San Joaquin Oil Field Accident Lawyer

Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in an accident in the oil fields around San Joaquin. San Joaquin’s oil and gas industry has been a big part of the region for decades, from inland fields in the valley to smaller operations scattered across the county. And while it can be lucrative, it’s also dangerous–especially when your safety isn’t made a priority. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through what comes next. Get started today with a free consultation.

Should I Get a Lawyer If I’m Hurt in an Oil Field Accident?

There’s no denying that oil field work is risky. From slick scaffolding and chemical exposure to long shifts around heavy equipment, accidents can happen even when you follow every rule. That doesn’t automatically mean you need a lawyer—sometimes workers’ comp alone is enough. But in many cases, having a legal team on your side can make a real difference. You should definitely consider getting a lawyer if:

• You’re not sure whether your claim belongs in workers’ comp, a personal injury claim, or both.
• Your employer downplays the incident or “loses” important evidence.
• Witnesses need to be interviewed quickly before memories fade.
• Insurance companies are arguing your injuries aren’t serious or pre-existing.
  
  

After an accident, roadblocks can pop up fast. Maybe your boss says the injury didn’t happen on the clock. Maybe two contractors are too busy blaming each other to take responsibility. Or maybe the insurance company offers a settlement that barely touches your medical bills. That’s exactly why having a lawyer on your side matters.

What Oil Companies Are There in San Joaquin?

When you go to work in an oil field in San Joaquin or the surrounding area, you could be working for a number of different companies. Then, there’s a number of subcontractors on site that work for other companies. That means liability can get complicated if something goes wrong. But generally, here’s a few of the different fields and companies that could be involved:

• Midway-Sunset Oil Field
• Belridge Oil Field
• Kern River Oil Field
• Lost Hills Oil Field
• Belridge Oil Field
  
  

Some of the companies running these operations are:

• Chevron U.S.A.
• Aera Energy LLC
• Berry Petroleum
• California Resources Corporation (CRC)
• Occidental Petroleum (Oxy)
• E&B Natural Resources
• Crimson Resource Management
• San Joaquin Refining Company Inc.
  
  

With so many different players involved, it can be tough to know who’s responsible. But with the right approach and information, it’s far from impossible.

What Should I Save After an Accident?

Obviously, the problem with being injured in an accident at an oil field is that it’s painful. But it’s also chaotic–sirens, emergency crews, and coworkers rushing around can make it hard to think straight. Your health comes first—always get medical care right away. But once you’re stable, the information you gather can make or break your claim. If you’re able, try to collect details like:

• Photos and video – A picture of the site can speak volumes. Things like a missing guardrail, a slick of oil on the floor, or worn wiring may not seem like much in the moment, but later they can explain exactly how things went wrong.
• What others saw – Coworkers, contractors, or even someone passing through might have caught details you didn’t. Their perspective can back up your experience and help fill in parts of the story you didn’t notice at the time.
• Condition of the equipment – Whether it’s a drill, harness, or pump, knowing what machine was involved—and how it looked or worked that day—can be key. If it was outdated, poorly maintained, or defective, that’s often an important piece of the puzzle.
• Safety shortcuts – Pressure to rush a job, being told to ignore a broken safety feature, or having to skip training—those aren’t just bad practices, they’re clues that the company put production ahead of protection.
• Your own memory – Sometimes the most valuable evidence comes from you. Writing down what you were doing, who was nearby, and how it all unfolded gives context to everything else and keeps your story steady as time passes.
  
  

You won’t always be able to grab all this in the moment—and that’s okay. A lawyer can help track down missing records, safety reports, or even surveillance footage. But whatever you do capture right away can give your claim a much stronger foundation.

Why Do Oil Field Accidents Happen in San Joaquin?

Even with safety regulations, accidents remain common in San Joaquin’s oil fields. The underlying cause is often the same: production being prioritized over worker safety. Common factors include:

• Slips and falls on slick or unstable surfaces.
• Explosions or fires from sparks near flammable materials.
• Leaks or spills exposing workers to harmful chemicals.
• Aging equipment that isn’t properly maintained or replaced.
• Missing fall protection on rigs and scaffolding.
• Pressure to rush projects without adequate training or rest.

