With improvements in hydraulic fracking and horizontal drilling, the Marcellus Shale rock formation has become a prime location for the extraction of oil and gas throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Although these technologies are said to be less invasive than other types of drilling, they present significant safety hazards to the employees who work in the area.
Common Causes of Drilling Accidents
There are many causes of drilling accidents at oil and gas sites throughout the state. However, the nature of the business makes some causes more common than others. Some of the risks faced by employees who work in the oil and gas industry include:
- Exposure to toxic gases and chemicals
- Entrapment in confined spaces that can lead to suffocation
- Crushed or pinned by equipment
- Falling from heights
- Collapses of booms and masts used in the drilling process
- Unexpected pressure release from pipes or valves
- Blowouts
- Fires and explosions
- Vehicle accidents
Injuries sustained in these accidents include broken bones, burns, head trauma and other traumatic injuries that sometimes lead to death.
Workers’ Compensation for Injuries
If you suffer an injury while drilling for oil and gas, you are eligible to receive workers’ comp coverage from your employer.
In Pennsylvania, all employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage designed to pay lost wages and medical bills that may be incurred while treating the illness.
Even if you contributed in any way to the accident that caused the injury, you are still eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. For this reason, it is important to discuss your case with oil and gas driller work injury attorneys.
How Our Oil and Gas Driller Work Injury Attorneys Can Help
In order to be sure you receive the compensation you deserve after your injury, you need an attorney who not only understands the law, but also understands the oil and gas industry. Our oil and gas driller work injury attorneys have an understanding of the industry, their Workers’ Compensation coverage and how to successfully get you the compensation you not only deserve, but are entitled to under the law.
If you are the only source of income in your household, being out of work due to a workplace injury can be stressful. Our attorneys can help you receive lost wages so you can eliminate the stress of being unable to meet your financial obligations.
If you or a loved one was injured in an oil or gas drilling accident, you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation that will provide you with lost wages and payment for your medical bills. Contact our oil and gas injury attorneys at Lundy Law through our simple online form or call 1-800-Lundy Law today.
