Oilfield Burn Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Oilfield Burn Injury Lawsuits: What to Expect After an Explosion | Undefeated Oilfield Burn Injury Lawyers

Undefeated Oilfield Burn Lawyers

An oil rig blowout is one of the most devastating accidents in the oilfield, often resulting in severe burns, life-threatening injuries, and tragic loss of life.

Although the road to recovery after an oilfield explosion is long and life-altering, marked by challenges from extensive medical treatments to legal battles against some of the largest oil and gas corporations in the world, you don’t have to face it alone — and you shouldn’t.

Our Oilfield Burn Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of holding these companies fully accountable and securing the #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlements in history for injured workers and their families. Read on to learn what to expect after an oilfield blowout — and how we will do whatever it takes to get you the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.

1. What to Expect After an Oilfield Blowout or Explosion

Few injuries are as devastating as those sustained in connection with an oilfield fire, blowout, or explosion. Workers caught in the blast may suffer third and fourth degree burns, inhalation injuries leading to lung and respiratory problems, fractures from the explosion’s impact, severe trauma to the brain or spine, or wrongful death.

As a result, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including:

Emergency Medical Treatment: Workers suffering from severe burns, blast-related injuries, or inhalation damage are rushed to trauma centers for immediate stabilization, often requiring intubation, pain management, and emergency surgery.
Hospitalization for Burn Injuries: Severe burns typically require skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation, with weeks or months spent in specialized burn units.
Burn Injury Complications: The risk of infections, organ failure, and permanent scarring or mobility issues is high, making ongoing medical care critical.

While you focus on treatment—and while agencies like OSHA are just beginning their investigation—the oil company and its team of lawyers and insurers will already be working to shift blame and limit your compensation.

They will stop at nothing to pressure you into giving recorded statements, downplay your injuries, or push for a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages. Taking the right steps early on can protect your health, your rights, and your case.

Critical Steps to Take Immediately After an Oilfield Burn Injury

Notify your employer immediately and follow company protocols. Failure to report the incident can later be used to challenge the severity of your injuries.
Demand medical care from a doctor of your choice. You are under no obligation to see a company-approved doctor, and doing so may limit the documentation of your injuries.
Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctors’ recommendations. Failing to do so will jeopardize your physical recovery and give the insurance company an excuse to question the severity of your burn injury.
Document everything. Write down all you remember about the accident, including the cause, the conditions on-site, and any safety violations. Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING, speak with the company’s insurance adjuster, provide a recorded statement, or accept any payment other than your regular paycheck until you have consulted with an experienced oilfield accident attorney.

Taking these initial steps are crucial to protecting your rights.

2. Choosing the Best Oilfield Injury Lawyer

Oilfield explosions are preventable. While every blowout starts with a “kick” — a sudden, uncontrolled influx of gas, oil, or other fluids due to a loss of pressure control — these disasters often stem from faulty equipment, rushed jobs, or ignored safety regulations — all the result of companies cutting corners to protect their profits.

When an explosion occurs, it’s critical to determine exactly what went wrong and who is responsible. That’s why you need a legal team with a proven track record in high-stakes oil rig explosion cases—one with the expertise to navigate the complexities of Texas and federal law, and the resolve to take on the world’s largest oil companies, not just to win, but to set records.

At Zehl & Associates, we devote our full resources and expertise into not only determining what really happened, but proving how it should have been prevented in the first place.

How We Uncover the Truth & Hold At-Fault Parties Fully Accountable

Once hired, we immediately assemble a team of top lawyers, engineers, and safety experts to conduct an in-depth investigation into the explosion. Time and again, our findings reveal a pattern of putting profits over safety — leading to preventable disasters.

The common causes of oilfield explosions that we often uncover include:

Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning blowout preventers, faulty valves, failing pumps, and other defective equipment frequently trigger blowouts. In our experience, negligent well-design or hazardous reservoir conditions often contribute to a blast.
Human Error: Mistakes in high-risk environments can be deadly. Many blowouts occur when workers fail to follow proper shut-in procedures at the first sign of a kick.
Safety Violations: Oilfield operators are required to follow American Petroleum Institute rules, U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and company safety policies that are intended to prevent blowouts. But we repeatedly see companies cut corners to protect their bottom line. Common violations include:
- Failure to inspect and maintain critical safety equipment like blowout preventers.
- Failure to follow well control procedures that could prevent a disaster.
- Failure to train workers and contractors on safety protocols, including pre-job and daily JSAs.
- Failure to comply with industry regulations designed to minimize blowout risks.

