If you were hurt on the job in an oil field or refinery, a Midland construction-refinery accident lawyer can help you pursue the money you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses. Our attorneys, paralegals and support staff at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP, have helped many victims collect the funds they deserve for their workplace injuries.
Whether your construction-refinery accident was due to overexertion, chemical exposure, an explosion, or something else, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. We are unafraid of the most prestigious refineries and their insurers, and we will stand up for you throughout settlement agreements and court cases as they arise.
The Dangers of Oil Refineries in Texas
Oil fields, refineries, and construction jobs are considered hazardous workplaces in any state. Here in Texas, refineries are among the most dangerous places to work. Slip and falls are known to cause the most fatalities at construction sites, and nearly half of fatal workplace falls happen in Texas.
Who is Responsible for Construction-Refinery Accidents?
Every case is unique, there is no broad statement that describes who may be at fault in a construction-refinery accident in Midland, TX. However, a seasoned accident attorney can help victims reconstruct the accident to determine who may be at fault and whose insurance should cover damages.
Sometimes the negligent party is a commercial property owner. Other times, a subcontractor or small business owner’s negligent behavior led to this injury. The manufacturer of faulty equipment could also be at fault if that equipment caused the problem.
What are Third-Party Nonsubscriber Claims?
While most oil fields, refineries and other extraction organizations purchase workers’ compensation insurance, Texas does not require employers to do so. Injured employees can still sue for damages if a subcontractor or smaller business does not buy workers’ comp. These are called third-party non-subscriber claims, and a competent Midland lawyer can help victims understand who is at fault after a construction-refinery accident.
Valuable Evidence in Refinery Injury Lawsuits
Texas allows injured employees to sue for funds beyond their financial losses, but there is a burden of proof to be met. This means victims cannot simply ask for a dollar amount in court. They must prove they experienced significant physical pain.
Evidence to Prove Pain and Suffering
Modern technology makes it easier than ever for Midland construction-refinery injury lawyers to prove their cases to an insurer or a judge. Excellent evidence in employee injury cases includes:
- Photos of the injury
- Photos and videos of the work site
- Hospital bills from the emergency room
- Ambulance records and ambulance bills
- Physicians’ reports and hospital discharge paperwork
- Receipts for costs paid out of pocket, even for over-the-counter medications
Many bills, like physical therapy records and receipts for extra child care at home, are ongoing. Victims and their families must become excellent recordkeepers. They should keep copies of every bill, invoice, and receipt related to their injury and provide them to their personal injury attorney. “Pain and suffering” is difficult to quantify with a dollar amount, and these documents help prove to a judge exactly how much pain a victim endures.
Consult with a Midland Construction-Refinery Accident Lawyer Now
If you or your family member were hurt at a refinery construction site, call an experienced Midland construction-refinery accident lawyer today. Our skilled team of attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP is ready to fight for the funds your family deserves. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.