Production deadlines and cost pressures can create a culture where safety takes a back seat. That can make figuring out who’s responsible tougher—but not impossible.

Who Could Be Responsible for the Accident and My Injuries?

It’s natural to think your boss or the company that hired you is the only one on the hook after an oil field accident. But oil fields are complex, with different players all working side by side. That means responsibility can stretch across multiple parties, depending on what went wrong:

• The company that owns or manages the site – They control the overall operation and safety culture. If training, maintenance, or safety rules fall short, workers often pay the price.
• Day-to-day leadership – Supervisors and foremen make the calls that keep jobs moving. If they rushed crews, skipped checks, or brushed off hazards, that can put them on the hook.
• Other workers on-site – Sometimes it’s a coworker or contractor’s mistake—like mishandling equipment or ignoring safety steps—that sets off an accident.
• Subcontracting crews – Many San Joaquin oil fields bring in outside companies. If a subcontractor cuts corners or sends untrained workers, their actions can create liability.
• Makers of tools and machinery – When equipment fails because of a design flaw, bad part, or poor maintenance, the manufacturer or supplier could be responsible.
• Staffing agencies – If temp workers aren’t given proper training or gear before being sent to a dangerous site, the agency may share blame.
• Oversight and inspection bodies – Regulators and inspectors are supposed to catch hazards. If those checks are skipped or done carelessly, unsafe conditions can slip through.
  
  

In many cases, more than one of these groups plays a role. That’s why figuring out liability in an oil field accident isn’t always simple—but it also means there may be more than one avenue for getting the financial help you need.

What Kind of Claim Do I File After My Accident?

After an oil field accident, the medical bills don’t wait. Neither do the rent, groceries, or other day-to-day expenses. On top of the physical pain, that financial pressure can feel overwhelming. The good news is, there are systems in place to help—but the type of claim you file depends on your job situation and the details of what happened. Here’s how it usually breaks down:

• Workers’ Compensation – For most full-time employees, this is the first step. Filing a claim with your company’s workers’ comp insurance can cover:
  • Medical care and related bills
  • Part of your lost income
  • Temporary or permanent disability benefits
    
    

The good part about a workers’ comp claim is that you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. But the tradeoff is that it often doesn’t cover everything, especially long-term impacts on your earning ability.

• Injury claim – If someone besides your employer caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim against them, either through insurance or a lawsuit. This covers “damages”, which go a bit further than workers’ comp benefits. Usually, you can get:
  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death expenses
    
    

Sometimes a case is simple: workers’ comp covers everything, and you move forward. Other times, it takes both workers’ comp and a personal injury claim to fully protect your rights. Our team can guide you through either process—or both—making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I report my accident?

As soon as you can. Reporting quickly ensures there’s an official record and helps preserve evidence. Even small delays can make a difference when documenting your claim.

What if multiple companies were involved in my accident?

Oil field operations often involve many moving parts. If more than one company played a role, it can actually help your case—more than one party may be responsible for covering your injuries.

Will workers’ comp cover all my bills?

Workers’ comp covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, but it often doesn’t cover long-term impacts, pain and suffering, or lost future earnings. That’s where a personal injury claim can fill the gaps.

Can I be fired for filing a claim?

No. California law protects workers from retaliation for reporting injuries or filing workers’ comp claims. You cannot legally be fired or disciplined for exercising your rights.

Reach Out to Maison Law About Your San Joaquin Oil Field Accident

If you’ve been hurt out in the San Joaquin oil fields, you already know how fast things can spiral —one day you’re working a shift, and the next you’re trying to figure out doctors, bills, and time off work. It’s overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to sort through it alone.

At Maison Law, we’re here to explain your options in plain language, step in to protect your rights, and make sure the oil and insurance companies involved don’t push you into settling for less than you need. To get your claim started, reach out today for a free consultation.