Hobbs, New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Undefeated Hobbs Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Hobbs, New Mexico sits at the heart of the world’s most active oil basin. As part of Lea County —the nation’s top oil-producing region— Hobbs is home to thousands of active wells that have transformed this small Permian Basin city of fewer than 40,000 residents into a vital hub for the oil and gas industry.
In just two years time, the number of oilfield workers in Lea County has soared from 5,400 to 7,800 — more than double that of any other industry in the area — with average salaries rising from $94,500 to nearly $98,000 by 2024. But alongside these financial opportunities come serious risks.
Oilfield workers in Hobbs and throughout New Mexico face constant danger, including the threat of well blowouts, explosions, and truck accidents, as they work around the clock to keep operations running in an industry that often prioritizes profits above all else — safety included.
Billions Won: Undefeated Hobbs, New Mexico Oilfield Injury Lawyers With a 100% Success Rate
Our Undefeated New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyers are nationally-recognized among the best in the country, having repeatedly secured the largest record-breaking verdicts and settlements for injured oil and gas workers across New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and the entire United States.
We have the resources, experience, and relentless determination to take on the largest oil and gas corporations in the world—and not only win, but send a powerful message that negligence has consequences.
Our groundbreaking recoveries include:
- The #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlement in U.S. History
- The #1 Largest Oilfield Burn Injury Settlement in U.S. History
- $62 Million Recovery for Injured Oilfield Worker
With a 100% success rate and Billions won for our clients, we’re committed to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and all past and future damages.
Because of our continued success in and out of the courtroom, oil and gas companies know who we are, what we stand for, and that we will not stop until we’ve provided our clients with a better future. Our undefeated track record assists us in holding reckless oil and gas companies FULLY accountable — because we never back down.
Contact us today at 1-888-603-3636.
All consultations are free—and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
The Oil and Gas Industry in Hobbs
Oil and gas has been vital to the Lea County economy since its discovery almost 100 years ago in 1928. However, the region’s location in the Permian’s Delaware sub-basin—spanning southern New Mexico—has only recently emerged as one of the nation’s most prolific oil fields. Advancements in oil exploration and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) have unlocked vast reserves hidden within the region’s tight rock formations and remote desert landscapes, transforming the area into a powerhouse of production.
Today, Lea County accounts for 61% of all oil production and 42% of all gas production in New Mexico, with 13,900 active wells in the Hobbs area. As a result, oil workers now make up nearly a quarter of the entire workforce there, according to data from the Lea County Economic Development Committee.
In October 2024 alone, 146 active producers extracted nearly 35.5 Million barrels of crude oil (BBLs) from the ground beneath Lea County and more than 121.4 million cubic feet of natural gas (MCF), generating a production value of $246.1 billion—making it the highest in New Mexico and the second highest in the nation.
Some of the leading producers during that period included:
- Kaiser-Francis: 778.7K BBL and 4.6M MCF from 178 active leases
- Chevron: 748.7K BBL and 3.3M MCF from 428 active leases
- Marathon Oil Permian: 608.6K BBL and 970.3K MCF from 247 active leases
- XTO Energy: 556.K2 BBL and 1.2M MCF from 338 active leases
- Tap Rock Operating: 528K BBL and 5.5M MCF from 168 active leases
- Cimarex Energy: 497.2K BBL and 1.5M MCF from 288 active leases
- Occidental: 467.8K BBL and 1M MCF from 267 active leases
- COG Production: 404K BBL and 1.9M MCF from 158 active leases
- Apache: 282.5K BBL and 43.2M MCF from 2,018 active leases
- ConocoPhillips: 201.9K BBL and 889.1K MCF from 84 active leases
While these companies profit from constant oil production, they often do so at the expense of worker safety. In fact, one recent study found that oilfield workers in New Mexico work longer hours than their counterparts nationwide, with many spending an average of 12 hours per day on the job. Long hours contribute to fatigue, distraction, and rushing—all factors that heighten the risk of accidents, many of which can be fatal in this dangerous line of work.
The same study revealed that 46% of New Mexico oilfield workers had been involved in a workplace accident, and 85% believed the incident was preventable. Additionally, 80% of workers knew someone who had been injured on the job, and more than a quarter knew someone who had died from an oil rig injury.
