The oil and natural gas industries are two of the largest employers in Texas, but working in these fields comes with certain risks of accidental workplace injuries or death. This includes the accidents during the construction and dismantling of the rigs used to extricate these natural resources.
One such Texas construction accident occurred in a Robertson County oil field last week. Reports indicate the incident happened on the afternoon of July 9 on a drilling rig near the town of New Baden.
According to an article from KBTX News, the worker was using a cutting torch to take a catwalk off of a crude oil storage tank when a spark ignited the tank’s contents and caused an explosion. The worker struck his head on the tank and was knocked unconscious. Moments later, the heat from the blast burned through the victim’s safety strap, causing him to fall to the ground.
When accidents like this happen, it can be a very confusing time for victims and their families. The Bryan personal injury attorneys with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers suggest taking these three steps:
- Seek medical attention– Getting the treatment you need for your injury should be the top priority after a work-related accident.
- Report the incident– Your employer should be informed of your injury. They should then contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate. These reports may be crucial in getting workers’ compensation or Social Security Disability benefits.
- Speak with an attorney– Having a legal representative by your side will help to ensure your rights are protected under the law.