Oil companies may have endless resources, but our investigations and expertise consistently uncover the truth, exposing how these failures lead to catastrophic consequences.

For instance, after a blowout in Burleson County, Texas left three workers dead and another — our client — with third-degree burns covering over 60% of his body, we uncovered that the operator violated company safety policies and API requirements by failing to use a mechanical and hydrostatic barrier to properly kill the well before starting workover operations. This preventable disaster was the direct result of reckless cost-cutting—cost-cutting that cost lives.

Because of our experience and relentless approach, we proudly secured the #1 Largest Oilfield Burn Settlement in U.S. History on behalf of our client, ensuring he and his family are financially secure for the rest of their lives.

Preserving Vital Evidence: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Determining fault requires more than just an investigation—it demands hard evidence. Oil companies and their insurers will do everything in their power to control the narrative, shift blame, and downplay your injuries. But the right evidence can expose their negligence and prove they knew the risks and failed to act.

At Zehl & Associates, we specialize in collecting and preserving the evidence that makes the difference in securing record-setting verdicts and settlements. We know where to look, how to find it, and—more importantly — how to use it to win. In many of the cases we take to trial, our ability to uncover what really happened leads to punitive damages—forcing companies to pay for the harm they caused and deterring them from putting profits over safety in the future.

There are also crucial steps you can take right now to help preserve key proof and protect your case.

What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Oilfield Accident Case:

Preserve your clothing. Keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the explosion unlaundered and unaltered in a clean plastic bag. Burn patterns and chemical residues can serve as critical evidence.
Keep any physical evidence in your possession, including damaged safety gear, tools, or personal items affected by the blast.
Take photos and videos. If you have access to the site, document the scene, equipment, and any visible safety hazards before evidence disappears.
Save medical records and expenses. Keep copies of hospital bills, co-pay receipts, and any out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries. These documents are essential in proving the full extent of your damages.

Oil and gas companies will work hard to control the narrative, but we make sure the evidence tells the real story — your story — so you get the justice and full compensation you deserve.

3. Dealing With Your Employer and Insurance Companies: Why Workers’ Comp Won’t Protect You

After an oilfield explosion, many injured workers assume that workers’ compensation will cover their medical bills and lost wages — or that their employer will do the right thing. Unfortunately, that’s almost never the case.

Workers’ Comp rarely covers the full cost of severe injuries, especially those requiring multiple surgeries, long-term care, or rehabilitation. Meanwhile, oil companies and insurers will do everything in their power to protect their bottom line — not you.

What to Expect After Reporting Your Injury:

Delays & Denials: Many workers struggle to get their medical treatments approved, if they’re approved at all.
Blame-Shifting: Companies often try to pin the explosion on workers, shifting responsibility to avoid liability.
Pressure to Return to Work Too Soon: Employers and insurers may push you to return before you’ve fully healed, risking further injury and jeopardizing your recovery.
Spying on Social Media: Insurance companies and defense lawyers will monitor your online activity, looking for anything they can use to downplay your injuries or dispute your claim.
Lowball Settlements: Insurance companies will pressure you into accepting a quick payout that doesn’t come close to covering your long-term needs.

Getting the Burn Injury Care & Compensation You Deserve

Workers with severe burns often don’t realize how life-altering their injuries are until they leave the hospital, only to find themselves unable to work, drowning in medical bills, and ignored by their employer.

That’s exactly what happened to our client Jesse after a well blowout. He needed three critical surgeries, but Workers’ Comp hadn’t approved a single one.

We stepped in, made sure he got the immediate medical care he needed from from top specialists on the Gulf Coast, and secured the full compensation he needed for his recovery.

4. Filing an Oilfield Burn Injury Lawsuit & Recovering Maximum Compensation

If you or a loved one were severely injured, you may very well have grounds for a lawsuit beyond what Workers’ Compensation covers. However, your employer will likely suggest that hiring a lawyer or pursuing legal action will only complicate matters or delay compensation.

They are hoping you’ll be too overwhelmed or intimidated to take action and hold them accountable. But only an experienced oilfield burn injury lawyer can determine whether you have a valid oilfield burn injury lawsuit and help you understand your best legal options.

Call us at 1-866-603-3636 for a free consultation.

The Myth of Delayed Compensation

Don’t let your employer’s claim of “delayed compensation” stop you from seeking justice. The reality is that the only way to seek the full compensation you deserve is through a lawsuit, which covers far more than Workers’ Comp alone, and is the only way to recover ALL of your damages, including pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and lost wages.

