Maison Law can help you understand your options after you’re hurt in an accident on the job at an E & B Natural Resources Management Company oil field in California. You already know that working at one of these oil fields isn’t a typical day job. But that doesn’t mean your injuries can just be brushed off. Our team can explain your rights and guide you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Oil field accidents rarely play out neatly—especially on large, complex sites like E&B’s in Bakersfield, Signal Hill, and Long Beach. You might be getting mixed messages from supervisors, unsure who’s responsible, or worried about missing too much work. That’s when you might need a lawyer–not to stir things up, but to help you get clear answers. Our team can:
- Explain what kind of claim you can file
- Help gather the right evidence
- Make sure you’re treated fairly through the process
You don’t have to decide anything right away. Sometimes that first call is just a chance to understand what your options really are.
What Kind of Information Will Help My Claim?
One of the best ways to protect yourself early on is to start keeping track of everything related to the accident. That’s one of the biggest complications that come with these situations, and details can disappear fast once cleanup starts. Here’s what information can help you when you move forward:
- Your own timeline. The time, the job you were working on, and how things went wrong—these details often make the difference later.
- Names and contact information of people that were there. If anyone saw it happen, note who they are and what they witnessed.
- Medical records. Every note, test, or diagnosis helps show how serious the injury really is. It also connects your injuries to the accident itself (timing is important.)
- Pictures/videos. Visual proof of conditions on-site—like oil leaks, broken valves, or damaged gear—can be powerful.
- Pay stubs. They show how much time or income you’ve lost since the accident.
- Texts or emails. Anything between you and your supervisor about the accident helps show that you reported it and how it was handled.
Once you’ve gathered this kind of information, the next step is knowing what to do with it— which brings us to the question most injured workers have: what kind of claim should I file?
What Kind of Claim Will I Have to File After My Accident?
After a serious oil field accident, you might be told, “It’s covered under workers’ comp.” And that’s often true—but not always the whole story. In California, there are two main ways to recover after a workplace injury, and in some cases, you could file both. Here’s a look at your options:
- Workers’ compensation claim. If you’re directly employed by E&B Natural Resources or some other company on-site, you should have access to workers’ comp benefits.’ All you have to do is request and fill out the claim form (DWC-1.) Once your claim is accepted, your benefits will cover things like:
- Medical treatment from the ER visit to physical therapy.
- Partial lost wages if you can’t work while you recover.
- Disability benefits for longer-term or permanent injuries.
Workers’ comp is “no-fault,” which means you don’t have to prove anyone caused the accident. But it does have limits. It won’t cover everything, especially if another company’s negligence played a role—like a contractor that maintained equipment or a manufacturer that made a defective valve.
- Civil injury claim. If someone other than your employer caused your injury, you might have a separate claim. This is filed through insurance or through a full lawsuit, but it carries fuller “damages” like:
- Future medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp.
- Lost income or a loss of earning potential
- Repair costs for any damaged tools or property
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses for families who’ve lost a loved one.
Sometimes, these two claims run side by side. A lawyer can help you make sure nothing slips through the cracks—especially when multiple companies are involved in an E&B project. Once you know what type of claim fits your situation, it becomes easier to focus on understanding what actually caused the accident in the first place.
What Causes Accidents on E&B Oil Fields?
Even with safety rules in place, oil field work is dangerous by nature. E&B’s sites mix heavy machinery, high temperatures, and volatile materials—and when something goes wrong, it happens fast. Usually, though, accidents happen because of:
- Equipment failure. Valves, pumps, and pipes wear out over time, and when they fail under pressure, injuries can be severe.
- Slips and falls. Oil residue, uneven walkways, or faulty grating can cause major injuries, especially from elevated rigs.
- Chemical exposure. Gas leaks, drilling fluids, and solvents can lead to burns or breathing problems—sometimes showing up months later.
- Long shifts, heat, and lack of rest make it easier for small mistakes to become big accidents.
- Safety lapses. Whether it’s rushed training or delayed maintenance, skipped steps often lead to serious accidents.
Every accident has its own story, and what caused yours could be a combination of these things. With our team, the goal isn’t to point fingers—it’s to understand what happened so you can recover and get back on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after I’m hurt?
Get medical care first — even if the injury seems minor. Then, report it to your supervisor as soon as possible and keep a copy of that report for your records.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have 30 days to report a workplace injury to your employer and one year to file a workers’ comp claim. For personal injury cases, the deadline is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Can I lose my job for reporting an injury?
No. It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a claim or reporting unsafe conditions.
Legal Help For Injured Workers at E&B Natural Resources Management Oil Fields
E&B Natural Resources operates across California—from Long Beach to Bakersfield—and its workers keep critical parts of the state’s energy system running. But when someone gets hurt, the process that follows shouldn’t be harder than the job itself.
Our team of California oil field accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you sort through the paperwork, deadlines, and red tape that come after a serious injury. We’ll look at your situation, explain your options, and handle the claim process so you can focus on getting better. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
