Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’ve been injured on the job at a California Resources Production Company oil field. Between contractors, heavy machinery, and unpredictable conditions, one small issue can quickly turn into a serious injury. But you’re not alone–and we can support you. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
A lot of oil field workers don’t call a lawyer right away—and that’s understandable. You’re used to solving problems on the job, not handing them off to someone else. But after an injury, things can get complicated fast. Between multiple contractors, site operators, and safety vendors, it’s not always clear who is responsible for what happened.
That’s where having a lawyer can help—not to stir things up, but to get answers. Our team can:
- Review your situation and explain your options
- Help you get important information and evidence
- Handle all the talks with your employer, the company, or insurance reps
- Guide you through the workers’ comp system or legal system–or both
You don’t have to commit to anything upfront—just having that first conversation can help you see what path makes sense for you. And another thing that can really do that is the information that’s available.
What Kind of Information Makes a Strong Claim?
When you’re injured, time blurs quickly. Details fade, sites get cleaned up, and paperwork disappears. Gathering the right information early can make a huge difference in how your claim turns out. Here’s what helps most:
- Details about the accident. Include when and where it happened, what task you were doing, and what equipment or tools were involved. A timeline can be really powerful.
- Statements from others. Coworkers, contractors, or supervisors who saw the accident can later help confirm what happened.
- Medical records. Doctor visits, test results, and prescriptions show how serious your injuries are and what your recovery looks like.
- Pictures/videos. Snapshots of the work area, damaged gear, or visible injuries help show the conditions as they were.
- Pay records. Pay stubs, schedules, or time logs can show your missed income or changes in your work status.
- Evidence of unsafe conditions. If you noticed a missing safety guard, a leak, or faulty wiring, write it down before it’s fixed or forgotten.
- Messages with your boss/employer. Texts or emails from your supervisor about the accident or your absence can support your timeline.
Each small detail helps piece together a fuller story—and that story is what gives your claim credibility. The stronger your information, the more you can get out of a claim.
What Are My Options for Getting Help After an Oil Field Injury?
After a serious on-the-job injury, you’re probably dealing with more than just pain—you’re also worrying about doctor bills, your paycheck, and whether you’ll even be able to go back. For as tough as this situation is, there are a couple different ways California law offers for getting support. It depends on:
- If you’re a full-time employee.
- If someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
Here’s a look at the two paths:
- Workers’ compensation. If you’re classified as a full-time employee of CRC (or some other company working at the site), you should have access to workers’ comp benefits. It’s an insurance designed to cover things that come up because of your injury, like:
- Necessary medical care
- Partial lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits.
You don’t have to prove fault with a workers’ comp claim, but you do need to report and file quickly—usually within a year of the injury.
- Personal injury claim. If you’re a contractor or the accident happens because of someone else’s negligence, you might be able to file a personal injury claim to recover additional “damages” through an insurance claim or lawsuit. This covers things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property (clothing, tools, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
In some situations, both claims overlap. That’s where we can step in to help you figure out which one applies—or if both do. Acting early helps preserve evidence and keeps you ahead of important deadlines.
What Accidents Happen Most Often at CRPC Sites?
Oil field work is dangerous by nature. But some accidents happen more often than others, especially at large-scale fields or sites like the ones run by California Resources Production Company. That’s not to say that the company is always responsible, but rather to show what can happen when your safety isn’t a priority:
- Equipment failures happen when maintenance gets delayed or a part wears out sooner than expected. All it takes is one jammed valve or a pressure leak to cause a serious problem.
- Chemical exposure can be just as dangerous, especially when the effects don’t show up right away. You might feel fine at first, only to start having breathing issues or skin irritation weeks later.
- Falls are another major risk. Whether it’s from a rig, a catwalk, or a slick platform, even a short drop can lead to lasting back, neck, or head injuries.
- Fatigue is also a huge factor. After long shifts, everyone gets tired, and that’s when communication breaks down or small errors get missed.
- Safety procedures can sometimes slip through the cracks. Maybe supervision is light that day or a checklist gets skipped—it happens more often than people think.
When we look into an accident, our job isn’t to blame anyone. It’s to figure out how things went wrong and make sure you’re not left carrying that burden by yourself. That’s why the claims process is in place, and we want to make sure you’re able to get back to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired for filing a claim?
No. California law makes it illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or retaliate against you for reporting an injury or unsafe condition. If that happens, you may have a separate legal case.
What if I didn’t report my accident right away?
It’s best to report as soon as possible, but even if some time has passed, you still can file (as long as your accident didn’t happen within one year if you’re filing for workers’ comp or two years if you’re filing a personal injury claim.
Can I file for workers’ comp and a personal injury claim?
Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. Our team can look over what happened and explain your options from there.
Talk Over Your Options After an Accident at a California Resources Production Company Oil Field
If you were hurt while working at a California Resources Production oil field or site, you already have enough to deal with just trying to keep up with medical bills, treatment, and missed days at work. You shouldn’t have to also face the claims process alone. Getting the right guidance early on can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.
At Maison Law, we help oil field workers throughout California understand their rights and take confident next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll talk over your options and help you figure out the best way forward.