Common Injuries Among Lea County Oilfield Workers
Oilfield workers face one of the highest injury rates in the country, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the highest on-the-job fatality rate — seven times higher than in any other industry.
New Mexico, in particular, is especially dangerous for oilfield workers, recording the second-highest number of fatal injuries among oil and gas workers in the nation last year, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by Hobbs oilfield workers include:
- Crush Injuries: Heavy machinery and moving equipment pose constant risks. Workers are often caught between equipment or struck by large moving objects, leading to severe crush injuries. These types of injuries are especially dangerous due to the immense pressure and force involved, often resulting in permanent damage or death.
- Burns: Explosions, fires, and exposure to high-temperature equipment are frequent causes of burns. In the oilfield, flammable gases, liquids, and equipment can ignite unexpectedly, causing severe burns. These injuries are often life-threatening and can lead to long-term physical and emotional scars.
- Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of fatalities in oilfields, especially on elevated platforms or from ladders and scaffolding. The unstable, often slippery terrain adds to the risk, as does working in high places without proper fall protection equipment.
- Head Injuries: Impacts from falling tools, slips, or contact with machinery can cause serious head injuries. In some cases, these head injuries lead to brain trauma, which can have lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life. Helmets and proper safety measures are critical, yet many workers are still exposed to risks due to insufficient protective gear.
- Amputations: Accidents involving drills, cutting equipment, or heavy machinery can lead to amputations. When workers’ hands, feet, or limbs become caught in machinery or equipment, the resulting injuries are often irreversible and can dramatically alter the worker’s life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden impacts, falls, or vehicle accidents can result in serious spinal cord injuries. These injuries often lead to permanent paralysis, dramatically affecting the worker’s ability to lead a normal life.
- Overexertion Injuries: The physical demands of oilfield work, including repetitive motions and heavy lifting, often result in overexertion injuries such as muscle strains, ligament tears, or joint injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term disabilities, particularly when workers are pushed to meet unrealistic demands without adequate rest.
- Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to the loud noises of drilling equipment and machinery can lead to irreversible hearing loss. Despite the availability of hearing protection, many workers are still exposed to unsafe noise levels, which may cause long-term hearing damage.
Injured oilfield workers face not only physical trauma, but extensive out-of-pocket expenses that can be financially devastating — even with Workers’ Comp benefits. While these benefits may cover some medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, they often fall short of addressing the costs of ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and the financial strain of being unable to return to work.
As a result, the impact of a severe oilfield injury often takes a direct toll on the victim’s family. Loved ones typically must shoulder the financial burden, covering expenses that Workers’ Comp doesn’t, as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of caring for their family member and coping with a way of life that has changed forever.
Common Causes of Lea County Oilfield Injuries
Unfortunately, it’s been our experience that most oilfield accidents are entirely preventable, occurring when companies cut corners to protect their bottom line. Time and again, we have seen how shortcuts in training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to safety regulations create unsafe work environments that jeopardize workers’ lives and well-being.
Common causes of Hobbs oilfield accidents include:
- Explosions & Fires: The presence of highly-flammable oil, gas, and chemicals makes oilfields inherently dangerous. When volatile materials are mishandled or equipment malfunctions the result is often catastrophic with explosions and fires among the top causes of fatalities in the industry.
- Well Blowouts: An uncontrolled release of oil or gas, caused by mechanical failure or human error, often triggers deadly fires and explosions. Because of the high-pressure and highly-flammable materials involved, injuries such as severe burns or trauma caused by flying debris, are typically life-threatening.
- Truck Accidents: Oilfield truck crashes, responsible for a shocking 27% of all oilfield deaths, are exacerbated by factors like fatigue, unsafe driving, and the pressure to meet deadlines, often leading to dangerous conditions.
- Malfunctioning Equipment: Poor maintenance or defective machinery can cause pumps, cranes, or rigs to fail, leaving workers with broken bones, severe lacerations, or internal injuries that may require life-long treatment.
- Falls: Working without proper fall protection on elevated platforms puts workers at high risk of fatal accidents, especially in an industry where wet, slick, or cluttered walkways are often common. Implementing safety measures like fall protection systems is essential.
- Inadequate Training: Lack of proper training in handling hazardous materials or operating complex machinery leads to preventable accidents, sometimes with fatal consequences.
