Maison Law can help you with a claim if you’ve been hurt in an accident at a MacPherson Oil Company field in California. Even if you know the risks of working in one of these fields, it doesn’t make being in an accident any easier. Our team can. Reach out today to set up a free consultation to talk about your options.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
This might not be the first thing you think of when you’re hurt at work on one of these sites, but it’s still an important question. You might think, “I reported it, I followed procedure, isn’t that enough?” And in some cases, yes. But often, it’s not that simple. Insurance companies can question whether your injury really happened on the job, or push you to return before you’re ready. That’s when you should think about getting help, and our team will be there to:
- Figure out responsibility when multiple companies share the same job site.
- Make sure all your medical visits, treatments, and lost workdays are properly documented.
- Look into claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or others whose negligence contributed.
- Handle insurance calls so you don’t feel pressured or left guessing.
The bottom line is your focus should be on healing. We take care of the legal side so you can concentrate on getting better and back to work.
What Proof Should I Try to Gather to Support My Claim?
After an injury, thinking about paperwork probably isn’t top of mind — you’re focused on doctor visits, getting by day to day, and taking care of your family. But collecting the right evidence can make a big difference in how your claim is handled. Some of the most helpful items include:
- Incident reports and safety logs to show what happened, where, and who was present.
- Equipment or maintenance records to show useful if a pump, valve, or other machinery failed.
- Photos or videos that show conditions, equipment, or your injuries.
- Statements from coworkers or supervisors who saw the accident or noticed hazards.
- Medical records that show how your injury developed and how it’s impacting your ability to work.
- Damaged protective gear or clothing can show exposure or impact.
Even if you didn’t collect everything at the time, don’t worry. Our team knows how to get internal reports, surveillance footage, and other records that are critical to building your case. Nothing gets overlooked.
Which Type of Claim Is Right For My Situation?
It might not feel like it, but you have certain options when you’re hurt on the job at a MacPherson Oil Company site or field. With that said, it really comes down to two things:
- How you’re classified by your employer (full-time or contractor)
- What caused the accident
- If you’re a full-time employee, your claim will usually go through workers’ compensation. That means you fill out a claim form, and once it’s accepted, you can get benefits that cover things like:
- Necessary medical treatment
- Part of your lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
Workers’ comp is designed to help you quickly, and you don’t need to prove anyone else was at fault. But if your injuries are more serious or long-lasting, the benefits might not last until you’re fully recovered. That’s when other options may need to be considered.
- If you’re a contractor or subcontractor, workers’ comp likely doesn’t apply to you. At that point, you may need to file a civil injury claim. To do this, you’ll need to show that someone else’s negligence played a role in your accident. That might be a company that failed to perform maintenance on pipes, or even the maker of the safety equipment you use.
From there, it’s about gathering evidence and filing either an insurance claim outside of court or a personal injury lawsuit. This type of claim can help recover “damages” like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages now and in the future
- Costs to repair or replace damaged equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or reduced quality of life
Which option is right for you will depend on the specifics of your accident, your role on the site, and who may have been responsible. Understanding the common causes of accidents can give you a head start on gathering the evidence you’ll need to make sure your benefits and damages accurately reflect what you’ve gone through.
What Leads to Accidents at MacPherson Oil Fields?
Given all the moving parts at a MacPherson Company field, it’s not hard to figure out that accidents can happen. At the same time, though, that doesn’t mean your injuries can just be brushed off as part of the job. Often, accidents happen when production gets put ahead of safety, especially in situations with:
- Equipment problems after maintenance is skipped or inspections are rushed.
- Not having the right safety gear or, worse, having safety gear that doesn’t work correctly.
- Slips, trips, and falls that come from ignored hazards.
- Long hours and fatigue due to short staffing or production schedules.
- Missed safety checks, rushed inspections, poor supervision, or incomplete training.
Seeing how these accidents happen isn’t about blaming anyone. It’s about understanding what went wrong so you can get the help you need and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure who or what caused my injury?
It’s completely normal not to know right away, but getting incident reports, safety logs, witness statements, and other documentation can piece together what happened–and who’s responsible.
Can I file more than one claim at the same time?
In some cases, yes. Workers’ comp doesn’t require proving fault, but personal injury claims do. If someone else’s negligence played a role in your injury, you can file both.
How long do I have to file a claim before it’s too late?
You usually have one year from the date of your accident to file a workers’ comp claim, and two years to file a personal injury claim.
Get Help After a MacPherson Oil Field Accident
Getting hurt at a MacPherson Oil Field isn’t something you plan for—but once it happens, everything changes fast. One day you’re keeping up with the pace of the job, and the next you’re juggling doctor visits, missing paychecks, and wondering how long it’ll take to get back on your feet. It’s a lot to deal with, but our team at Maison Law can make things easier. Get help from our California oil field accident lawyers today with a free consultation.
