Maison Law can help you through the claims process when you’re injured at work at a Tidelands oil field in California. You already know what it’s like to work in such conditions on a daily basis, but that doesn’t make an accident or injury any easier. Our team can step in and help. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your options.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
This is probably one of the first questions you have, and it’s no wonder. Even when you start by doing what feels right—reporting the injury, seeing the company doctor, and trusting the process–a claim isn’t always straightforward.
Some employers or their insurance companies may downplay your injury or question whether it really happened on the job. Others might pressure you to return to work before you’re ready. And if your injury involves a third-party contractor or equipment failure, your case may be more complicated than a simple workers’ comp claim.
With all of this, you should think about getting legal help. Here’s what our team can do for you:
- Untangle responsibility when multiple companies share the same job site.
- Document your medical care and missed work so nothing slips through the cracks.
- See if there are third-party claims—for example, if a subcontractor’s mistake or defective safety gear caused your injury.
- Handle communication with insurance companies so you’re not left guessing or pressured.
You’ve got enough to worry about just trying to get back to work. Having our team on your side makes sure the paperwork, deadlines, and legal steps don’t stand in your way.
What Kind of Proof Should I Try to Get for My Claim?
When you’re hurt on the job, the last thing you’re thinking about is getting records together. You’re probably more worried about getting medical care, providing for your family, and paying your bills. Right or wrong, though, information and evidence is going to be important to how things play out. Here’s what proof you should try to get together:
- Incident reports and safety logs that explain what happened, when, and who was there at the time.
- Maintenance or inspection records, especially if equipment failure or leaks were involved.
- Pictures and videos of the worksite, machinery, or conditions at the time.
- Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors who saw what happened or noticed hazards beforehand.
- Medical records showing how the injury developed and how it affects your ability to work.
- Damaged protective gear and clothing that shows exposure or the aftermath of the accident.
If you couldn’t gather these things at the time, that’s okay. In fact, things like incident reports, surveillance footage, and other internal company evidence can be hard to get. But our team knows how to get these things and will make sure no stone goes unturned when it comes to your evidence.
What Kind of Claim Should I File After My Accident?
After an accident on the Tidelands Oil Field, it can feel like everything is spinning—doctor visits, lost pay, and uncertainty about what comes next. The good news is that the law gives you tools to protect yourself, but the right path depends on your situation.
- Workers’ compensation. If you work directly for Tidelands or some other company as a full-time employee, you likely have workers’ comp insurance. With that, you can file a claim and start getting benefits like:
- Necessary medical expenses and other bills
- Partial wage replacement while you’re out
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits if your injury keeps you from returning to your previous job.
Workers’ comp doesn’t require proving that anyone else was at fault, which makes it a quicker way to get financial help. But it doesn’t always cover everything, especially injuries with long-term effects or situations involving someone else.
- Injury claim. Sometimes, someone’s negligence caused your accident and injuries —like a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance crew. With that, you can file a personal injury claim, just like you would if it happened outside of work. This allows you to recover “damages” that workers’ comp won’t cover, like:
- Medical costs now and in the future, including ongoing care or rehabilitation.
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Repair or replacement of damaged work equipment.
- Pain, suffering, or emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Wrongful death expenses in the rare event of a fatal accident.
- Wrongful death expenses in the rare event of a fatal accident.
Again, everything depends on the circumstances. You might even have to file both kinds of claims to get what you need. So, it’s helpful to look at how accidents happen–and who might be responsible.
How Do Accidents Happen at Tidelands Oil Fields?
The Tidelands Oil Field might look calm from the outside, but underneath it’s a maze of heavy equipment, pipelines, and pressure systems. Even small mistakes or worn-out equipment can quickly turn dangerous.
- Equipment can break down. Pumps, valves, and other machinery wear out over time, and a sudden failure can cause leaks, fires, or other serious accidents.
- Chemical and gas exposure is always a risk. Oils, solvents, and gases can cause burns, breathing problems, or long-term health issues that sometimes don’t appear right away.
- Falls happen more than you’d think. Oil on the deck, wet surfaces, or uneven walkways can make slips and falls serious — especially from scaffolds or catwalks.
- Long hours and fatigue increase mistakes. Working extended shifts or rotating schedules can make it harder to spot hazards or react quickly.
- Safety checks aren’t always perfect. Skipped procedures, missed training, or rushed supervisors can leave workers unprotected when accidents happen.
Every accident has its own story. Our job isn’t to blame anyone—it’s to figure out what happened and help you handle the aftermath safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what caused my accident?
You might not know what caused your accident right away, but our team can help you gather incident reports, witness statements, and everything else to figure it out.
Can I file for workers’ comp and file an injury claim?
In some situations, yes. The key to an injury claim is you have to show negligence, so if someone else on the site was being careless and you end up hurt, you might be able to file both claims. Our team can explain everything.
How long do I have to file my claim?
You have one year from the date of the accident to file for workers’ comp, and two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim.
Get Help After an Accident at a Tidelands Oil Field
If you’ve been injured while working at or near the Tidelands Oil Field, you don’t have to handle it on your own. Our California oil field accident lawyers at Maison Law can explain your rights, gather the evidence you’ll need, and guide you through the claims process step by step. Set up a free consultation today to talk over your options.
