Maison Law helps workers that have been injured in accidents at oil fields in California. No matter what your job is, you’re going to be around pieces of equipment and machinery. They make the job possible—but also dangerous. One small malfunction, one missed safety step, and you can end up seriously hurt. We can help you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Why Should I Get a Lawyer?
After you’ve been in an accident caused by equipment or machinery, the company and its insurance team act fast to protect themselves. They’ll look into what happened, control the narrative, and sometimes even try to shift the blame onto you. Their priority isn’t you and your health—it’s their bottom line. That’s why having a lawyer matters. Our team at Maison Law makes sure:
- Your side of the story is heard
- Evidence isn’t lost
- You’re not pressured into signing away your rights.
We’ll also figure out whether workers’ comp, a civil claim, or both apply, and push back if the company tries to lowball your recovery. Ultimately, our job is to hold the right people accountable and make sure you don’t get stuck carrying the financial burden of an accident that never should’ve happened.
What Information is Important After an Accident With Equipment and Machinery?
Part of the reason things move so fast after an accident with machinery or equipment at an oil field is because the company wants to get things cleaned up–and production back up and running. The problem is, the information that matters most to your case can disappear just as quickly. That’s why it’s important to take steps to get things like:
- Maintenance and inspection records – If a machine wasn’t serviced or repaired on schedule, those records can reveal it.
- Company safety policies and training logs – If proper training wasn’t given, or if supervisors ignored safety rules, these documents help tell that story.
- Witness statements – Coworkers who saw what happened can back up your account of the accident.
- Pictures and videos – Pictures from the scene, surveillance footage, or even snapshots on your phone help show exactly what conditions were like.
- Medical records – From emergency care to rehab, your records tie your injuries directly to the accident.
The truth is, companies and their insurers aren’t quick to hand over this kind of information. Sometimes they’ll spin it, minimize it, or try to make the accident look like it was your fault. You know that’s not true, and this information can back you up. But information alone isn’t enough when there’s a claims process in place. You have to find out what happened–and who’s at fault.
How Do Equipment and Machinery Accidents Happen in Oil Fields?
Oil fields run on machines. But when they fail—or when they’re not used safely—the results can be devastating. Most of the time, accidents happen because of:
- Mechanical failures – Worn-out parts, poor maintenance, or defective designs can cause equipment to break down without warning.
- Improper training – Not every worker gets the right instruction on how to safely operate forklifts, cranes, or drilling rigs. That lack of training puts everyone at risk.
- Lack of safety protocols – If employers cut corners on inspections, safety checks, or lockout/tagout procedures, workers pay the price.
- Human error – Mistakes happen, but in oil fields, one wrong move can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or worse.
These accidents aren’t “just part of the job.” They usually happen because someone didn’t take safety seriously. That opens the door to the claims process, but you have to first figure out who’s at fault.
Who’s at Fault in Oil Field Equipment Accidents?
Unfortunately, figuring out fault for an accident with equipment or machinery at an oil field can get pretty confusing. Sometimes it’s your direct employer, but when there’s equipment or machinery involved, it brings in a lot of other people that could potentially share responsibility, like:
- Employers who failed to maintain safe equipment or ignored safety standards
- Contractors who left hazards on-site or mishandled machinery
- Manufacturers who sold defective or dangerous equipment
- Supervisors who rushed workers or ignored proper training protocols
The bottom line is just because your employer says “it was an accident” doesn’t mean nobody is responsible. Oil companies and contractors make money by keeping operations running—and sometimes that means they put profit over your safety. If their shortcuts caused your injury, they should be the ones paying for the consequences, not you.
What Options Do I Have for Filing a Claim After an Accident With Equipment or Machinery?
When you’re hurt in an accident with equipment or machinery, it’s easy to feel like you’re at the mercy of the company. But the truth is, you usually have more than one path forward. How you can file a claim depends on your work status and what caused the accident, but generally, you can go through:
- Workers’ Compensation – If you’re on the books as an employee, workers’ comp is supposed to cover things like:
- Necessary medical treatment
- A portion of your lost wages
- Temporary or full disability benefits
That means doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and some income while you’re out. But here’s the catch—workers’ comp doesn’t pay for everything and runs out after 104 weeks. That usually means you can’t get costs for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the bigger impact an injury has on your life.
- Injury claim – If you’re a contractor (which is common in California oil fields) or if your accident happened because of negligence—like faulty equipment, ignored safety rules, or another subcontractor cutting corners—you may be able to file a civil injury claim through either insurance or a full lawsuit. This type of claim allows you to go after a much wider range of damages, like:
- Medical expenses, both now and in the future
- Full lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial expenses in fatal accidents
Here’s the tricky part: many oil fields run on a web of contractors, subcontractors, and equipment providers. That means it’s not always clear who’s responsible—or which path you can take. What matters is that you don’t just take your employer’s word for it. You do have options, and with the right help, you can figure out which one gets you the support you really need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after the accident?
Get medical help first. Then, report the accident, but be cautious—don’t sign or record anything until you understand your rights. Document what happened as best you can.
Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California uses “comparative negligence,” meaning even if you share some blame, you can still recover damages. Your recovery may just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if my injury keeps me from going back to oil field work?
With equipment accidents, workers’ comp only goes so far. A personal injury claim can look at the bigger picture—like how your injuries affect your ability to work and earn down the road.
Talk to Maison Law After an Equipment or Machinery Accident at an Oil Field in California
Accidents with equipment and machinery at an oil field can flip your life upside down—keeping you from working, piling on medical bills, and leaving you with more questions than answers.
At Maison Law, we help California oil field workers when safety gets ignored and injuries follow. Whether your claim goes through workers’ comp or a civil lawsuit, we’ll walk you through the process and make sure the right people are held accountable. Set up a free consultation today to get the process started.
