Oil Field Accidents
Protecting Workers and Families After Serious Oil & Gas Injuries
New Mexico’s oil and gas industry powers the economy - but safety must be paramount or lives can be changed forever. At GPJ Legal, we represent oilfield workers and their families after serious injuries and fatalities caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or equipment failure on the job.
With over 35 years of experience in civil trial litigation, we understand the complexities of oilfield accident cases. These are high-risk environments involving multiple parties and overlapping responsibilities. We bring the strategic insight and trial-readiness needed to obtain the best result for our clients..
What Causes Oil Field Injuries?
Oil and gas extraction is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Injuries often occur when companies cut corners on training, maintenance, or safety oversight. Common causes include:
Explosions and well blowouts
Unsafe drilling procedures
Equipment malfunctions or defects
Falls from rigs or platforms
Exposure to toxic chemicals or gases
Inadequate safety protocols or supervision
We work with safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to investigate what went wrong—and who’s responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the situation, responsibility may fall on:
The employer or site operator
A subcontractor or third-party service provider
Equipment manufacturers or maintenance providers
Property owners or lessees
We thoroughly investigate the facts, identify all liable parties, and pursue every available path for compensation - whether through settlement or litigation.
What We Fight For
If you’ve been injured - or lost a family member - we can help you pursue damages for:
Medical expenses and future treatment
Lost income or diminished earning ability
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of life and wrongful death damages
Every case is unique. We tailor our legal approach to match your goals, timeline, and what’s at stake for your future.
Why GPJ Legal for Oil Field Accidents?
✔ Deep Litigation Experience
We’ve handled complex, high-value cases involving workplace injuries, construction accidents, and catastrophic harm. We’re prepared for the long haul.
✔ Perspective That Makes a Difference
Because we’ve worked for both plaintiffs and insurers, we know how the defense operates - and how to stay one step ahead.
✔ Trusted and Respected Across New Mexico
With more than three decades of civil trial experience, we’re proud to be known for our professionalism, integrity, and results.
What types of oil field accidents cause injuries?
Oilfield workers face a wide range of injuries, which often result from the hazardous and demanding nature of the job. These injuries can lead to long-term health complications, financial strain, and significant disruptions to your life.
• Burns: Often caused by explosions or exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Resulting from falls or being struck by objects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Amputations: Frequently caused by machinery accidents.
• Toxic Exposure: Inhalation of harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide.
What Are the Most Common Oilfield Injuries?
Oilfield workers face a wide range of injuries, which often result from the hazardous and demanding nature of the job. These injuries can lead to long-term health complications, financial strain, and significant disruptions to your life.
• Burns: Often caused by explosions or exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Resulting from falls or being struck by objects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Amputations: Frequently caused by machinery accidents.
• Toxic Exposure: Inhalation of harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide.
What should I do after an Oilfield Accident
In the chaotic aftermath of an oilfield accident, knowing what to do can make all the difference in protecting your health and legal rights. These incidents often leave workers overwhelmed, but taking the right steps can help ensure a smoother recovery process and a stronger claim for compensation.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
• Your health and safety should always come first. Seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Proper documentation of your injuries is critical for your claim.
2. Report the Incident
• Notify your employer or site supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Ensure the details are accurately recorded in an incident report.
3. Preserve Evidence
• Take photos of the accident scene, damaged equipment, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident.
4. Consult an Oilfield Accident Lawyer, such as GPJ Legal
Can I file a lawsuit even if I’ve received workers’ compensation?
Many times, yes. If your employer or fellow employee of that employer was at fault for the accident, you will likely receive only workers’ compensation benefits, however there are exceptions for the most egregious cases. If there was negligence or actions by third-parties that contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a third-party claim against someone else such as a lease owner, contractor or vendor.
Who can be held responsible for an accident?
If a lease owner, equipment manufacturer, vehicle driver or other party is found to be at fault, they can be held responsible.
What damages are recoverable in a third-party action?
Unlike workers’ compensation claims which are limited to medical expenses, a percentage of your wages for a limited period of time, and limited benefits for permanent impairment, all types of damages recognized under the law are recoverable in a third-party case. These include pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings and loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of household services, and loss of consortium. Future damages as well as past damages are recoverable.
Can more than one company or person be responsible for an accident?
Yes. All parties whose fault caused the injury can be defendants in the lawsuit. In general, your employer and your co-employees are protected under New Mexico’s workers compensation laws, but exceptions can apply. In a situation involving gross negligence or intentional injury, the employer may be sued in New Mexico under some circumstances.
The responsibility for an accident is determined by a jury, with your conduct and your employer’s conduct being considered. The jury apportions a percent of fault to each person or party, and the amount of recovery is based on those findings. You will need an attorney to explain this.
I have a relative who died as a result of an oilfield injury. Do you handle wrongful death
Yes. If you or your family have suffered the loss of a loved one due to an oilfield injury, please contact us so we can discuss the case with you.
Does your firm hire experts for my case?
Yes. As part of almost every oilfield injury case, experts are an integral piece of the case. We regularly employ experts from throughout the United States. These experts are all recognized as leading authorities in their fields. We understand that retaining the right experts is often a key to our clients’ success. In almost every instance, it is important to retain experts, and conduct inspections, as soon as possible. With this in mind, please contact us to discuss your case as soon as practically possible after you have been injured.
How long do I have to file a claim after an oilfield accident?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, so it’s important to consult a lawyer promptly.
