Carlsbad, New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyers

Undefeated Carlsbad Oilfield Injury Lawyers

The Permian Basin oil boom has brought unprecedented prosperity to Carlsbad, New Mexico.  As thousands of newcomers flocked to the region in pursuit of lucrative oilfield jobs, the local population skyrocketed from just under 54,000 to over 62,000 in a single decade, transforming Eddy County into New Mexico’s fastest-growing county.

The ripple effects are evident throughout the Land of Enchantment, where oil and gas extraction now supports over 92,000 jobs with wages and benefits exceeding $6 billion annually. Overall, the industry contributes approximately $16.6 billion to the state’s economy.

Unfortunately, as is the case in nearly every one of the nation’s energy-producing regions, the prosperity created by Carlsbad’s booming oilfields comes with a high cost. From the ever-present threat of well blowouts, accidents and explosions to surging rates of oilfield truck crashes, the New Mexico oilfield workers who keep the wells operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, face a growing risk of catastrophic injury and death every single day they’re on the job.

Carlsbad Oilfield Injury Lawyers with Billions Won

After a Carlsbad oilfield accident or explosion, depending on your employer to “take care” of you and “make things right” is a mistake that could very well place your well-being and your family’s future in jeopardy. Regardless of what they say or promise, the company’s primary objective is almost always to avoid accountability and limit your financial recovery to Workers’ Compensation benefits, no matter the actual extent of your injuries and losses.

In addition to willing billions for over 1,000 oil and gas workers across New Mexico, Texas, and throughout the United States, our Carlsbad Oilfield Accident Lawyers remain undefeated at trial and consistently recover record-setting verdicts and settlements against the largest oil and gas companies in the world, including:

• 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

Our Undefeated Oilfield Injury Attorneys know how to hold negligent companies accountable! Call 1-888-603-3636, click our  “live chat” button, or send us a confidential email through our Contact Form. All consultations are free—and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.

The Oil and Gas Industry in Carlsbad

The oil and gas industry has a long history in Carlsbad, dating back to the late 19th century when prospectors first began exploring the Permian Basin across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. However, oil wasn’t discovered in commercially significant qualities until the 1920s, triggering the region’s first boom and leading to the development of the Yates Oilfield and other major plays.

In recent decades, Carlsbad has experienced another oil boom fueled by advancements in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling techniques. In September 2024 alone, 111 active producers extracted just under 26 million barrels of crude oil (BBLs) from the ground beneath Eddy County and more than 137 cubic feet of natural gas (MCF). Some of the leading producers during that period included:

• Apache Corporation: 371,439 BBLs and 43,166,547 MCF from 1,979 active leases
• ConocoPhillips: 371,439 BBLs and 1,700,394 MCF from 82 active leases
• Chevron USA: 1,882,364  BBLs and 10,327,719 MCF from 408 active leases
• Devon Energy: 6,248,867  BBLs and 28,775,920 MCF from 1,312 active leases
• EEOG Resources: 9,439,611 BBLs and 43,166,547 MCF from 2,304 active leases
• Marathon Oil: 1,287,634 BBLs and 4,189,823 MCF from 233 active leases
• Matador Production Company: 3,736,379 BBLs and 14,252,012MCF from 841 active leases
• Mewbourne Oil Company: 6,875,416 BBLs and 25,539,252 MCF from 1869active leases
• OXY USA: 4,614,557 BBLs and 21,266,876 MCF from 1,617 active leases
• WPX Energy: 573,718 BBLs and 2,348,488 MCF from 153 active leases
• XTO Permian Operating: 3,468,429 BBLs and 19,021,212 MCF from 620 active leases

To maintain maximum profitability, many oil and gas drillers operating in and around Carlsbad keep their well sites running around the clock, often at a significant cost to their workforce. In fact, 46 percent of New Mexico oilfield workers surveyed for a recent study reported they had experienced an accident on the job, with the vast majority (85 percent) saying that they felt the accident was preventable. Eight in 10 workers stated they knew someone who had been involved in an accident, with 28 percent of those respondents reporting that they knew someone who had died as a result of an oil rig injury. 

A consistent finding across the study was that oilfield workers in New Mexico experience long working hours, with the average workday being nearly 12 hours long.

