Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Workers in the Natural Gas Industry Throughout Ohio
Ohio’s oil and gas industry employs hundreds of thousands of workers. Unfortunately, workers in these dangerous occupations are often injured and even killed as a result of industrial accidents, exposure to harmful substances, and more. A Cincinnati natural gas injury lawyer at Colombo Law can help if you or someone you love was harmed on the job.
For a FREE case review, call Colombo Law at 513-599-8841 today. Our natural gas injury attorneys serve clients throughout Ohio from our office in Cincinnati.
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Ohio Oil & Gas Industry by the Numbers
The latest statistics from the American Petroleum Institute-Ohio demonstrate the important role oil and natural gas play in the state economy:
- More than 351,000 jobs
- 5% of total employment in Ohio
- Over $25 billion in worker wages
- $55.5 billion added to the gross domestic product of Ohio—more than 7% of the state total
- Ohio is a top energy producer:
Though oil and gas is a major part of the economy, the cost to workers in the form of injuries and accidents is often immense. A survey of OSHA reports shows that oil and gas workers suffer a disproportionately high rate of severe work-related injuries compared to workers in other industries.
It is crucial for workers to understand their rights after a workplace accident. Work injury lawyers at Colombo Law can help you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Common Accidents in the Oil & Gas Industry?
Oil and gas workers face a number of hazards on the job. For workers in oil and natural gas production, the potential for serious injury is present every day.
Some of the most common accidents in the industry include:
Fires & Explosions
Issues such as gas leaks, equipment failures, and improper handling can bring flammable materials into contact with an ignition source. This can lead to a fire or an explosion. A fire or explosion in an oil or gas field can be catastrophic, resulting in multiple injuries, tremendous loss of life, and significant damage to equipment and structures.
Blowouts
A blowout is an uncontrolled release of natural gas or oil from a well site. They are often caused by a failure to follow safety procedures. Workers in the vicinity may be burned by hot liquids and gases, injured by flying debris, or exposed to harmful chemicals.
Slip, Trips, & Falls
Nearly one-quarter of worker injuries and more than one-third of worker deaths in oil and gas accidents are attributable to slips, trips, and falls. Potential causes include wet and slippery surfaces, objects in walkways, uneven terrain, and lack of fall protection when working at heights.
Transportation Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions may occur on the grounds or in the vicinity of an oil field or gas field, or on the open road when oil or natural gas is in transit. Truck accidents are a particular concern, as crashes involving tanker trucks can be devastating.
Machinery & Equipment Failure
The extraction of oil and natural gas requires all kinds of large and heavy equipment. Operator errors, improper maintenance, and other issues can cause machines and equipment to fail or malfunction, putting workers at risk.
Machines commonly used in oil and natural gas field operations include:
- Cranes, crane trucks, and knuckle booms
- Backhoe loaders
- Frac trucks
- Water tankers
- Vacuum trucks
- Telehandlers
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Tractor trailers
- Drilling rigs
- Pumps
Workers may be struck by heavy equipment or become caught in the mechanism. Faulty wiring or failure to follow lockout and tagout procedures can also result in electrocution.
Common Oil & Natural Gas Injuries
The injuries oil and gas workers may suffer on the job vary. Bumps, cuts, and bruises happen regularly. Serious accidents, meanwhile, can lead to grave injuries for multiple workers.
A Cincinnati natural gas injury attorney can help if you or a relative suffered any of the following:
- Burn injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones and soft tissue injuries
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Respiratory distress and injuries, such as blast lung
- Crush injuries
- Hearing loss and deafness
- Spinal cord injuries
- Electrical injuries
- Asphyxiation in confined spaces
Oil and natural gas injuries can have severe physical and psychological impacts. They can also leave you unable to work, creating financial hardship for you and your family. It is vital to explore your legal options as soon as possible.
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Your Legal Options for Oil & Natural Gas Injuries
If you are injured on the job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp benefits cover the cost of medical care for job-related injuries. You may also have a claim for wage loss and disability benefits if you can’t work as a result of the accident.
Workers’ compensation is the one option most people think of when they are injured at work. In reality, you may be entitled to much more.
