Maison Law can help you through the claims process when you’re hurt on the job at a Lodi Gas Storage field in California. Between high-pressure systems, underground pipelines, and strict production schedules, there’s a lot that can go wrong. When something does, we’ll be there to guide and support you. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Do I Need to Get a Lawyer?
After there’s an accident at one of these facilities, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. These aren’t minor job-site mishaps—they’re usually serious and complicated. With underground wells, pipelines, tanks, and multiple contractors all sharing space, it’s easy for responsibilities to get blurred. That’s when having a lawyer helps. We don’t show up to point fingers—we show up to help you:
- Understand what really happened
- Collect the right evidence
- Handle talks with your employer or insurance company
Our main goal is simple: to make sure your rights are protected and you aren’t left paying for an accident that wasn’t your fault. That starts with evidence.
What Evidence Can Help My Claim Later?
When an accident happens, what you remember—and what you can show—matters more than you might realize. Every piece of information builds toward a clearer picture of what really happened. Here’s what makes a difference for a potential claim later:
- A clear timeline. Write down what you were doing before, during, and after the incident. Were you checking a pump? Inspecting a pressure gauge? Transferring gas between lines? Dates, times, and specific tasks matter.
- Messages or reports. Save texts, emails, and incident reports. They show who knew what and when.
- Medical records. Keep everything—doctor’s notes, test results, prescriptions, physical therapy records. These show how serious your injuries are and how long recovery might take.
- Pictures and videos. Even a few quick pictures/videos of the site or your injuries can be powerful if questions come up later.
- Work and pay records. Timesheets, schedules, and pay stubs help show how much income you’ve lost due to your injury.
- Witness statements. Coworkers or supervisors who saw the accident or noticed unsafe conditions can confirm your account and back you up.
- Your personal notes. If you saw problems before the accident—like a leaking seal, worn-down valve, or broken guardrail—write them down while it’s still fresh.
Even if you can’t gather everything yourself, we can request internal safety reports, inspection logs, or maintenance records to fill in the gaps. Once we have the full story, we’ll use it to build the strongest possible case for you. And that leads into the next big question—what kind of case do you actually have?
What Type of Claim Can I File After My Accident?
After an accident, your main focus is usually getting better and back to work. But once the dust settles, the realities start to hit. And it brings up a big question: how do I get help paying for all of this? The answer depends on your job status and how the accident happened. Generally, though, there’s two options for filing a claim:
- Workers’ compensation claims. If you’re employed directly by Lodi Gas Storage or a related company on site, you’re generally covered under workers’ comp. You simply fill out the claim form and once the claim is accepted, you’ll start receiving benefits like:
- Necessary medical care
- Part of your lost income
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits if you can’t return to your old job.
The key thing with workers’ comp is that you don’t have to prove fault. But the tradeoff there is that the benefits might not cover everything you need.
- Injury claims. If your accident was caused by a third party—like another contractor, a subcontractor, or even a faulty piece of equipment—you may also have a personal injury claim. This type of claim can help you recover for losses that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Full lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Equipment or property damage
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
Sometimes, both types of claims can be filed at the same time. We’ll help you determine which path fits your situation best. And understanding which claim applies starts with knowing how the accident happened in the first place.
What Causes Accidents at Lodi Gas Storage Sites?
Gas storage sites like the one near Lodi are complex operations. Between constant maintenance, gas transfers, and pressure monitoring, there’s a lot that has to go right—every day. When something goes wrong, it’s rarely “just an accident.” But here’s a look at some of the more common ways accidents happen.
- Equipment failures. Sometimes a worn valve or loose fitting gives out without warning, turning an ordinary task into a sudden leak, burst, or explosion.
- Exposure to chemicals and gases. You can’t always see the fumes you’re breathing, but even brief exposure can leave lasting damage to your lungs and skin.
- Falls and physical hazards. A bit of oil, a slick walkway, or uneven grating is all it takes to lose your footing and end up seriously hurt. Employers and management are expected to keep these areas as safe as possible.
- Fatigue and long hours. After long shifts and rotating schedules, exhaustion makes it easy to miss small warning signs that could prevent an accident.
- Lack of maintenance or safety oversight. When inspections are rushed or communication breaks down, unsafe conditions slip through the cracks—and workers pay the price.
Understanding these causes isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about protecting yourself and your coworkers. Once we know why it happened, we can focus on what comes next: recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deadline for filing my claim?
It depends. For a workers’ comp claim, you have up to one year. For an injury claim, you have up to two years.
Can I get fired for reporting my injury?
No. California law protects workers who report workplace injuries or unsafe conditions. If your employer retaliates, that’s a separate legal issue—and one we can help you with.
What if my injury appeared slowly over time?
You can still file a claim. Injuries like chemical exposure, joint strain, or hearing loss often develop gradually. As long as your doctor connects it to your work, you have a valid claim.
Maison Law Can Help You After an Accident at a Lodi Gas Storage Field in California
At Maison Law, we understand what you’re going through when you’ve been injured at a Lodi Gas Storage field or site in California. You’re likely dealing with huge questions about your injuries, who was responsible, and how you can get back to work. Our California oil field accident lawyers will be there to answer these questions. Set up a free consultation today, and let us help you.
