Maison Law can guide you through a claim if you’re injured on the job at a Pacific Coast Energy Group oil field in California. No matter what field you work in or what your job is, there’s always the risk of being hurt in an accident. But things change when it happens due to something outside of your control. That gives you legal options and our team can help. Set up a free consultation today to talk about these options.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
That’s one of the first questions most people ask us. You’re not the kind of person who wants to start trouble. You just want to get better and get back to work.
But here’s the truth: talking to a lawyer isn’t about stirring the pot—it’s about making sure you’re not left holding the bag. Pacific Coast Energy fields are large, multi-contractor sites. That means when someone gets hurt, there’s often more than one company involved. Insurance adjusters may point fingers at each other while your medical bills pile up. Talking to us early helps you:
- Make sure your injury gets properly reported and documented
- Protect your right to workers’ comp benefits
- Avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim later
- Understand whether a separate personal injury claim might apply
You don’t need to have all the answers right now—that’s what we’re here for. We can point you in the right direction in terms of your options, and can also help you with something else that’s extremely important: getting the right information to help your claim.
What Information Can Help My Claim?
When you’re injured, the last thing on your mind is paperwork. But those small details you pick up today can make or break your claim later. Here’s what information you should focus on— and how it can help:
- Safety problems you noticed. Write down anything off — a loose valve, slick walkway, or equipment that wasn’t maintained. These notes can help prove unsafe conditions existed before your accident.
- Texts, emails, and messages. Keep communication with supervisors or HR about what happened. They show how quickly your injury was reported and how the company responded.
- Medical records and bills. Every doctor visit, test, or therapy note adds to the picture of how your injury affects your life. And the actual bills can show the financial impact the accident is having on you.
- Accident notes. Describe what you were doing, what time it happened, and what equipment was involved. Memory fades fast; notes keep the timeline clear.
- Witness information. If coworkers saw what happened, jot down their names. Their accounts may back you up later.
- Photos or videos. When it’s safe, snap pictures of the site or your injuries. A single image can say what a dozen reports can’t.
You don’t need every detail on day one. We can help fill in the gaps—whether that’s getting maintenance logs, field reports, or surveillance footage. And once we have a clearer picture, we can talk about what kind of claim makes sense.
What Kind of Claim Can I File After an Oil Field Injury?
This is where things can get confusing, especially at Pacific Coast Energy sites where multiple companies share the same field. The right type of claim depends on who you work for and how the accident happened.
- Filing for workers’ compensation. If you’re a Pacific Coast Energy employee, or working for one of its contractors, you’re likely covered by California’s workers’ compensation system. This means you can file a claim and get benefits for:
- Medical care tied to your injury
- Partial wage replacement while you’re off work (usually through temporary disability (TD) benefits.
- Long-term disability benefits if needed
You don’t have to prove someone else was at fault—just that the injury happened on the job. But the tradeoff is that these benefits might not cover everything you need–and they run out after 104 weeks. If you’re still injured, you might need to go further.
- Filing an injury claim. If another company, contractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to your accident, you may also have grounds for a separate personal injury claim. That kind of claim can cover “damages” for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses tied to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Sometimes, these two types of claims overlap. That’s why having someone who understands both sides—and how they interact—can make a real difference. But again, it’s all going to boil down to what actually happened. That’s why you need to look at the cause.
Why Do Accidents Happen at Pacific Coast Energy Fields?
The truth is, even with the best intentions, oil field work leaves almost no room for error. One missed inspection or miscommunication between crews can set off a chain reaction. Most of the accidents we see on Pacific Coast Energy fields tend to come back to a few core issues:
- Equipment failures. Pumps, lines, and valves that aren’t inspected or replaced on time.
- Short staffing. Long hours and rotating shifts with short staff might maintain production, but it also wears people down, making small mistakes more likely.
- Communication breakdowns. With so many contractors and crews in one area, safety protocols can get lost in translation.
- Hazardous exposure. Leaks, fumes, and chemicals can cause burns or long-term illness.
- Slip and fall hazards. Oil, water, or uneven ground can turn a routine walk into a serious fall.
No one sets out to get hurt. But when companies cut corners or skip inspections, workers pay the price. Our job is to get those facts on paper — not to point fingers, but to protect your right to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file my claim?
In California, you generally have one year to file a workers’ comp claim and two years for a personal injury claim—but the sooner you start, the easier it is to protect your rights and evidence.
What happens if my workers’ comp claim gets denied?
Denials aren’t the end of the road. It often just means more information is needed, and you can appeal the decision with help from a lawyer who knows how to strengthen your case.
What if I don’t know who’s responsible for my injury?
That’s common in oil field accidents. We’ll look into the details for you—including maintenance records, contracts, and safety logs—to find out who was actually responsible.
Reach Out to Maison Law After an Accident at a Pacific Coast Energy Group Oil Field in California
When you’ve been hurt at a Pacific Coast Energy field, you don’t need to take on a maze of insurance and paperwork by yourself. At Maison Law, our California oil field accident lawyers will be there to explain your options, and help you take the next step toward getting back to work. To set up a free consultation, reach out today.
