What are common issues that arise in Texas oil field injury cases?

Common Issues Arising In Fort Worth, Texas Oil Field Injury Cases

Working in oil fields is an inherently dangerous job. Accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or death. When the accident is caused by the negligence of one or more responsible parties, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We have previously written about oil field injury cases in general. This series will focus on specific issues that particularly impact such matters. If you have been harmed from such an accident, we recommend contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.

Other FAQs will discuss the following key topics:

• Naming fictitious parties to oil field injury lawsuits
• The need to hire a law firm with significant resources to handle an oil field injury case
• The possibility of facing a bifurcated oil field trial
• Calculating and proving damages after an oil field injury
• When an oil field accident results in wrongful death
• How your oil field trial may go

Individuals who have suffered an oil field injury or families whose loved one died in such an accident should understand these issues for several reasons. First, oil companies are often large, multinational corporations with complex corporate structures. It may be initially difficult, therefore, to identify all of the parties who are potentially responsible for an accident when a lawsuit is initially filed. Naming fictitious parties to a lawsuit allows your attorney to add defendants identified after the litigation is initiated. Second, given the complicated nature of oil field accident cases, lawsuits can continue for years, involve multiple legal defense teams, and expert witnesses. The law firm handling the case for the victim must have the resources to manage the case through to its conclusion. Third, defense attorneys commonly request bifurcation of a trial when a victim’s injuries are severe. This tactic commonly occurs in oil field injury cases and may impact one’s case. Fourth, calculating and proving damages in an oil field injury case can present unique challenges. It is important to understand how this key element of settlement negotiations and litigation may affect the ultimate outcome. Finally, families who have lost a loved one in an oil field accident should be aware of their rights to pursue a wrongful death action.

When tragedy strikes in an oil field, the consequences can be disastrous for injured victims and their families. Many do not know how to navigate the legal process that inevitably follows. It is important to select a law firm with experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases. When interviewing attorneys we suggest that you look for a firm with multiple lawyers on staff who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with an investigator on-site, and with adequate financial resources. These traits should be sought regardless of whether you were injured in the areas of Fort Worth, Dallas, or elsewhere.