Serious Help After Midland Oil Rig Injuries. $20 Billion Won, Nationwide Counsel.
One moment you are doing your job on a rig or at an oilfield site in the Midland area. The next, an explosion, fall, or equipment failure changes everything. When an accident leaves you or a family member seriously hurt, you need an oil rig accident attorney who understands both the work and the stakes. At Arnold & Itkin, we represent injured oilfield workers and families after catastrophic incidents on drilling rigs, workover rigs, service rigs, and related sites in the Midland-Odessa area and across West Texas. Our trial lawyers have recovered more than $20 billion for people after life-changing accidents, and we work to hold companies accountable when they cut corners with worker safety.
We know you may be worried about medical bills, lost income, and what this means for your future. Our firm offers free, confidential consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay us unless we win a recovery for you.
We handle the fight with the company and insurers so you can focus on healing.
After a serious rig accident, you are often up against a powerful operator, drilling contractor, or service company that has its own lawyers and insurance team. Choosing the right oil rig accident lawyer can be the difference between a quick, low settlement and a result that truly supports you and your family.
Our firm is built to take on high-stakes cases and see them through. Since 2004, our attorneys have secured more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured clients across the country.
Some of our notable oil rig accident results include:
$209 million verdict for the family of a toolpusher who contracted a deadly virus while on the job.
$36.5 million settlement for a seriously injured oilfield worker.
$18.5 million settlement for an oil rig worker who was severely injured.
$10 million settlement for the family of an oil rig worker who died of heat stroke.
$9.5 million settlement for a rig worker who was gravely injured when a pipe blew off a compressor unit.
$9 million settlement and lifetime medical benefits for a catastrophically injured oilfield worker.
$8 million settlement for brothers who were injured in a land rig explosion.
$7.5 million settlement for an oil rig worker who suffered severe neck trauma when a pipe fell on him.
We are trial lawyers through and through. We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. That level of preparation sends a clear message to companies and insurers that we are ready to try the case if they refuse to do what is right. It is one reason injured workers and families see us as the best rig accident lawyers for high-stakes, complex situations.
Our dedication has been recognized across the legal community. Our founders are members of the Inner Circle of Advocates, which is limited to 100 of the top plaintiff trial lawyers in the nation. Our firm has earned Tier 1 rankings in Best Law Firms in Houston for plaintiff personal injury and related practices, and many of our attorneys are listed in Best Lawyers in America, Lawdragon, and more. This reflects our commitment to fighting for people after catastrophic injuries.
Most importantly, we treat each client like family. When someone comes to us after a rig accident near Midland, we know they are living through one of the hardest chapters of their life. We stay in close contact, help them find needed medical care, and stand with their family as the case moves forward. Our No Matter What™ mindset means we do not back down.
“Arnold & Itkin has helped me out so much with my medical treatment. They helped provide everything…and they helped out with my prosthetic arm. They just helped outside of what they should have.”
Rigs and oilfield sites around Midland are some of the busiest in the country. Workers spend long shifts operating heavy machinery, handling high-pressure systems, and moving between locations on crowded lease roads and highways. In this environment, a single unsafe decision by a company can lead to devastating injuries.
We see many different types of incidents in this part of Texas. Some happen on active drilling rigs when a blowout, kick, or equipment failure releases tremendous force. Others occur on workover or service rigs during maintenance and well servicing. Falls from derricks or platforms, dropped objects, caught-between incidents, and serious vehicle crashes on routes connecting rigs to Interstate 20 and other roads are also common.
Behind every serious rig accident are preventable causes:
Fatigue from excessive hours, when companies push crews to work long shifts without adequate rest.
Deferred maintenance on pumps, equipment, or pressure-control systems to keep production moving.
Inadequate training; workers sent to perform complex or dangerous tasks without proper instruction.
Poor communication, such as failures in shift handoffs, safety meetings, or emergency procedures.
Shortcuts taken to meet production quotas that turn routine tasks into life-threatening situations.
These decisions matter because operators and contractors have a duty to run safe worksites. When management ignores safety rules, fails to provide proper gear, or looks the other way when processes are rushed or maintenance is delayed to meet production quotas, workers pay the price. An experienced rig accident attorney in Midland can help uncover these failures and connect them to what happened to you.
Our team understands the complex web of companies that often share responsibility at an oil rig site. There may be an operator, drilling contractor, various service companies, and equipment manufacturers, all playing a role in how the job is planned and carried out. We work to identify every party that contributed to an unsafe condition so that your case reflects the full truth of what went wrong.
What to Do After a Rig Accident
In the hours and days after a rig accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. You may be focused on trying to manage pain, get medical treatment, or simply getting back home from a site outside Midland. Taking a few key steps can help protect your health and your legal rights while you sort through what happened.
