Maison Law can guide you through the claims process when you’re hurt in an accident at a site run by Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California. No matter what your job is–or even who you work for–at one of these sites, an accident can leave you with big questions about what you’ll do next. Our team will be there to answer these questions and help you. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
It’s hard enough to heal after an accident—but dealing with paperwork, insurance companies, and investigations adds another layer of stress. Trying to deal with all of that on your own can be too much. That’s the main reason why you’d need a lawyer–to handle all of that for you. That’s what our team can do, but we can also:
- Look into the cause of the accident and figure out who might be responsible.
- Handle talks with workers’ comp insurance carriers and your bosses.
- Make sure your medical care and benefits aren’t delayed or denied.
- File an injury claim if negligence was involved.
And maybe most importantly—we give you space to focus on recovering instead of fighting through red tape.
What Kind of Information Will I Need for a Claim?
When you work at a PG&E site, you already know you work in some of the most challenging environments there are. Even with training and safety protocols in place, real-world job sites are unpredictable. Accidents happen, and your first priority should always be your health and safety. After that’s taken care of though, you’ll want to to start looking ahead–and that often starts with getting information like:
- A clear timeline of when, where, and what you were doing—whetherit was checking a pump or walking across the yard. It helps build a clear story of how the accident unfolded.
- Names and information of coworkers or contractors who saw what happened. They can confirm unsafe conditions and strengthen your claim.
- Medical records. They show the true impact of your injuries and how long recovery might take.
- Photos and videos of the site, equipment, or your injuries help prove what went wrong—and they’re hard for anyone to dispute.
- Your timesheets and pay stubs show how your injury affected your income and time at work.
- Notes about hazards like faulty valves or poor maintenance before the accident. Those details can show that the risk was evident.
- Emails or texts that mention the accident. They show who knew about it and how the people in charge responded–or didn’t.
Even if you don’t have everything, we can help gather missing pieces like safety reports or inspection logs from PG&E or its contractors. The goal is to put together a full picture—one that clearly shows what happened, why it happened, and how it’s continuing to impact your life. With that, you can start thinking ahead about your actual claim.
What Are My Options For Filing a Claim After My Accident?
When it comes to your options for filing a claim after your accident, it’s all going to depend on:
- Who was running the job.
- What caused the accident.
PG&E sites all operate with a mix of employees, contractors, and subcontractors—and those lines can get blurry. Generally, though, your options are going to come down to whether you work for PG&E or some other company as a full-time employee or if you’re a contractor. That distinction matters because:
- If you’re a full-time employee, your claim usually goes through your company’s workers’ compensation system. You’ll simply fill out a claim form, and once it’s accepted, it’ll give you benefits that cover things like:
- Necessary medical treatment
- Part of your lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
The tradeoff with workers’ comp is that it doesn’t cover everything–especially if you’re more seriously hurt. The benefits might run out before you’re ready to go back to work. That’s when your other options come into play.
- If you’re a contractor or subcontractor, you’re probably going to have to file an injury claim because workers’ comp doesn’t apply to you. This means you’re going to have to show negligence to get “damages.” This could be against:
- PG&E or management that was actively in charge.
- Property owners
- Equipment makers
- Other subcontractors
At that point, it’s about putting evidence together and filing either an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit. With that, you can get things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Repair costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Obviously, what fits best for your situation is going to depend on the above factors. But, by breaking down the common causes of accidents, it helps to give you a leg up if you do need to file a claim.
What Usually Causes Accidents at PG&E Sites?
Working at a PG&E site in the Central Valley—whether near Bakersfield, Fresno, or the surrounding areas—isn’t easy. You’re juggling high-pressure gas lines, electrical equipment, heavy machinery, and crews from different contractors. Even when everyone is careful, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. The good news is, most of these injuries aren’t just “bad luck.” They usually come from a few common situations.
- Equipment failures due to poor maintenance or defects.
- Missed maintenance or safety checks quickly lead to all different kinds of accidents.
- Lacking safety gear leads to exposure to chemicals and gases.
- Slips, trips, and falls because of missed cleanups or ignored hazards.
- Fatigue and long hours because of staffing shortages or mismanagement.
Often, these factors don’t happen in isolation. A tired worker noticing a leaking valve too late, or a slick walkway combined with faulty equipment, can turn a minor issue into something serious. Understanding how accidents happen isn’t about blaming anyone—it’s about seeing the reality of the work so you can get the help and protections you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if multiple companies are involved?
PG&E often works with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Liability can be shared between them, and we can help untangle who is responsible so your claim is complete.
How soon should I contact a lawyer?
The sooner, the better. Early legal guidance helps protect evidence, collect records, and make sure your claim or case is handled correctly from the start.
What if my injury doesn’t show up until later?
You can still file a claim even if your injuries don’t show up until later. For workers’ comp, you only need to show that it happened on the job, and you have one year from the date you discovered it to file.
Get Help From Maison Law After a PG&E Site Accident
Working at a PG&E site can be dangerous, and an accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between doctor visits, lost wages, and dealing with insurance, it can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to handle it alone.
Our California oil field accident lawyers at Maison Law know how to help you get the right information and hold the right people accountable. Set up a free consultation today to get your claim started.
