Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer

We are dedicated to helping those who have been injured or affected by a catastrophic injury. You may contact us 24/7 at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment with us.

Pierce Skrabanek represents oilfield workers injured on the job and holds companies liable for safety violations, equipment failures, or employer negligence that cause serious injuries. Contact a Houston oil rig accident lawyer at (832) 690-7000 or online so we can get to work on your behalf.

Best Lawyers badgeSuper Lawyers logoMillion Dollar Advocates Forum
Click for a Free Consultation
Oilfield worker standing on a platform, representing Houston oil rig accident lawyer services.
Legally Reviewed By
Michael E. Pierce

Why Do You Need a Houston Oil Rig Accident Attorney?

Houston’s oil and gas industry runs on skilled workers who keep operations moving on offshore rigs, drilling sites, and refineries. After a worker suffers an injury, oil companies act fast to protect themselves. They have teams of lawyers looking out for their bottom line. But who’s looking out for the workers?

Houston is home to some of the biggest names in oil and gas—ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP. These companies operate across Texas, offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, and beyond. Workers who suffer injuries on the job often face an industry that minimizes claims, shifts blame, or delays payouts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, oil and gas workers face one of the highest fatality rates of any profession in the country. Drilling rigs, pipelines, and refineries frequently cause serious injuries due to:

  • Well blowouts and fires;
  • Falls from platforms, scaffolding, or derricks;
  • Explosions from faulty equipment or flammable gases;
  • Toxic chemical exposure, including benzene and hydrogen sulfide; and
  • Defective safety equipment or failure to follow safety protocols.

Oilfield work is dangerous, but injuries should never be written off as part of the job. When safety measures are ignored, or equipment fails, companies should answer for the harm they cause.

Hear our clients, the Tillmans, discuss how Pierce Skrabanek helped them after an offshore oil rig accident.

What a Houston Oilfield Accident Attorney Can Help Recover

Oilfield injuries don’t just lead to a trip to the hospital. They can result in long-term medical care, lost income, and a future that looks very different from what it did before the accident. A Houston oilfield accident attorney pursues compensation for:

  • Emergency and ongoing medical treatment—surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential—paychecks lost due to time off and long-term disability.
  • Pain and suffering—the physical and emotional toll of an oilfield injury.
  • Wrongful death benefits—funeral expenses and financial support for families who have lost a loved one.
  • Punitive damages—additional compensation when companies knowingly put workers at risk.

Studies show that oilfield workers with legal representation recover higher compensation than those who file claims alone. Insurance companies and oil corporations hire teams of attorneys to reduce payouts—workers need the same level of protection.

Holding Oil Companies Accountable: Real Case Results

At Pierce Skrabanek, we don’t just take on oilfield injury cases—we win them. Oil companies and their insurers work aggressively to limit payouts, but we have a history of securing results for injured workers and their families.

Recent case results include:

  • $16.9 Million Jones Act Verdict. A worker on a drilling rig in the Persian Gulf developed pneumonia from contaminated drinking water. We proved the company failed to provide safe working conditions.
  • $14 Million Settlement Against Hercules Offshore. A worker suffered life-altering injuries when a drill pipe fell nearly 100 feet. Our firm secured a multi-million-dollar settlement before the trial.
  • $1.5 Million Offshore Injury Case. An offshore dispatcher assaulted a supervisor. The case was settled shortly before trial.

Oil companies try to minimize payouts. We make sure they face consequences for negligence that causes life-changing harm. If you or a loved one suffered an oilfield injury, let a Houston oilfield injury attorney at Pierce Skrabanek fight for the compensation you deserve.

Legal Deadlines Matter—Don’t Wait to Speak With a Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer

Texas law limits the time oilfield workers have to file an injury claim. Delaying action can impact your ability to seek compensation.

Oil companies launch investigations immediately, which aren’t designed to help injured workers. Securing legal counsel early ensures someone fights for the worker’s side of the case. Contact Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 or reach out online to discuss your claim today.

What Injuries Can a Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyer Handle?

Oil rigs, drilling platforms, and refineries expose workers to dangerous conditions. Common injuries include:

  • Burns—from explosions, pipeline fires, or chemical exposure;
  • Head injuries—from falling equipment, rig collapses, or tool failures;
  • Spinal cord damage—leading to paralysis or loss of mobility;
  • Fractures and amputations—from heavy machinery accidents or crushing injuries; and
  • Toxic exposure illnesses—linked to hazardous chemicals such as benzene and hydrogen sulfide.

Some injuries require emergency medical care, while others cause lasting complications. No matter the severity, an injured oilfield worker should never have to cover these costs alone.

No items found.
No items found.
Contact Pierce Skrabanek for legal help.
(832) 690-7000 | www.pstriallaw.com

do you still have questions?

contact our office to speak to a lawyer.

CONTACT US TODAY

NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN

Do I Have a Case?

Chat with our legal team for fast, reliable answers. 

Trusted help is just a click away.
GET A free consultation

Offshore Oil Rig Accidents Require Different Legal Protections

Accidents on offshore rigs operate under different laws than land-based oilfield jobs. Many cases fall under maritime law, a specialized area that covers injuries on navigable waters.

The Jones Act protects offshore workers on jack-ups, semisubmersibles, and drillships. These cases often involve:

  • Blowouts and well failures,
  • Helicopter crashes transporting workers to offshore rigs,
  • Explosions from pipeline failures, and
  • Platform collapses.

