How To Properly Deal With Getting Injured At An Oil Field
Oil field accidents are a reality of life for many workers, and if you’re not careful, you may end up getting injured at the job site. The critical factors of proper injury management to get well include reporting the injury to your employer as soon as possible, getting the appropriate medical treatment, and hiring an attorney. A severe injury may cause you to miss work and cost you money in lost work hours, medical bills, and lost wages.
Dangers Of Working On An Oil Field
Many oil workers get hurt while they are working in the oil field. Some of these injuries can be fatal and cause many health problems for the workers. Working in an oil field can be dangerous and potentially deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 oil and gas workers died on the job due to occupational injuries in 2017 alone. This is an alarming amount, making this industry the riskiest on the planet.
However, this number only indicates fatalities, and many more have sustained injuries ranging from mild to life-changing. Due to the inherent dangers involved, oil field workers can sustain various injuries. According to the personal injury lawyers over at https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/workplace-injury-lawyer/oil-drilling-accidents/oilfield-injuries/, the most common injuries include broken bones, crushing injuries, burns, and other injuries that can permanently alter a worker’s life. So what can you do if you have been injured and need to seek recompense to cover lost earnings and medical bills? (Note that this list is not in any particular order because each incident will involve different steps…this is not legal advice).
What To Do If You Get Injured At An Oil Field
Working in an oil field is hazardous, and if you’re injured on the job, you need to know how to respond to your injury. If you get hurt on the job, it’s not necessarily your fault. In such an event, you have several options to consider in order to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve and that your life is not drastically altered.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you are experiencing a workplace accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovery and avoiding long-term damage. Furthermore, you will need an assessment from a doctor if you wish to pursue a civil lawsuit later down the line. If you skip this step, your suit will likely be thrown out of court before it has even begun.
Log Your Accident With The Company
Depending on the accident’s severity, you should either log the injury yourself or have a colleague do it on your behalf. No matter how you log the incident, it must be done so that the company knows what has happened. Moreover, just like the previous point, if you fail to log the incident, you could find yourself in a difficult situation when you come to seek compensation. The amount of time you have to do this will vary by jurisdiction, but generally speaking, you will have up to 40 days to inform your employer (but the sooner, the better).
Keep Detailed Records Of Your Costs And Lost Income
In the event of an accident, it is essential to keep a record of expenses which can help in the case of an insurance claim or if you have to file a lawsuit. The following are some tips on how to keep track of your expenses after a workplace accident:
- Keep all receipts and invoices in one place, preferably in a safe place.
- Record the date, time, and location where you incurred the expense.
- Describe the expense and include any details such as what it was, where it was purchased, and its cost.
- Take pictures or videos of any damages that were done to your property or belongings so that they can be used as evidence later on.
Hire An Attorney
They can assist you in all of the steps involved and make the situation far more manageable. You should look for lawyers experienced in personal injury and workers’ compensation for maximum effect. It is worthwhile getting an initial consultation to see what is involved and how they can help you. In summary, inform your employer and seek immediate medical care to ensure that your injuries are properly treated as soon as possible. You must keep detailed records of incurred expenses during that process and then work with an attorney to begin the compensation process.