Maison Law helps workers that have been injured in accidents at oil fields in California. When you work in the oil fields, you already know you’re dealing with a dangerous environment. But few accidents are as devastating—or as life-changing—as an explosion. Explosions don’t just happen out of nowhere. They usually come from a mix of things, and when they do happen, the results can be catastrophic. Our team will be there to help you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today to get started.

Do I Need to Get a Lawyer?

After an oil field explosion, the company and its insurance try to move fast to protect themselves. They’ll send investigators, control what gets reported, and sometimes even try to pin the blame on you or other coworkers.

That’s when you need to think about getting legal help. Having our team at Maison Law on your side means you’re not left going up against a billion-dollar company alone. We’ll make sure that:

Evidence is preserved
Blame doesn’t get shifted onto you
You actually get the support you need—not just the quick settlement the insurance company wants you to take.

Most importantly, we’ll let you focus on getting better while we deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and pushback from the company.

What Evidence Can I Get After an Explosion at an Oil Field?

After an explosion, things move fast. The company wants the site cleaned up, investigators show up, and before long, a lot of the details that matter most to you can disappear. That’s why evidence is everything—it’s what proves how the explosion happened and how it’s changed your life. Some of the most important evidence includes:

Safety and maintenance records – If equipment was overdue for repairs or inspections, those records can show it.
Witness statements – Coworkers who were there can back up what you saw or experienced.
Pictures and videos – Shots from the scene, security cameras, or even your own phone help capture what the site looked like right after the blast.
Medical records – From ER visits to long-term treatment, these connect your injuries directly to the explosion.
Company policies and training logs – If safety corners were cut or training was skipped, those documents tell the story.

The hard truth is that companies and their insurers aren’t eager to share this kind of evidence. In fact, they’ll sometimes limit what gets reported or spin it to make workers look careless. That’s why gathering evidence quickly—or having someone on your side who knows how to demand it—is so important. The stronger the evidence, the harder it is for the company to dodge responsibility.

Why Do Explosions Happen in Oil Fields?

Explosions aren’t freak accidents—they’re preventable. When one happens, it usually means something or someone failed to do their job. Here are some of the biggest causes we see:

Gas leaks and vapors – Oil fields are full of fuels and chemicals. If vapors escape and a spark sets them off, the results are devastating.
Poor maintenance – Skipping inspections, ignoring repairs, or pushing old equipment past its limits makes explosions far more likely.
Defective equipment – Pumps, valves, or safety devices that don’t function properly can fail at the worst moment.
Working near fuel sources – Welding, cutting, or grinding can create sparks that ignite instantly.
Lack of safety oversight – When supervisors cut corners or pressure workers to rush, the risk skyrockets.
Improper chemical storage – Hazardous substances stored carelessly can create a powder keg waiting to go off.

At the end of the day, explosions don’t “just happen.” They happen because someone overlooked, ignored, or mishandled something critical. And when that happens, it’s you—not your supervisor or boss—that pays the highest price. But it does give you certain options.

What Options Do I Have for Filing a Claim After an Oil Field Explosion?

If you’ve been hurt in an oil field explosion, you probably just want straight answers about what you can actually do. In California, it usually comes down to two main paths:

Workers’ compensation claim – If you’re a direct employee of the oil company, you’re likely covered by workers’ comp. The good thing about this system is that you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. If you got hurt on the job, you should qualify. A workers’ comp claim pays for things like:
- Medical treatment related to your injuries
- A portion of your lost wages while you’re out of work
- Disability benefits if you can’t go back to your old job

The downside is that workers’ comp doesn’t cover everything. It won’t make up for the pain you’ve been through, the stress your family’s dealing with, or the fact that your whole life may have been turned upside down. It’s mainly there to cover the basics—medical bills and part of your paycheck.

Civil claim – Now, if you’re a contractor, brought in through a staffing agency, or if the explosion happened because someone else was careless—like a manufacturer, subcontractor, or supervisor—you might have another option: a civil personal injury claim. This type of claim, which you can make through either:
- An insurance claim out of court or a personal lawsuit.

Either one lets you go after the full picture of your losses, not just the bare minimum. That could include

- All your medical bills, including long-term car
- The full amount of income you’ve lost and may lose in the future
- Pain and suffering for what you’ve been through physically and emotionally
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries keep you from doing the things you love
- Support for your family in a wrongful death case if you’ve lost someone in an explosion

So here’s the bottom line: if you’re an employee, workers’ comp is the starting point. If you’re a contractor or if someone else’s negligence caused the explosion, a civil claim may be the better option. Sometimes both come into play. The important thing is knowing that you do have options to recover—not just for today’s bills, but for the long haul. But there’s another important part of the equation: figuring out who’s at-fault

Who’s at Fault After an Oil Field Explosion?

When an explosion happens, it’s easy for the company to point fingers—sometimes even at the workers who got hurt. But the truth is, most explosions trace back to preventable mistakes. Figuring out who’s at fault matters, because that’s how you know who can be held responsible for your injuries. Here are the most common parties that might share the blame:

Oil field owners or operators – They’re the ones ultimately in charge of keeping the site safe. If equipment wasn’t maintained, safety rules weren’t enforced, or hazards were ignored, the fault could fall on them.
Supervisors or managers – If you were rushed to finish a job, told to ignore safety steps, or given unclear instructions that led to the explosion, management may carry responsibility.
Other contractors or coworkers – Sometimes it’s another crew’s mistake—like mishandling chemicals, leaving equipment unsecured, or cutting corners—that sets off the chain of events.
Equipment manufacturers – If a valve, pump, or piece of protective gear failed when it shouldn’t have, the company that made it could be on the hook.
Staffing agencies or subcontractors – If you were placed on the job without proper training or oversight, the company that sent you out there may share blame.
Regulators or inspectors – In rare cases, explosions happen because required inspections never took place or serious safety complaints were brushed aside.

Knowing who’s at fault isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about holding the right people accountable. And in oil field explosions, fault usually doesn’t rest on just one person or company. More often, it’s a mix. That’s why it’s important to take a close look at what went wrong and why. The clearer the picture, the stronger your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an explosion?

First, get medical help—your health comes first. Even injuries that seem minor can get worse. Report the accident to your supervisor, but don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement until you fully understand your rights. Keep notes, photos, and anything that shows what happened.

Can I still get support if I’m a contractor or temporary worker?

Yes. Contractors often don’t qualify for workers’ comp, but you can usually file a civil personal injury claim against the company, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers responsible for the explosion. You’re not out of options just because you aren’t a full-time employee.

What if I don’t know what caused the explosion?

It’s not always easy to know what happened––especially with an explosion. Gathering things like safety reports, pictures, videos, and other information can narrow down what happened and who’s responsible.

Maison Law Helps Oil Field Workers Injured in Explosions in California

There’s not a lot of oil field accidents that are as scary and devastating as an explosion. Yet, it’s always a possibility when you work in this environment. But when your employer or somebody else cuts corners or tries to push you, you and your family could be stuck with the damage. Our team at Maison Law can explain your options and guide you through the process of getting better. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.

Explosions at Oil Fields in California