Common Injuries Among Eddy County Oilfield Workers

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the oil and gas extraction industry has one of the highest injury rates in the country, including an on-the-job fatality rate that’s seven times higher than other industries. Between 2008 and 2018, New Mexico’s energy sector reported the second-highest occupational fatality rate in the country, with an average of 37 deaths per 100,000 workers per year.

Some of the most common injuries suffered by oil and gas workers in Eddy County include:

• Crush Injuries: Carlsbad oilfield workers can be caught between heavy machinery, struck by moving equipment, or pinned by falling objects, leading to severe trauma or death.
• Burns: Explosions, fires, and exposure to high-temperature equipment frequently cause oilfield workers to suffer thermal or chemical burns.
• Falls: Falling from rigs, scaffolding, or elevated work surfaces is a leading cause of fatalities in oilfields, especially when safety equipment is not provided or used improperly.
• Head Injuries: Impacts from falling tools, slips, or contact with machinery often result in traumatic brain injuries.
• Amputations: Workers can lose limbs due to accidents involving drills, cutting equipment, or heavy machinery.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden impacts or falls can lead to partial or complete paralysis, often with life-altering consequences.
• Overexertion Injuries: Repetitive motions and heavy lifting cause chronic injuries such as herniated discs or muscle tears, sometimes leading to long-term disability.
• Hearing Loss: Chronic exposure to high-decibel equipment noise can cause permanent hearing damage, which may impair a worker’s ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Causes of Eddy County Oilfield Injuries

When the companies operating in the oilfields in and around Carlsbad choose to cut corners, workers often pay the highest price for their negligence. In fact, in our experience, the most common causes of oilfield injuries are entirely avoidable, so long as oil and gas companies don’t place their desire for profit above the need for safety.

Well Blowouts

Blowouts occur when pressure from a reservoir forces oil or gas to escape uncontrollably from a well, often leading to explosions or fires. The high pressure and flammable nature of the materials involved make blowouts extremely dangerous. Injuries from blowouts can range from severe burns and respiratory damage to life-threatening trauma caused by explosions and flying debris.

Explosions and Fires

Oilfields are inherently hazardous environments with flammable materials like oil, gas, and chemicals constantly onsite. A spark, equipment failure, or mishandling of volatile substances can trigger explosions or fires, causing catastrophic injuries. Workers may suffer from severe burns, smoke inhalation, traumatic amputations, or even fatal injuries when caught in an explosion or fire.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Oilfield operations often involve long drives across rough terrain or busy roadways, which increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. In fact, oilfield truck crashes and other motor vehicle accidents are responsible for about more than a quarter of the work-related deaths involving oil and gas workers every year.

Equipment Malfunctions

Faulty or poorly maintained equipment is a significant hazard on oil rigs. Malfunctions can cause catastrophic accidents, including crushing injuries, falls, and chemical exposure. Workers may suffer from broken bones, severe lacerations, or internal injuries when machinery like pumps, cranes, or rigs fail.

Aging Infrastructure

The drive for profit can cause oilfield operators to put off replacing or repairing aging infrastructure. Over time, pipes, tanks, and rigs can deteriorate, leading to leaks, ruptures, or structural failures. This can expose workers to toxic chemicals, trigger a catastrophic fire or explosion, cause physical injuries, or result in dangerous spills and environmental hazards.

Slip and Falls

The combination of slick, uneven surfaces and heavy equipment on oilfields creates a high risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Wet conditions, oil spills, and cluttered walkways increase the likelihood of these accidents. Workers who slip or trip can suffer from sprains, fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord damage, particularly in hazardous work environments like rigs or drilling sites.

Toxic Exposures

Oilfield workers are often exposed to harmful substances such as hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and other toxic chemicals. Long-term or even short-term exposure to these toxic materials can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, chemical burns, and neurological damage. In some cases, prolonged exposure can result in life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.

Improper Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials

The improper storage and handling of hazardous materials, such as oil, gas, and chemicals, is a common cause of oilfield accidents. Improperly stored materials may leak or explode, exposing workers to fires, explosions, and toxic fumes. This can lead to severe burns, respiratory issues, and environmental contamination.

Safety Violations

Inadequate safety measures, lack of proper protective gear, or ignoring safety protocols can increase the risk of injuries. Oilfield companies that fail to nurture a culture of safety increase the likelihood of an explosion or accident.

Inadequate Worker Training

Lack of proper training can leave workers unprepared for the hazards of the oilfield environment. Inadequately trained employees may misuse equipment, fail to follow safety procedures or misjudge the risks of their surroundings.