- Failure to Follow Safety Regulations: Federal and state regulations are designed to protect workers, but when companies fail to enforce these regulations, the likelihood of serious injury increases exponentially.
- Being Struck or Crushed: The risk of being struck or crushed by moving machinery or tools is high, especially during maintenance. Proper training, safety gear, and protocols are crucial in preventing these injuries.
Workers’ safety should always be a top priority. Sadly, many oilfield accidents continue to occur due to the industry’s failure to adopt stricter safety standards and enforce basic precautions.
When a company fails to maintain safety standards and their negligence causes you harm, it’s crucial to protect your rights and explore your legal options — especially since Workers’ Comp benefits will not be able to secure your future, let alone cover your future lost wages or many other damages.
Only an experienced oilfield accident attorney can seek the justice and maximum compensation you deserve for all of your injuries and losses. And only the best have the resources and experience to stand up against the largest oil and gas companies in the world and hold them fully accountable.
Contact us at 1-888-603-3636 for a free consultation.
What to Do (and Not Do) After an Oilfield Accident
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield accident, it’s crucial to understand that time is of the essence. The steps you take immediately following your injury can have a significant impact on both your health and your legal rights.
What to Do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and early medical care creates an important record of your condition, which can be crucial for your case later.
- Notify Your Employer: Report the accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Stick to the facts when describing what happened, and avoid speculating about fault or downplaying your injuries.
- Document the Accident: Gather as much information as you can about the incident. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries. Keep the clothes you were wearing, and make a note of any witnesses’ names and contact information. Write down the time, location, and a detailed account of what happened, including anything that might seem insignificant at the moment.
- Keep Records of Your Medical Treatment: Maintain copies of all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to your injury. Detailed documentation is key in showing the full extent of your injuries and the financial toll they take on your life.
- Consult an Experienced Oilfield Injury Lawyer: To secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, consult a lawyer who specializes in oilfield accidents. An experienced attorney understands the industry, knows how to go up against oilfield companies and insurers, and has the resources to fight for you.
What NOT to Do:
- Do NOT Speak With Your Employer’s Insurance Adjuster: Never speak with the insurance company, sign any documents, or accept any payment (other than your regular wages). Talking to the insurance adjuster without legal representation could result in costly mistakes that jeopardize your right to fair compensation beyond what Workers’ Compensation offers.
- Do NOT Rely on Workers’ Compensation Alone: With a maximum weekly benefit of just $669.21, Workers’ Compensation in New Mexico typically won’t cover the full extent of your losses. This benefit is rarely enough to cover wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Consult an attorney right away to discuss your options for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
- Do NOT Assume You Must See a Company Doctor: While your employer may have a designated doctor for workplace injuries, you are not obligated to see them. In fact, seeing an independent medical professional who is not affiliated with your employer or their insurance company can help ensure that your injuries are properly assessed and documented.
- Do NOT Post on Social Media: Understand that your employer’s insurance company is likely monitoring your online activity. Anything you post on social media could be used to undermine your case or misrepresent your injuries. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney or spouse, and stay off social media during this time.
We Hold Oilfield Companies Fully Accountable
After a Hobbs oilfield accident or explosion, your employer may promise to “take care of you.” But trusting them or their insurers to prioritize your well-being is a mistake. Despite their assurances, their primary goal is to minimize their financial responsibility and pay you as little as possible for your injuries and losses. They will stop at nothing to limit your recovery to inadequate Workers’ Compensation benefits—never enough to cover the full scope of your medical treatment or lost wages.
At Zehl & Associates, we’ve seen oil and gas corporations use every excuse in the book to avoid accountability. We don’t let them get away with it. We hold them fully responsible, ensuring they can never hurt another worker again.
How we go above and beyond for our clients:
Best Medical Treatment: We ensure you have access to top doctors and specialists and cover your reasonable living expenses and medical bills while your case is pending.
Never Outworked: With our deep understanding of safety regulations governing the oil and gas industry, we fight back against the tactics companies use to avoid responsibility.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice & Compensation: We never settle for less than the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Trial-Ready & Undefeated: Every case is prepared for trial, ensuring we’re ready for court if the company and its insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith. When settlement offers fall short, we go to trial, where we consistently secure some of the largest verdicts in history.
