Maison Law can help you with a claim if you’ve been hurt on the job at an oil field operated by the Thums Long Beach Company. You already know that working in an oil field or job site is dangerous, but that doesn’t mean that anything that happens to you is “just an accident.” When equipment is kept up, people aren’t supervised properly, or safety checks are skipped, you could end up hurt. Our team can make sure you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Set up a free consultation today.

Why Would I Need a Lawyer?

Going to work at a Thums Long Beach oil field or job site shouldn’t leave you injured, but the reality is that there’s a lot of moving parts and accident risks that come with the territory. Despite everyone’s best efforts, you could easily end up injured when there’s worn-out equipment, lapses in safety checks, or other issues. So when you’re hurt, you need to think about your legal options. That’s where our team can help you by:

Outlining your options and what steps you can take next.
Getting records and information about what happened.
Talking with the company, contractors, or insurance representatives.
Filing a claim, whether through workers’ comp or a personal injury case.

You’re not required to get a lawyer in this situation, but having someone guide you through the process can take a lot of pressure off while making sure nothing is missed. And the starting point is often evidence.

What Evidence Should I Try to Get For My Claim?

After an oil field accident, the details are easy to forget—but they matter. But even gathering evidence in this situation can be challenging.

A clear timeline can show when and how the accident happened. Try to remember things like the date, time, and location so you can connect your injury to your work on-site.

Witness statements. Statements from coworkers, supervisors, or contractors often fill in the gaps and confirm what really took place.

Medical records. These are huge for any injury claim, but your medical records show how serious your injuries are and how they’ve affected your life.

Visual evidence. Photos and videos can make a huge difference. Images of the site, the equipment, or your injuries as they heal give context that words alone can’t capture.

Pay records. Work and pay records—like schedules, timesheets, and pay stubs—can demonstrate how the injury disrupted your job and income.

Internal logs. Safety concerns or maintenance logs often reveal whether something was broken, ignored, or overdue for repair before the accident.

Text messages and emails between you and supervisors can clarify how the company handled things afterward—and whether safety issues were already known.

Even small details about what happened can make a big difference when you decide to file a claim. And if some evidence is hard to get, we can track it down for you.

How Can I File a Claim After My Accident?

Once you’ve collected evidence, it’s time to figure out your options. The path depends on your role at the oil field and who might be responsible for your injury. Generally, you can either file for workers’ compensation or a civil injury claim. Here’s how they both work and what you can get:

Workers’ compensation. If you’re an employee, workers’ comp is usually the first step. You simply fill out the claim form (DWC-1) and, once it’s approved, you’ll start getting benefits like:
- Necessary medical expenses
- Part of your missed income while you’re unable to work.
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits

You don’t have to prove fault to qualify for benefits, but workers’ comp might not cover everything, especially long-term or secondary injuries.

Civil injury claims. Sometimes, someone outside your company—like a contractor, equipment maker, or vendor—may have caused the accident through negligence. This gives you the ability to file a personal injury claim through:
- Insurance outside of court or a personal injury lawsuit in court.

At that point, you can get “damages” for:

Current and future medical expenses beyond workers’ comp coverage.
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
Replacement costs for damaged personal property or tools.
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Wrongful death expenses if a loved one was fatally injured.

In some cases, both claims may apply. We can help you understand which path—or combination of paths—fits your situation the best.

What Can Cause an Accident at One of These Oil Fields?

There’s nothing specific to a Thums Long Beach Company oil field that causes accidents–it’s simply a high-risk environment. But at the same time, the company (and others) can’t just brush off your accident. If something went wrong, you shouldn’t have to pay the price for it. If you want to be prepared, let’s look at what usually causes accidents here:

Old or poorly maintained equipment can lead to leaks, pressure bursts, or sudden breakdowns. Sometimes it’s human error; sometimes it’s just machinery that’s past its limit.

You and your coworkers often deal with chemicals, gases, and fumes that can cause lasting health issues—breathing problems, burns, or illnesses that don’t show up right away.

Wet surfaces, unstable scaffolding, or missing guardrails can turn a normal shift into a serious accident. Even a short fall can cause major injuries when you’re working around heavy gear.

Long shifts, rotating schedules, and overnight hours wear people down. Fatigue slows reaction time and makes accidents more likely—especially when the job demands constant focus.

Sometimes it’s not the equipment, but the system. Skipped safety checks, rushed training, or short staffing can leave you exposed to preventable hazards.

Remember, the goal isn’t to point fingers—it’s to understand what went wrong and make sure you’re not left alone to deal with the aftermath. That’s where our team can step in and take over, making sure your claim remains strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the company says the accident was my fault?

That’s a common reaction. Workers’ comp doesn’t depend on proving fault, and even if blame is being tossed around, we can help protect your benefits and eventual civil claim if it goes that far.

Will I get fired for filing my claim?

No. California law protects you from what’s called “retaliation.” If your boss cuts your hours or changes your duties after you report an injury, that’s not okay—and you have options.

What if my injury doesn’t show up right away?

That’s common in oil field work. Repetitive strain, chemical exposure, or gradual joint damage still count as work-related injuries once a doctor makes the connection. And if it happens because of negligence, you (or your family) can also file a civil claim–as long as it’s filed within two years of the discovery of the illness or injury.

Get Help After an Accident at a Thums Long Beach Company Oil Field

Oil field work has always carried risk—but when you’re hurt, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the fallout alone. The Thums Long Beach platforms play a huge role in California’s energy production, but the people who keep them running safely deserve protection too.

If you were injured while working on or near a Thums oil platform, our team can help you take the next step. We’ll explain your options, investigate what happened, and guide you through the claims process from start to finish. Set up a free consultation today to get started.

Thums Long Beach Company Oil Field Accident Lawyer