Maison Law helps oil field workers that have been injured in accidents in the fields and refineries around Los Angeles. It doesn’t necessarily matter which company you work for or what your role is, working in oil and gas is incredibly taxing and dangerous. But when corners are cut involving your safety, it quickly leads to injuries and other problems you’re left to deal with. You don’t have to face them alone. Reach out to our team for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
Los Angeles oil fields can be unpredictable places to work. You’re surrounded by massive machinery, unstable ground, chemicals, and constant pressure to keep production moving. Even when you do everything right, someone else’s shortcut can leave you badly injured. That’s when our lawyers can step in and level the playing field. Here’s what legal help can actually do for you:
- Make sure evidence isn’t buried – Employers don’t always want accidents on record. Our lawyers can secure proof before it disappears.
- Get coworkers’ stories while they’re fresh – Testimony from people who saw unsafe conditions can fade quickly if not captured right away.
- Untangle your options – Whether your case belongs in workers’ comp, a personal injury claim, or both, legal guidance points you in the right direction.
- Push back against insurance companies – Insurance companies often downplay serious injuries; our lawyers make sure your recovery isn’t treated like an afterthought.
We’ve seen everything from burns and broken bones that appear instantly to lung damage and chemical exposure that don’t surface until months later. No matter how your injuries show up, you don’t have to carry the burden of them by yourself when you work with our team.
What Should I Save or Write Down After My Accident?
The aftermath of an oil field accident is usually chaotic, and your first priority should always be medical care. But once you’re safe, the details you keep can make a huge difference later. Things worth holding on to include:
- Doctor visits and treatment notes – Every medical step helps prove the scope of your injury.
- Photos and video clips – Get pictures and videos of the scene, the equipment involved, and your injuries as they change over time.
- Work logs and pay records – Keep track of your schedules and pay stubs to show how your income and hours have been cut short after your accident.
- Coworker contacts – Even a short statement from someone who saw unsafe conditions can strengthen your case.
- Hazards you noticed – From slippery walkways to missing safety gear, write it down before memory fades.
- Employer reports – If a report was filed, get a copy. If not, create your own timeline of events.
- Written communication – Keep any messages about the accident, whether from supervisors, HR, or coworkers.
If gathering all this feels impossible because of your injuries, that’s where we step in. We know how to track down the paperwork, witnesses, and records that matter.
What Causes Oil Field Accidents?
Despite decades of safety regulations, oil field accidents remain all too common across the Los Angeles area. The main reason? Pressure to keep production moving often overshadows worker safety. This leads to accidents that are caused by:
- Old or defective equipment that should’ve been pulled from use
- Flammable materials stored too close to sparks or heat
- Crews sent to work without proper training
- Hazardous leaks and spills that aren’t cleaned or contained
- Workers left without required fall protection
- Slippery, unstable walkways where no precautions are taken
When companies cut safety to save time, it’s workers who pay the price. The good news is that accountability is possible once you uncover where things went wrong.
What Are Some Los Angeles Area Oil Fields and Employers?
The Los Angeles Basin has been producing oil for more than a century, and pump jacks still dot neighborhoods throughout the city. Some of the larger players include:
- Inglewood Oil Field/Sentinel Peak Resources California, LLC
- Beverly Hills Oil Field/Hillcrest Beverly Oil Corp
- Los Angeles City Oil Field/Vida Resources LLC
- Salt Lake Oil Field/Plains Exploration & Production Company (PXP)
While this narrows it down, the picture isn’t always that simple. Contractors, subcontractors, and staffing agencies often share responsibility for different parts of the work. One group might inspect equipment, another manages safety checks, while another owns the land itself. When accidents happen, untangling who played a role can be complicated—but it’s the first step toward a successful claim.
Who’s Liable For My Injuries in an Oil Field Accident?
In an oil field accident, it’s rarely just one person or company at fault. Many different parties could share responsibility, depending on what went wrong. Some of the key players we often see include:
- The operators or owners of the site – They’re responsible for overall safety, proper training, and maintaining equipment.
- Supervisors or foremen – Pressuring crews to rush or skipping required safety steps can create serious hazards.
- Coworkers – Sometimes an accident happens because someone else was careless or distracted on the job.
- Equipment and safety gear manufacturers – If a tool, machine, or protective device fails due to a defect, the maker may be on the hook.
- Contractors or subcontractors – Third-party crews are often brought in for specific tasks, and shortcuts on their part can put you at risk.
- Inspectors or government agencies – Skipped inspections or overlooked violations can contribute to unsafe conditions.
- Temp or staffing agencies – If you were sent to the site without proper training, the agency that placed you may share responsibility.
Every accident is unique. Sometimes it’s obvious who is at fault, other times it takes digging through reports, witness accounts, and safety logs to get the full picture. The important thing to remember: it’s rarely only your employer, and more than one party could be accountable for what happened.
What Options Do I Have For Filing a Claim After an Oil Field Injury?
Ultimately, your recovery that comes after an accident in the oil field is going to come down to your options for filing a claim. And the option you choose is likely going to depend on what caused your injuries and whether or not you’re a full-time employee. Here’s a look at your options:
- Workers’ Compensation – For employees, this is usually the first step. Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance allows you to file a claim and start receiving benefits that cover:
- Necessary medical care
- A portion of lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Job retraining
The good thing with workers’ comp is that you don’t need to prove fault. But it often falls short when it comes to full income loss or long-term care. That’s when your other options kick in.
- Civil injury claim – If someone beyond your employer contributed to the accident—whether a contractor, coworker, or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to bring a personal injury claim–either out of court through insurance or a lawsuit in court. These claims can go beyond what workers’ comp offers, covering your damages for:
- Ongoing and future medical costs
- Full wage loss and reduced earning potential
- Replacement of damaged personal tools or gear
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
- Wrongful death costs in fatal accidents
Overall, the option you choose is going to depend on your needs. A lot of times, though, it takes a mix of both. The good news is that you don’t have to face the process on your own, working with our team can make things easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after an accident?
Get medical help right away, then notify your employer. If possible, write down what happened and take photos.
What if I’m a contractor, not an employee?
You may not qualify for workers’ comp, but you could still file a personal injury claim against whoever was responsible.
Can I be fired for making a claim?
No. California law protects you from unlawful retaliation or discrimination for asserting your rights after an injury.
Talk With Maison Law About Your Los Angeles Oil Field Accident
An oil field accident can upend your life in seconds. Suddenly you’re juggling medical treatment, lost income, and the stress of what comes next. You don’t have to face that alone. At Maison Law, we stand with Los Angeles oil field workers and their families when safety isn’t put first. We’ll investigate what happened, explain your options in plain language, and guide you step by step through the claims process.
Reach out today for a free consultation and start moving toward real answers.
