Maison Law can guide you through a claim if you’ve been hurt on the job at an oil field operated by California Resources Elk Hills. It doesn’t always take a major mistake to cause a serious injury. A valve that sticks, a communication gap between shifts, or equipment that’s overdue for maintenance can all set the stage for trouble. When something happens, our team will be there to help you. Set up a free consultation today to talk about your options.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
If you were hurt working out at the Elk Hills oil field, you’re probably already trying to tough it out. Most people who work these jobs don’t jump straight to calling a lawyer—they’re used to handling things on their own. But oil field injuries–especially ones for large producers like Elk Hills–aren’t that simple. There’s a lot of moving parts and questions. That’s when talking to our team can really help. We can help you:
- Sort through what happened and what your options are.
- Gather important information and evidence.
- Talk with the company or insurance reps.
- File a claim, either through workers’ comp or a lawsuit.
Remember, every situation is different, and you’re not required to get a lawyer at all. But the reality is that with everything else you’re dealing with, the claims process can get overwhelming. That’s where our team can step in and take that pressure off of you.
What Kind of Information Will Help My Claim?
When an injury happens, the details start fading almost immediately. You might remember what went wrong, but without evidence, it’s easy for others to question it later. The best way to protect yourself is to gather as much information as you can early on—even if it feels small. Here’s the kind of information that can really make a difference:
- Write down everything you remember. Include the time, location, and what you were doing when you got hurt—whether it was fixing a pump, loading tools, or walking across the site.
- Keep track of who was there. Note the names of any coworkers, supervisors, or contractors who saw what happened or helped you afterward.
- Save all your medical records. Doctor notes, test results, prescriptions, and physical therapy reports show how serious your injuries are and how long recovery might take.
- Take photos or videos if possible. Pictures of the equipment, the area where you were hurt, or your injuries as they heal can tell a story that’s hard to dispute.
- Hold onto your work documents. Pay stubs, timesheets, and schedules can show how the injury has affected your income or work status.
- Make notes about anything unsafe. If you noticed a broken ladder, missing guardrail, or a leak that wasn’t cleaned up, write it down while it’s fresh in your mind.
- Keep any communication about the accident. Texts, emails, or messages between you and your supervisor can help confirm how the company responded.
Each piece helps paint a clearer picture of what you’ve gone through—and that clarity can make or break your claim later.
What Are My Options for Filing a Claim After I’m Hurt?
After a serious accident, it’s easy to feel stuck. You’re thinking about doctor visits, lost paychecks, and whether your job will still be there when you’re ready to come back. The good news is that California law gives you a few ways to get the help you need.
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you’re an employee, workers’ compensation is usually the first step. It can help by:
- Covering your medical treatment and recovery. Everything from emergency care to ongoing rehab can be included.
- Replacing part of your income. You can get temporary wage replacement while you’re unable to work.
- Providing disability benefits. If your injury keeps you from returning to your old job—or any job for a while—these benefits help you stay afloat.
But workers’ comp doesn’t always cover everything. Sometimes, another company or third party shares responsibility for what happened. That’s when a personal injury claim might also come into play.
- Filing a personal injury claim. Once it’s clear that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, it gives you the legal right to file a claim to get “damages.” This is just like a car accident or slip-and-fall outside of work–it’s about holding the negligent people or groups accountable through filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Once it’s filed, you can recover things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
In some cases, both types of claims apply. We can help you understand which one fits your situation—or if both do. But remember, there’s deadlines. You only have one year from the date of the accident to file for workers’ comp and two years to file a personal injury claim. It sounds like a lot of time, but the sooner you act, the easier it is to tie everything together.
What Kinds of Accidents Could Happen to Me?
Oil field injuries aren’t like a simple workplace accident. They’re complicated, especially at a massive site like Elk Hills, where California Resources Corporation oversees operations alongside multiple contractors, inspectors, and vendors. That opens the door to a lot of different scenarios that could cause an accident. Here’s a few of the more common ones:
- Equipment malfunctions after long use or missed maintenance.
- Exposure to leaks, fumes, or chemicals.
- Falls from heights or slick surfaces.
- Fatigue from long shifts or short staffing.
- Breakdowns in communication between crews or contractors.
With an oil field accident, the goal isn’t to point fingers. It’s to understand what led up to the accident and how to prevent it from happening again. And to also make sure you’re not left paying for something you had little or no control over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my job for reporting an injury?
No. California law prohibits retaliation for reporting a workplace injury or unsafe condition. If your employer punishes or fires you, that’s a separate legal issue—and you may have additional rights.
What if my injury doesn’t show up right away?
It happens often. Some injuries—like back problems, hearing loss, or chemical exposure—take time to appear. Report it as soon as you notice symptoms.
What if I don’t know what caused my accident?
Our team can step in and investigate things for you–especially if you’re seriously injured. We’ll talk to witnesses, get internal safety and accident reports, and put everything together to help your claim.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident at a California Resources Elk Hills Oil Field
Going to work for California Resources at their Elk Hills field is tough but rewarding. But when you’re hurt in an accident, it can throw everything off-balance. Our team of California oil field accident lawyers at Maison Law understand what you’re going through and know how to help. To get started with a free consultation, reach out today. We’ll walk you through your options.