Employers are generally immune from lawsuits when employees are hurt on the job. However, third parties may be held liable if their negligence causes your work injury. Examples of third parties that may be subject to legal action for oil and natural gas injuries include:
- Independent contractors and subcontractors operating recklessly on the oil or gas field
- The manufacturers of defective tools, equipment, and machinery
- Property owners who fail to keep the premises safe
- Careless drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents
- Negligent individuals and companies responsible for equipment maintenance
Colombo Law is a well-regarded personal injury law firm. We have extensive experience holding natural gas companies and third parties responsible for accidents that injure and even kill workers, obtaining millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
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Compensation for Oil & Natural Gas Injuries
Unlike workers’ comp, you can pursue recovery for all of the damages you have incurred through a third-party liability claim. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current medical bills
- Lost wages
- Prescription medications
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Travel for medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy and rehabilitation
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
Our natural gas injury lawyers can account for all of your losses. We will also collect proof of negligence or wrongdoing on the part of third parties through a timely and rigorous investigation. Our team will examine your medical records, interview eyewitnesses, speak to your doctors, and consult leading experts to prepare a strong case on your behalf.
Colombo Law can also help if your loved one did not survive the accident. We can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim, accounting for all of the damages your family has sustained to date and any future losses you are likely to face.
How a Cincinnati Natural Gas Injury Attorney Can Help
Accidents in the oil and gas industry can have serious repercussions for workers, people in the vicinity, and entire communities. If you are unsure what to do or where to turn, Colombo Law is here to help.
Our experienced attorneys can help with all aspects of your case:
- Identifying your legal options: You may be entitled to workers’ compensation AND have a third-party liability claim.
- Documenting your injuries: All injuries from a workplace accident need to be fully documented. Our knowledgeable team will ensure that your medical records accurately convey the seriousness of your injuries, enlisting expert witnesses to provide additional support.
- Proving liability: To bring a personal injury or wrongful death claim after an oil or gas accident, the evidence needs to show that a third party was responsible. Our team wastes no time gathering key evidence.
- Calculating damages: We review all bills and financial documentation to assess your current financial losses. Additional evidence and expert testimony provide further support for the damages you claim.
- Negotiating a settlement: Most personal injury matters are settled out of court. The attorneys at Colombo Law are capable negotiators who frequently obtain favorable settlements without the need for further litigation.
- Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, our team can initiate legal proceedings against the defendant(s) and present your case in court.
Colombo Law is distinguished by our focus on trial preparation. Every case we handle is prepared as though it will go to trial. The advantages of this approach are momentous. Not only does it improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome during settlement negotiations, but it means our team is ready, willing, and able to represent you effectively at trial.
Third-party liability claims are complex. A successful outcome requires extensive experience, resources, and knowledge. With the Colombo Advantage, you can expect both first-rate legal services and a focus on your specific needs. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, taking on the challenges of your case and fighting to get you the best result.
From the very beginning this has never been about the money, this has been about the product and what it did to my child. And Dino was determined to see that that product never hurt anyone else.
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He’s there with you the whole time. He took us by the hand and told us what would happen. He was right.
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Not only is Dino a great attorney but more importantly he is a great human being. He went above and beyond for our family during a very difficult time in our lives. He and his staff answered any and all concerns that we had and kept in close contact with us throughout this very troubling time in our family. We can’t thank Dino and staff enough.
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I wouldn’t have known which way to turn or what to do but there was no worry, Dino took care of it.
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Injured in an Oil or Natural Gas Accident? Contact Colombo Law
Jobs in the petroleum industry are often dangerous. If you’ve been injured at work, we can’t stress the importance of protecting your legal rights. You may have claims outside of workers’ comp, and our attorneys can help maximize your compensation.
Negligent third parties should be held accountable for oil and gas accidents. We have the skill and acumen to represent injured workers and achieve a favorable result—whether by settlement or going to trial.
Call Colombo Law at 513-599-8841 today for a FREE consultation. Our natural gas injury attorneys serve clients in Cincinnati and all of Ohio.