24/7 Support: To us, you’re more than just a case — you’re family. That’s why we provide round-the-clock support from sign-up to settlement, so you can focus on what matters most.
Our unwavering commitment is to do whatever it takes to secure your family’s future and stand by you every step of the way.
But don’t just take our word for it. Hear what our clients have to say about our firm.
Hobbs Oilfield Accident Lawyers: Call for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were seriously injured, catastrophically burned, or tragically killed in an oilfield accident or explosion, our Hobbs, New Mexico, Oilfield Accident Lawyers have what it takes to stand up, fight and win for your family. We are ready to devote the full resources necessary to hold the company accountable and ensure that you and your family recover the maximum compensation possible for all your injuries and losses.
Call 1-888-603-3636, click the “Chat Now” button on our website, or Click Here to send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case.
Hobbs Oilfield Accident FAQs
[/block_dropdown]In our experience, the company will do almost anything to avoid paying you and your family all that you are owed, including:
- Pushing you to provide a recorded statement, then using your own words against you.
- Hiring private investigators to follow, photograph, and videotape you and your family.
- “Losing” critical evidence proving the company was at fault (or that you were not at fault) for your injuries.
- Blaming you by claiming you failed to “stop work” or perform a complete JSA or Hazard Analysis before starting the job.
- Obtaining conflicting statements from co-workers or “experts” hired by the company to downplay your injuries or discredit your account of the accident.
- Sending you to doctors hired and paid by the company, its insurer, or the Workers’ Compensation provider, who are more likely to downplay the extent of your injuries.
- Monitoring your social media accounts and using anything you or your family post to cast doubt on your claims.
If you were injured while working at a New Mexico oilfield, Workers’ Comp can provide:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for medical treatment related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Wage replacement: Wage replacement while off work to recover.
- Disability benefits: If your injury resulted in permanent disability, you may receive compensation based on severity.
However, as noted above, these benefits only cover a portion of a worker’s lost wages and do not compensate for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If you were working as an independent contractor, you are not considered an employee of the oilfield company and would not even be eligible to collect Workers’ Compensation.
Except in very limited circumstances, Workers’ Compensation bars employees from suing their employers for workplace injuries. However, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury.
If you or a loved one were injured in an oilfield accident or explosion, you may be able to file a lawsuit against multiple parties, depending on the circumstances of your injury.
- Your employer: Although Workers’ Compensation typically prevents lawsuits against employers, you may still be able to take legal action if you can prove your employer acted with gross negligence. You can also sue your employer if you were hurt while working as an independent contractor and ineligible for Workers’ Comp.
- Third-party contractors: Contractors or subcontractors working at the drill site may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Equipment manufacturers: The manufacturer may be liable if defective machinery or equipment caused the injury.
- Property owners: If the accident occurred due to unsafe conditions on the property, the property owner may be held responsible.
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in New Mexico is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also three years but begins on the date of the deceased person’s death. Because it takes time to gather evidence and build a case before you can file a lawsuit, it’s best to consult with an attorney as early as possible to ensure you won’t miss this deadline.
If your case is successful, you may be able to receive:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for both past and future medical bills related to the injury.
- Nonmedical expenses: Including caretaking and transportation expenses.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury, including future loss of earning capacity if the injury results in long-term disability.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Disfigurement: If the injury results in scarring or permanent disfigurement, damages can be awarded.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensates for harm that changed your life for the worse.
Wrongful death awards in New Mexico may include financial damages for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of income and benefits, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.
Yes. New Mexico allows punitive damages in both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Punitive damages are intended to punish defendants for egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. However, they are only awarded in cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.
A contingency fee means your attorney’s payment is contingent upon winning your oilfield injury lawsuit. If your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for you, either in a negotiated settlement or by winning a jury verdict, they will take a percentage of the award as their fee. You do not owe your attorney a dime if they do not win.
The timeline for resolving an oilfield accident lawsuit varies widely. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to settle, your lawyer’s level of experience, and the court’s schedule can all affect the timeline. Because our firm has been so successful in and out of the courtroom, oilfield companies and their insurers know to take our undefeated oilfield attorneys seriously. As a result, our average case reaches trial or settlement within 12 of 18 months of our attorney’s filing a lawsuit. However, we’ve successfully resolved many cases in less than one year.