced considerable development in the oil and gas industry. The presence of drilling sites and related infrastructure has increased the risk of workplace accidents. Injured workers should seek the legal assistance of a Nixon oilfield accident lawyer to ensure they receive fair compensation for serious or catastrophic injuries.
Smiley
Oil operations in Smiley have led to employment opportunities but also potential hazards for oilfield workers. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, it’s essential to consult with a Smiley oilfield accident attorney for assistance with the worker’s compensation system or third-party liability claims.
Waelder
Many workers in Waelder commute to drilling sites across Gonzales County, increasing their risk of oilfield accidents involving transportation-related injuries and worksite hazards. If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, a Waelder oilfield accident attorney can help you through the claims process.
Gonzales County Oil Rig Injury Lawyers
When workers are seriously injured in workplace accidents, they need skilled legal representation to secure fair compensation. Insurance companies are known for denying oilfield injury lawsuits and minimizing payouts. Our Gonzales County oilfield accident lawyer group helps victims and their families pursue wrongful death claims, personal injury claims, and workers’ compensation claims to ensure they secure the financial compensation they deserve for catastrophic accidents.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one, call 832-916-2526 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience taking on major companies and their insurers.
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