Types of Injuries

Workplace accidents can result in a range of injuries, from brain injuries to burns, accidents can happen in a flash but the consequences can linger for a lifetime. Oil industry accidents can pose unique challenges.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are unfortunately more common on oil fields because of the risks of explosions and fires due to the volatile compounds being handled.  Burns are long-lasting, difficult to treat, and may take years to fully heal.  Even when they are healed, burns can affect a person’s range of motion and activity level, thereby limiting what type of work an oil field worker can perform.

There are four degrees of burns:

  • First degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin
  • Second degree burns burn the top two layers of the skin
  • Third degree burns destroy the skin completely, and can also affect the tissue beneath
  • Fourth degree burns destroy the skin as well as the underlying nerves, bone and tissue

Even when treated by medical professionals in a timely manner, serious burns can lead to permanent damage to joints and bones.  In very serious situations, they can lead to organ shock or failure, and widespread infections.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are another common but serious injury that can occur on the oil field.  The following types of accidents can lead to brain injuries:

  • Falls
  • Falling debris
  • Malfunctioning equipment
  • Significant oxygen deprivation during fires
  • Being physically thrown as a result of an explosion

Brain injuries can vary in affect from person to person, and from accident to accident.  Oil field accidents can result in contusions (bruising of the brain), concussions (brain bumping against the inner wall of the skull), intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding of the brain), and skull fractures.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury can be life-changing and affect much more than one’s work life.  Spinal injuries can result in compete or partial paralysis, changing the entire trajectory of one’s life, as well as the lives of loved ones.  These injuries require long term medical care and management, and may require the injured worker to have specialized home care as well.

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries such as fractures of in the worst case, amputations, can occur when debris falls or equipment fails to work properly.  Equipment failure includes the failure of safety features that are designed to protect workers.  In addition, oil well blowouts often have enough force to rip a person’s limbs apart.

Contact the Attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP Today

No matter what type of injury you have suffered related to oil field accidents, it has likely affected every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your ability to provide for your loved ones.  You do not have to suffer through this difficult time alone.  An oil field accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries and get your life back on track.  Contact us today to discuss your case.  There is no cost to you, and we do not see a dime until you see your recovery.