Maison Law helps workers that have been injured in the oil fields around Santa Barbara. For years, the oil and gas industry here has ranged from offshore platforms to inland fields, with workers handling heavy machinery, chemicals, and nonstop operations. When safety measures are skipped or equipment fails, it can leave you and your family dealing with life-changing injuries. We can help. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Working in the oil fields comes with risk. From unstable scaffolding and chemical exposure to long shifts around heavy equipment, one mistake––or one shortcut by someone else—can leave you badly hurt. But do you need a lawyer? Not always. It depends on your injuries and the circumstances. Generally, though, it helps to have a legal team on your side if:
- You’re unsure whether your case belongs in workers’ comp, a personal injury claim, or both.
- Your employer downplays what happened or “loses” important evidence.
- Witnesses need to be interviewed quickly before memories fade.
- Insurance companies try to argue your injuries were pre-existing or not serious.
There’s a lot of different roadblocks after an oil field accident. Maybe your boss claims the injury didn’t happen on the job. Maybe two contractors are too busy blaming each other to take responsibility. Or maybe the insurance company offers you a check that doesn’t even come close to covering your hospital bills. These kinds of situations are exactly why having a lawyer on your side matters.
What Oil Companies Are There Around Santa Barbara?
As you might expect, there’s a lot of different companies that operate around Santa Barbara. So, when you go to work in this industry, you probably end up working at one of the following fields or for the following companies:
- Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field
- Dos Cuadras Offshore Oil Field
- Cat Canyon Oil Field
- Zaca Oil Field
- Pacific Operators Offshore, LLC (PACOPS)
- Dos Cuadras Offshore Resources (DCOR, LLC)
- Greka Energy (HVI Cat Canyon, Inc.)
- ERG Operating Company LLC
- Vintage Production California LLC
- Pacific Coast Energy Company LP
- E & B Natural Resources
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
With so many different players involved, it can be tough to know who’s responsible for what happened. But it’s not impossible, particularly with the right information.
What Should I Save After My Accident?
Oil field accident scenes are hectic, and your first step should always be to get medical help. But once you’re safe, details matter. They can make the difference between a strong claim and one that gets dismissed. Here’s what to gather if you’re able:
- Reports about the accident – These create the official record of what happened. If your employer files one, always ask for a copy.
- Witness statements – Coworkers who saw unsafe conditions or equipment failures can back up your account.
- Medical records – Doctor notes, prescriptions, and test results show the full scope of your injuries. They also connect your condition directly to the accident.
- Pictures/videos – Pictures of the site, broken equipment, or your injuries (taken early and as you heal) capture what written reports can miss.
- Pay records – Pay stubs and timesheets document how much income you lost while out of work.
- Your own notes – Write down what you noticed—like missing safety harnesses, oil slicks, or broken scaffolding—before the site gets cleaned up.
- Emails or texts – Keep communication with supervisors or HR, especially if they mention safety issues or try to pressure you not to file a report.
If your injuries keep you from collecting all this, our team steps in. We know how to get records, track down witnesses, and preserve evidence before it disappears. And once that evidence is in hand, it often points to the bigger question—why did the accident happen in the first place?
Why Do Accidents Happen So Often in Oil Fields?
Despite tighter safety rules, accidents remain common in Santa Barbara’s oil fields—both onshore and offshore. The root cause is often the same: production being pushed ahead of your safety. That leads to accidents caused by:
- Slips and falls on slick surfaces or unstable platforms.
- Explosions or fires from sparks near flammable materials.
- Leaks and spills that expose workers to toxic chemicals.
- Aging infrastructure in fields like Cat Canyon, where equipment isn’t always replaced on schedule.
- Missing fall protection on rigs and scaffolding.
- Pressure to rush projects without proper training or rest.
- Harsh offshore conditions—storms, waves, and corrosion add layers of risk for platform workers.
In Santa Barbara, that question isn’t always simple. Oil work here has been under the public microscope for decades, and the pressure can push operators, regulators, and even contractors to protect themselves instead of workers. That tension doesn’t make the job safer—if anything, it can lead to shortcuts or secrecy when something goes wrong. That can make figuring out who’s responsible for your injuries tougher, but not impossible.
Who’s Legally Responsible For Covering My Injuries After an Oil Field Accident?
Getting hurt on an oil field can make it feel like your employer is the only one to blame. The truth is, these sites involve a lot of moving parts, and responsibility is often shared. Here’s a closer look at who might be involved:
- The site owner or operator – They’re the ones setting the rules on training, equipment, and overall safety. If those standards fall short, workers pay the price.
- Supervisors and foremen – A rushed job or skipped safety check might save time, but it also puts crews at risk.
- Other workers on site – One careless move can create a dangerous chain reaction.
- Manufacturers of tools or gear – If a defective valve, harness, or piece of machinery breaks down, the company that made it could share the blame.
- Outside contractors – Subcontractors are common on Santa Barbara fields and platforms. If they cut corners, accidents follow.
- Inspectors or agencies – Safety isn’t just an internal matter. When oversight is sloppy, hazards slip through the cracks.
- Staffing agencies – If a temp worker is sent in without proper training or equipment, the agency may be partly responsible.
Every case is different. Sometimes it’s obvious who caused the accident, other times it takes digging through logs, emails, or inspection reports to see where responsibility really lies. The point is, more than one party can be on the hook—and that’s often the key to getting you fully covered.
How Do I Get Financial Help After My Oil Field Accident?
When you’re hurt in an accident at an oil field or platform, it can feel like everything is going against you. And while it’s a difficult process, there’s an answer for getting financial help with what you’ve lost: filing a claim. Now, the type of claim you can file depends on what actually happened and how you’re classified by the company, but it’s there. Normally, you can either:
- File for workers’ compensation.
- File an injury claim through insurance or a lawsuit.
If you’re an employee, workers’ compensation is usually the first step. This is a claim you file with your company’s workers’ comp insurance provider, and it’s designed to get you help quickly. Through workers’ comp, you can access benefits like:
- Necessary medical care and bills
- A portion of lost income
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
The great thing about workers’ comp is that you don’t have to prove someone was at fault. You can focus on getting better without worrying about lawsuits. The downside? Workers’ comp often doesn’t cover everything, especially if your injuries have lasting effects or impact your ability to earn the same income in the future.
On the other hand, a personal injury claim comes into play if someone other than your employer caused the accident. Whether you decide to file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit, they can address gaps that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death expenses
Sometimes a case is straightforward: workers’ comp covers what you need, and you move on. Other times, it’s a combination of workers’ comp and a personal injury claim that gives you full coverage. Our team works with you through either process—or both—making sure nothing slips through the cracks and helping you understand each step along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim?
You have two years to file an injury claim after your accident. If you want to file for workers’ comp, you have 30 days to report the accident to your employer.
How do I know if I need a lawyer?
If your accident has a lot of people involved, questions about who’s at fault, or injuries that might affect you long-term, a lawyer can really help. We make sure the paperwork gets done right, track down the right evidence, and handle the insurance side so you don’t have to go it alone.
What if my injuries don’t show up right away?
Some injuries, like chemical exposure or strain from heavy work, don’t appear immediately. That’s why it’s important to keep notes, take photos, and stay in touch with your doctor. Our lawyers can help make sure these delayed injuries are counted in your claim.
Get Help With Your Santa Barbara Oil Field Accident
An oil field accident in Santa Barbara can flip your life upside down in an instant. One day you’re working, the next you’re dealing with hospital bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next. You don’t have to go through it alone.
At Maison Law, we break down what happened, walk you through your options in plain language, and guide you every step of the way. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the support you need.