1. Get Medical Care Immediately
Your first priority should be medical care. Make sure your injuries are fully evaluated, whether at a local hospital or a regional trauma center. Some injuries, such as internal damage or head trauma, are not immediately obvious. Getting prompt treatment both protects your health and creates a clear record of what you are going through.
2. Document What You Can
If you can safely do so, try to note:
Who was on the site
What equipment was involved
Any unsafe conditions you observed
Where you were working and which company supervised the task
Who witnessed the incident
You may not be able to photograph the area or speak freely, especially if you are being transported for care, and that is understandable. Even basic details can help your legal team later.
3. Be Careful with Company Paperwork
After an accident, employers or insurers sometimes ask injured workers to sign forms, give written statements, or participate in recorded calls. These may limit your rights or be used to suggest the incident was your fault. Speaking with a rig accident attorney before you sign or record anything can help you understand the implications.
4. Reach Out to a Lawyer Early
Our firm regularly hears from workers and families soon after catastrophic events on rigs in the Midland area. When we are involved early, we can manage communications with company representatives and insurers so you are not facing that pressure alone, help you find appropriate medical providers, and gather the records needed to understand the full extent of your injuries.
If a loved one was seriously hurt or killed, you may be handling all of this while grieving and trying to keep your household afloat. We recognize how heavy that burden is. Reaching out for legal guidance does not commit you to any particular path. It simply gives you a clearer picture of your options so you can make informed decisions for your family.
How Our Rig Accident Lawyers Help
When you hire our team after a rig or oilfield accident, we work to take as much of the legal and financial pressure off your shoulders as possible. Our Midland oil rig accident lawyers focus on understanding exactly how the incident happened and what it will take for you to move forward.
We begin by investigating the accident in detail. That may include reviewing:
Safety policies and training materials
Maintenance and inspection records
Incident reports
Photos or diagrams of the rig or worksite
We look closely at the roles played by operators, drilling contractors, and service companies to see where safety systems broke down. Our goal is to identify every party that contributed to the conditions that harmed you.
From there, we work to build a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries. That often includes medical expenses, both current and anticipated, lost income, reduced ability to work in the future, and the physical and emotional toll of what you have endured. In fatal cases, we seek recovery that can help support surviving families and acknowledge the profound loss they have suffered.
There Is No Risk & No Obligation
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay us any fees up front, and you do not owe us attorney fees or litigation expenses unless we achieve a verdict or settlement in your favor. Taking on the financial risk of a case is one way we help level the playing field between Midland workers and the large companies that employ them.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. We explain developments in clear language, not legal jargon, and we make time to answer your questions. Our goal is not only to pursue the best possible result but also to provide the support and clarity you need during a difficult time.
Talk to an Oil Rig Accident Lawyer in Midland Today: (888) 493-1629
If you or someone you love was hurt in an oilfield or rig accident in the Midland area, you do not have to face the next steps alone. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand what went wrong, what your rights may be, and how a case could help protect your future. There is no risk in reaching out. Consultations are free, and you do not pay us unless we win a recovery on your behalf. From our headquarters in Houston and offices in Midland, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as Louisiana and New Mexico, we regularly represent workers and families across Texas and nationwide.
We are prepared to answer your questions and start investigating right away.
Call (888) 493-1629 now to talk with a local oil rig accident attorney in Midland about your case and your options.
CommonQuestions
Can I Sue My Employer After an Oil Rig Accident?
Texas law allows injured workers to pursue compensation through multiple avenues. If your employer subscribes to workers' compensation, you may be limited to those benefits unless you can prove gross negligence or intentional harm. If your employer is a non-subscriber (and many Texas companies are), you may be able to file suit for an oil rig accident caused by their negligence. You can often file third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries. An experienced attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and determine the best path forward for maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Midland Oil Rig Accident?
Compensation in oil rig injury cases typically includes medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving severe injuries like burns, amputations, or permanent disability, damages can reach into the millions to cover lifetime medical care, rehabilitation, and the profound impact on your quality of life. If the accident involved extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
How Long Do I Have to File an Oil Rig Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some cases may involve different deadlines depending on the parties involved, the type of claim, and whether government entities are implicated. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, so it's critical to consult with a Midland rig accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Early action also helps preserve crucial evidence before it disappears or deteriorates.
What Should I Do If the Company Asks Me to Sign a Waiver or Give a Statement?
Do not sign any documents or give any recorded statements to your employer, their insurance company, or their representatives without first consulting an attorney. These forms and statements are often designed to limit your rights, shift blame onto you, or minimize the severity of your injuries. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to protect the company's bottom line—not your future. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer once you have one.
What If My Loved One Was Killed in an Oil Rig Accident?
If your family member was killed in a rig accident in Midland or nearby, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their estate and surviving family members. Wrongful death damages can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills from their final injury or illness, lost income and financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the conscious pain and suffering your loved one endured before death. These cases are complex and emotionally devastating, but holding negligent companies accountable can provide some measure of justice and financial security for your family's future.