At Zehl & Associates, we handle the costs upfront and make sure your reasonable living expenses are covered while your case is pending, so you don’t have to worry about your recovery — or your financial future. Our team is dedicated to winning your case, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Workers’ Compensation

Many injured oilfield workers assume workers’ comp is their only option—but that’s not always true. In many cases, injured workers can pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit, especially if:

The job site was unsafe due to the owner’s negligence
A contractor or third-party caused the injury
A defective tool or machine was to blame

Your employer and their insurer may discourage legal action, but only an experienced oilfield injury lawyer can determine your best path forward.

If third-party negligence — such as faulty equipment, contractor misconduct, or engineering failures — played a role, we aggressively pursue third-party lawsuits to ensure every responsible party is held accountable and that you recover the maximum compensation possible

Additionally, if your injuries are the result of your employer’s gross negligence (or a third party’s gross negligence), you have the right to hold them fully accountable. Filing an oilfield accident lawsuit is the only way to do so.

The Best Oilfield Burn Injury Attorneys Fight for Maximum Compensation

A serious oilfield injury doesn’t just affect your health — it impacts your finances, your ability to work, and your future. With your livelihood on the line, you need the best legal team to fight for you, one with a proven track record of standing up to the oil and gas industry and securing record-setting results.

If you have a claim, you may be entitled to recover:

Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Lost Wages & Future Earnings: Compensation for lost income and financial impact if you can’t return to work.
Pain & Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Disfigurement & Permanent Disability: Additional damages for lasting consequences.

Workers’ compensation DOES NOT cover pain and suffering, disfigurement, future medical expenses, or 100% of lost wages. Only a personal injury lawsuit can secure the full compensation you deserve for all of your injuries and losses.

Of course, how much you are able to recover directly depends upon the success of your legal team. Studies show that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer recover, on average, 3.5 times more than those who go it alone.

But who you hire can mean the difference between a substantial settlement or significantly less.

We Recovered the #1 Largest Oilfield Burn Settlement in U.S. History

With Billions won and an undefeated track record of oilfield accident cases, we have secured record-setting victories for thousands of clients in Texas and across the U.S.

Our recent victories for oilfield workers include:

#1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlement for an individual in U.S. history
#1 Largest Oilfield Burn Settlement for an individual in U.S. history
$100M Settlement on behalf of workers injured in a petrochemical explosion
$90M Settlement on behalf of a contractor severely burned in a blowout
$62M Settlement on behalf of an oilfield burn victim
$55M Settlement on behalf of an injured oilfield worker

We are proud to currently represent two contractors tragically burned in catastrophic oil well blowouts in Garden City, Texas and Knott, Texas.

How Zehl & Associates Can Help if You Were Seriously Injured in an Oilfield Accident

At Zehl & Associates, we understand that the decisions you make after an oilfield accident can shape the rest of your life. We also know the immense challenges your family is facing.

Oil companies rely on a playbook of dirty tactics to avoid responsibility and pay you as little as possible. From day one, we fight to protect your rights and hold the responsible parties fully accountable—so you and your family never have to worry again.

When you choose Zehl & Associates, you’re choosing a team with a proven track record of not only winning against the biggest companies—but setting records:

Undefeated in Oilfield Accident Cases: We have a 100% past success rate, securing record-setting recoveries for injured workers in Texas and across the U.S.
We Know the Oil & Gas Industry Inside and Out: Our deep understanding of oilfield operations and federal and state safety regulations allows us to anticipate and defeat the common tactics and defenses companies use to avoid responsibility.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: We handle all case costs upfront, assist with your living expenses, and dedicate whatever resources are necessary to win. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
We Don’t Just Win—We Set Records: We cannot be outworked, outmaneuvered, or intimidated, no matter how big the company or their legal team. With over 1,000 oilfield accident victims represented, we know how to prove fault, maximize compensation, and win.

From sign-up to settlement, we are with you every step of the way. We ensure you have access to the best medical care, that your medical bills and reasonable living expenses are covered while your case is pending, and that you NEVER have to settle for less than you deserve.

Undefeated Oilfield Explosion Lawyers: 1-866-603-3636 for a Free Consultation

Our Oilfield Injury Lawyers have won Billions – including the #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Burn Settlement in U.S. History and the #1 Largest Oilfield Accident Settlement in History – for oilfield workers and their families across Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and all around the United States.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured or tragically killed in an oilfield blowout, accident, or explosion, call 1-866-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.

Our Oilfield Accident Attorneys will answer all of your questions, explain your rights, and make sure you have all the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.

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