Maison Law can guide you through the claims process when you’re injured in an accident at a Signal Hill Petroleum oil field in California. No matter how careful you are, you can always fall victim to an accident at one of these worksites. But that doesn’t mean your injuries should be brushed off as “part of the job.” We can help you get the financial support you’ll need to recover. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
You don’t expect a day at a Signal Hill Petroleum site to send you to the hospital. Most days are routine—checking gauges, maintaining rigs, watching the pressure lines. But it only takes one skipped inspection, one worn-out valve, or one spark in the wrong spot to change everything. Still, you’re not required to get a lawyer. But as you might expect, it can help level the playing field when you’re dealing with a company as large as Signal Hill Petroleum (and possibly contractors or vendors, too.) Our team can help by:
- Explaining your legal options and what kind of claim fits your situation.
- Preserving key evidence and obtaining records from the company.
- Communicating directly with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
- Making sure your paperwork is complete and filed on time.
Having our team on your side isn’t about making things harder—it’s about making sure nothing gets overlooked while you focus on getting better. And that process starts with the details you gather.
What Details Will Help Prove What Really Happened?
Oil field accidents often come down to what can—or can’t—be proven later. The stronger your evidence, the smoother your claim. But a lot of that can get lost in the chaos of the aftermath. Still, here’s what you should focus on to prove what really happened:
- A timeline. Write down the date, time, and conditions when it happened.
- Statements from anyone who saw or heard what happened, which can help verify your side of the story.
- Pictures and/or videos of the scene, the equipment, and any visible injuries.
- Medical records, which will connect your injury directly to the incident.
- Work and pay logs that show you were working at the time, and can also show what you’ve lost in terms of income.
- Any emails or texts about equipment issues, safety lapses, or injury reports.
If you’re unable to get some of this on your own, that’s okay—we can often request maintenance logs, safety reports, or video footage directly from the company. Once the facts are clear, the next step is deciding what kind of claim to file.
What Kind of Claim Could Apply to My Case?
Most days go as planned at an oil field or site run by Signal Hill Petroleum—until something breaks that shouldn’t, or a safety step gets skipped, or a piece of equipment fails at the wrong time. When that happens, and you’re hurt, it brings up a very important question: what kind of claim can I file? The answer depends on the circumstances, but you typically have two options:
- Filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp typically pays for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- A percentage of your lost income
- Disability benefits if you can’t return to your regular duties
You don’t have to prove anyone was at fault to qualify, but the benefits can be limited. That’s where personal injury claims come in.
- Filing an injury claim. If someone’s negligence—like a contractor’s shortcut, a vendor’s faulty part, or a supervisor’s ignored maintenance report—played a role, you can also file a separate claim for:
- Full lost wages and future income
- Ongoing or uncovered medical costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage (like damaged gear or tools)
- Wrongful death expenses for fatal accidents
Sometimes, both claims overlap. But again, it’s about how you’re classified and what actually happened. With that, it’s important to look at what causes these accidents in the first place.
Why Do Accidents Happen at Signal Hill Petroleum Oil Fields?
Signal Hill’s oil fields sit right in the heart of Southern California’s urban energy belt—a reminder that industrial work still happens right alongside homes and businesses. As anyone who works in one of these places can tell you, it always comes with risks–even with the company taking all the right steps to keep you and other workers protected. Most of the time, though, there’s underlying issues that strike at the right time. Usually this happens because of things like:
- Neglected maintenance of equipment, pipes, valves, and other machinery.
- Toxic exposure from poor safety gear or ignored warnings.
- Falls and slips from oil residue, uneven platforms, and wet surfaces that haven’t been cleaned up.
- Fatigue from being forced to work longer shifts or on rotating schedules.
- Missed safety checks, inspections, or reporting errors.
Most of these boil down to negligence—someone failing to take the care the job demands. And when that happens, you shouldn’t be the one left paying for it. That’s what gives you the right to file a claim, but our team can make sure you’re set up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file my claim?
You have 30 days to report your injuries, and up to one year to file for workers’ comp. You have a bit longer with an injury claim–two years–but it’s still best to not wait around.
What if my employer cuts my hours after I file a claim?
That’s illegal retaliation under California law. If it happens, we can help you take action to protect your rights.
What if my injury didn’t show up until weeks later?
That’s more common than you might think. Gradual injuries and chemical exposure often take time to appear—but they still count as work-related once diagnosed.
Talk With Maison Law After a Signal Hill Petroleum Oil FieldAccident
Signal Hill Petroleum has been a fixture in the Los Angeles Basin for decades. But for the people who work those rigs and service lines every day, it’s more than a landmark—it’s their livelihood. When something goes wrong, those workers deserve real help and fair treatment.
At Maison Law, we help oil field workers and contractors get through the aftermath of workplace accidents. We know how complex these cases get—and how isolating they can feel. If you were injured while working on or around a Signal Hill Petroleum site, we’re here to help you make sense of your options and take back some peace of mind. Reach out today to start with a free consultation.
