Maison Law can help you with a claim if you’re hurt on the job at a Central Valley Gas Storage site. Working at a gas storage site near Bakersfield, Shafter, or McKittrick is challenging, and an accident can throw your life off balance. Between doctor visits, missed paychecks, and dealing with insurance, it can feel overwhelming. Our team will be there to support you. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
When an accident happens, it’s not just a bump or bruise—it can have real consequences for your health, your paycheck, and your family. Your typical Central Valley Gas Storage facility isn’t a simple workplace. Underground pipelines, pumps, tanks, and multiple contractors all create layers of issues. That’s when you should think about getting a lawyer. We don’t point fingers—we help you:
- Make sense of what happened
- Gather evidence
- Handle talks with your employer or insurance company
Our number one goal is to make sure your rights are protected and you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake. And a big part of that is getting the right information early on.
What Evidence Will Help My Claim?
After an accident, small details matter more than you might think. The clearer the picture you can provide, the stronger your claim will be. Here’s the kind of evidence that really matters:
- A timeline of events shows exactly what happened. Note the date, time, location, and what you were doing—whether checking a pump, inspecting a pipeline, or walking across the site.
- Witness information can confirm your story. Record the names of coworkers, supervisors, or contractors who saw the accident or noticed unsafe conditions. Their statements make your account more reliable.
- Medical records document the full impact. Keep doctor’s notes, test results, prescriptions, and rehab instructions to show how serious your injuries are and how long recovery might take.
- Pictures and videos tell a visual story. Snap pictures of the area, the equipment, or your injuries as they heal. Visual evidence can be very powerful if/when questions come up later.
- Pay records show the real-world impact. Timesheets, schedules, and pay stubs reveal lost work hours or changes in income due to your injury.
- Your own notes matter too. Any hazards you noticed—oil spills, broken guardrails, or malfunctioning equipment—should be documented while they’re still fresh.
- Communication about the accident helps document the response. Keep emails, texts, or messages with supervisors that reference what happened. They show how the situation was handled and who was aware of it.
Even if you can’t gather everything yourself, our team can request internal reports or safety records to make sure nothing important is missed. And once everything is put together, it’s about using it to your advantage.
What Kind of Claim Can I File After My Accident?
An accident at a gas storage site can make your world feel upside down. You’re juggling doctor visits, missed work, and worrying about your future. Luckily, California law provides tools to help–whether you’re a full time employee or a contractor.
- Workers’ compensation is usually the first step. If you’re an employee, it can cover:
- Medical bills and therapy
- Partial wage replacement
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits if you can’t return to your previous job.
You don’t need to prove anyone’s fault to receive these benefits.
- Personal injury claims might also apply when:
- Another company, contractor, or equipment maker’s negligence caused your injuries.
This is the same thing you would do if your accident happened outside of work. Whether you file an insurance claim outside of court or a full lawsuit, they allow you to go after damages that workers’ comp might not fully cover, like:
- Another company, contractor, or equipment maker’s negligence caused your injuries.
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- Current and future medical costs
- Lost income
- Costs for repairing or replacing equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death expenses if the accident proves fatal.
In many situations, you can file both types of claims. With that said, it’s obviously going to come down to what actually happened. That’s why it’s helpful to look at the underlying causes of these accidents.
How Do Accidents Happen on Central Valley Gas Storage Sites?
It’s not hard to understand that accidents happen frequently at gas storage sites run by Central Valley Gas Storage. However, that’s not to say that your injuries should just be brushed off as “part of the job.”
- Mechanical and equipment problems can give you a clear reason to file a claim. A valve that sticks or a worn-out pump that suddenly leaks, bursts, or sparks a fire shows that the equipment itself may have played a role in your injury.
- Exposure to chemicals and gases can mean long-term health problems. Breathing in fumes or handling drilling fluids may not hurt immediately, but burns, respiratory problems, or illnesses that appear later can all be tied to work conditions.
- Slips, trips, and falls often provide clear evidence that a dangerous condition existed. Oil residue, rain, or uneven grating can make platforms slick, and even a short fall can cause serious injuries.
- Fatigue and long hours can show that workplace conditions contributed to your accident. Long shifts, overnight work, and rotating schedules make it harder to spot risks or react in time.
- Safety oversights give context to why an accident happened. Missed inspections, rushed supervision, or short staffing leave you and your coworkers exposed.
Understanding how accidents happen isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about showing what went wrong so you can get the help you need and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fired for reporting an injury?
No. California law protects workers from retaliation for reporting injuries or unsafe conditions. If your employer takes action against you, you may have additional options.
What if my injury develops slowly?
Some injuries, like hearing loss, joint damage, or chemical exposure, appear gradually. You can still file a claim once the injury is linked to your work.
Do I need to prove someone else caused my accident?
Not if you’re filing for workers’ comp, but you will if you need to file an injury claim in court (or through an insurance company.
Get Help After a Central Valley Gas Storage Accident
Working at a gas storage facility near Bakersfield, Shafter, or McKittrick is demanding, and an accident can turn everything upside down. Between doctor visits, lost wages, and insurance paperwork, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our California oil field accident lawyers at Maison Law will be there to guide and support you. Reach out today to set up a free consultation and let us help you.