What to Do After a Carlsbad Oilfield Accident

When oilfield workers are seriously injured or killed on the job, the oilfield company is no longer in charge. The insurance company takes over, and they’re only interested in saving money.  They do that by blaming you for the accident, questioning and downplaying your injuries, and offering you pennies on the dollar for your injuries. 

In fact, before you’ve even had a chance to fully absorb what’s happened and the consequences for you and your family, it’s likely the insurance company has already hired a team of attorneys to accomplish one task – paying you as little as possible, no matter how extensive your injuries and losses. If you’re going to obtain the maximum compensation possible, it’s critical that you act just as quickly to protect your rights and safeguard your family’s future:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical documentation can be critical for your case later.
• Notify Your Employer: Report the accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Follow your company’s protocol for workplace injury reporting, but keep your description of the incident concise and factual. Avoid speculating about fault or downplaying your injuries.
• Document the Accident: Gather as much information about the accident as you can. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries. Preserve the clothes you were wearing. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses, along with the details of the incident, including the time, location, and what happened. Record everything you remember, no matter how insignificant they seem.
• Keep Records of Your Medical Treatment: Maintain copies of all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to your injury. Detailed documentation will help establish the extent of your injuries and the financial impact on your life.
• Don’t Speak With Your Employer’s Insurance Adjuster: Under no circumstances should you speak with the insurance company, sign anything, or accept any payment (other than your regular wages). If you attempt to deal with the insurance adjuster on your own, you risk saying something or making another mistake that could jeopardize your right to receive compensation beyond what little is available to you through Worker’s Comp.
• Don’t Expect Workers’ Compensation to Cover All Your Losses: As of 2024, Worker’s Compensation in New Mexico only provided 66 ⅔ percent of an injured worker’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum benefit of $669.21. That’s rarely enough to cover the wages typically earned by a Carlsbad oilfield worker, let alone future lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages workers and their families could recover through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
• Consult an Experienced Oilfield Injury Lawyer:  If you’re going to obtain the maximum compensation for all of your injuries and losses, you need to hire an experienced oilfield accident lawyer who understands the industry and has the resources and experience to win against the oilfield company, their insurer, and their high-priced teams of attorneys.
• Assume You’re Under Surveillance: Your employer’s insurance company will likely monitor your activities – including anything you post online – in a bid to downplay your injuries and undermine your credibility. Avoid any activities the company could misrepresent to call your injuries into question and follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. Don’t discuss the accident with anyone other than your spouse and attorney, and stay off social media.

We Hold Oilfield Companies Accountable

Our Undefeated New Mexico Oilfield Accident Lawyers don’t just win.

We consistently recover record-breaking verdicts and settlements, including the  #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlement in History and #1 Largest Burn Injury Settlement in History, for oil and gas workers in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and throughout the United States.

Why are we so successful?

• We have a thorough understanding of the safety regulations governing the oil and gas industry and know how to counter the tactics companies use to avoid responsibility.
• We won’t even entertain a settlement offer unless our clients and their families receive the maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
• We prepare every case for trial, so we’re always ready for court if the company and its insurance carrier refuse to negotiate in good faith.
• If the company refuses to offer a settlement that fully compensates our clients, we won’t hesitate to go to trial, where we’ve consistently won the largest verdicts in history.

We also understand you still need to pay your bills while your recovering. That’s why we are always willing to assist with reasonable living expenses and medical bills as long as your case is pending. Once your case is resolved, we will assemble a team of top financial advisors who can help you create a financial plan and set up trust funds to provide for you and your family for the rest of your lives.

Few law firms can match our ability to hold oilfield companies accountable, our dedication and commitment to our clients, or the record-setting recoveries we consistently win on their behalf. 

In fact, in the words of many of our past clients, “we’re more than just your lawyers. We’re family.” You can hear more about our clients’ experiences with our firm, by checking out our Client Video Testimonials or our YouTube channel.

Contact Our Undefeated Carlsbad Oilfield Accident Lawyers 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 Carlsbad, New Mexico, Oilfield Accident Lawyers are ready to commit whatever resources are necessary to hold the company accountable and ensure that you and your family recover the maximum compensation possible for all your injuries and losses.

All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case.

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.

Carlsbad Oilfield Accident FAQs

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