Injured workers may have different legal options than those hurt in onshore accidents. Knowing which laws apply is key to recovering compensation.

“I’ve sat across from oilfield workers with busted ribs, burns, and backs so bad they can’t pick up their kids. These are people who put in the hours, do the tough jobs, and expect a fair shake when something goes wrong. But oil companies don’t play fair. They drag things out, point fingers, and hope workers give up. That’s not going to happen on my watch. My job is to make sure they pay what they owe, plain and simple.”

— Paul Skrabanek | Partner at Pierce Skrabanek

What a Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyer Does for Your Case

Oil companies work to limit liability. A Houston oil rig injury lawyer ensures that injured workers aren’t left dealing with the fallout of an unsafe work environment alone.

Investigating the Cause of the Accident

Winning an oilfield injury case requires proving what caused the accident. That includes:

  • Safety records and inspection reports,
  • Witness statements,
  • Company policies and training records, and
  • Expert analysis.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance carriers and oil companies don’t willingly offer full settlements. A strong case includes:

  • Medical records documenting the extent of the injuries,
  • Wage loss calculations showing the financial impact of missed work, and
  • Industry injury data demonstrating how similar cases have been valued in the past,

Going to Trial If Necessary

Most oilfield injury cases settle out of court, but some go to litigation. This requires:

  • Testimony from medical professionals and industry experts,
  • Records proving employer negligence, and
  • A case that lays out the entire financial impact of the injury.

Houston oil workers put their safety on the line every day. When an injury disrupts their ability to earn a living, the right legal support can help secure the compensation they are owed.

Why Choose Pierce Skrabanek for Your Oilfield Injury Claim?

Houston’s oil industry is built on tough, physically demanding jobs. However, when workers suffer injuries, the companies that depend on them rush to limit liability.

Pierce Skrabanek has stood up to ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP, and other oil giants in cases involving:

  • Offshore rig failures,
  • Refinery explosions,
  • Pipeline disasters, and
  • Well blowouts.

We’ve recovered over $175 million for injured oil workers. We know how these companies operate, and we don’t let them dictate what an injured worker is entitled to.

Proudly Representing Houston Residents

Testimonials

Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services. 

Daryl M.

5 star icon

“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

Denise J.

5 star icon

“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

Victoria S.

5 star icon

“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

5 star icon

“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

Raymond H.

5 star icon

“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Cam F.

5 star icon

“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

Michele R.

5 star icon

Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

5 star icon

“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

Diane T.

5 star icon

“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

Deborah S.

5 star icon

“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”

Fill Out Our Form For Your Free Consultation

Speak With a Houston Oil Rig Injury Attorney Today

Oilfield and offshore jobs come with real risks—explosions, faulty equipment, and ignored safety protocols all put workers in harm’s way. With over 30 years of combined experience, Pierce Skrabanek takes on powerful oil companies, ensuring injured workers get the compensation they deserve. 

Contact us online or call (832) 690-7000 to speak with a Houston oil rig accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of oil rig injuries?

Oil rig work comes with serious hazards. Injuries often result from equipment failures, falls, fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic chemicals. In many cases, unsafe working conditions, poor maintenance, and inadequate training contribute to accidents. When an oil company cuts corners on safety, workers are the ones who suffer. An attorney investigates the cause of an injury to determine if negligence played a role.

What if my employer claims I am at fault for my injury?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for the accident. 

Employers have a financial incentive to minimize their liability. Speaking with an attorney ensures that liability is properly assigned and you are not unfairly blamed. Even if you believe you made a mistake, that does not automatically mean you were negligent under the law.

How long does it take to resolve an oil rig injury lawsuit?

The time frame for resolving an oil rig injury case varies. Some cases settle within months, while others take longer due to negotiations, investigations, or court proceedings. A company’s willingness to negotiate in good faith also affects how quickly a case moves forward.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If an oil company delays or refuses to offer fair compensation, we are ready to take legal action to secure the results our clients deserve.

When should I contact an attorney after an oil rig injury?

The sooner, the better. Waiting to contact an attorney can make it harder to collect evidence and build a strong case. Oil companies launch internal investigations immediately, often to limit liability. Having legal representation early on ensures your rights are protected and that your case moves forward without unnecessary delays. Contact Pierce Skrabanek today at (832) 690-7000 to discuss your case. We’re ready to help.

We’re Here for You:
Real Results for Real Challenges

We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

$4.9 Million for Injured Driller

After a week-long trial in the 157th Judicial District Court, a unanimous Harris County jury awarded $4.9 Million to a Driller Injured off the Coast of Brazil.  The client was a driller working for Diamond Offshore off was 30 years old at the time of his accident, which occurred aboard the Ocean Yorktown. He sustained serious injuries to his left arm and back when he was unexpectedly hoisted over 20 feet in the air at which time his fall protection failed.

See More

$2.4 Million Verdict for Injured Refinery Worker

Paul helped an injured refinery worker obtain a $2.4 Million verdict in the 80th Judicial District of Harris County.  The jury award was unanimous.  Paul took three of the seven witnesses at trial and got a defense expert struck on voir dire during trial. The Plaintiff suffered second and third-degree burns to 20% of his body.  His claims were against an engineering company that designed the equipment that caused his injuries. Defendant’s final offer prior to trial was $135,000.

See More