If you were injured or lost a family member in an oilfield accident, such as a land rig fire or explosion, you’re left with more questions than answers. Your future may seem uncertain at best. These are the most difficult times, but you have rights and legal options that can open the door to answers, support, and stability when you need it most. Arnold & Itkin is passionate about helping injured oilfield workers and their families. Our attorneys have fought to win numerous million-dollar and multi-million-dollar recoveries to rebuild lives and right the wrongs caused by oil and gas company negligence.
You deserve answers. Our Albuquerque oilfield accident lawyers are standing by to help. Your consultation is free when you call (888) 493-1629.
Oilfield operations have been part of New Mexico's economy for nearly a century. The discovery of oil in the 1920s transformed the southeastern region of the state, particularly Lea and Eddy Counties, into a cornerstone of American energy production. Today, New Mexico is one of the top oil-producing states in the U.S., thanks in large part to the Permian Basin—a vast, resource-rich formation that stretches across the Texas border. With booming production, however, have come growing concerns about safety. Behind every wellhead, pipeline, and compressor station are real people—roughnecks, truck drivers, and drillers—whose lives depend on companies doing the right thing.
Oil and gas companies make billions every year. These corporations are notorious for pushing for more production and more profit, sometimes at the expense of their workers. They may cut corners, waiting to replace aging equipment or failing to properly implement safety standards, just to keep production as high as possible. This increases the likelihood of an accident that can injure numerous workers or claim innocent lives.
Our New Mexico oilfield injury attorneys help after accidents such as:
New Mexico's oilfields are driven by some of the biggest names in the industry—Occidental Petroleum, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Marathon Oil, and EOG Resources, to name a few. These companies control massive drilling operations across the Permian Basin, and when something goes wrong, they have legal teams and insurance carriers ready to protect their bottom line. We fight to hold these companies accountable, no matter how powerful they are.
What the New Mexico Anti-Indemnity Oilfield Act Means for Injured Workers
When oilfield workers are seriously injured, determining who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward. That’s especially true in the complex web of subcontractors, operators, and equipment providers that make up a modern drilling operation. For decades, large oil companies tried to escape liability by forcing contractors and vendors to sign “indemnity agreements”—contracts that unfairly shifted legal responsibility away from those truly at fault.
New Mexico passed the Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act (NMSA § 56-7-2) to put a stop to that.
This law makes it illegal to enforce indemnity clauses that require one party to cover another’s negligence in oilfield contracts involving operations like drilling, maintenance, and service work. In plain terms: if a company’s negligence causes an accident, they can’t pass the blame—or the bill—onto someone else through a contract.
For injured workers and their families, this is crucial. It means the true at-fault party—whether it's a well operator, equipment supplier, or site manager—can and should be held accountable in court. At Arnold & Itkin, we cut through contract defenses and make sure the right parties pay for the harm they’ve caused. No finger-pointing. No escaping responsibility. Just answers, justice, and full compensation for the people who need it most.
Proven Oilfield Accident Case Results in New Mexico & Nationwide
In Lea County, two oilfield workers faced an uphill battle after a life-changing accident. The companies involved fought us at every turn—challenging the venue, delaying discovery, and offering only $600,000 for injuries that would affect them for the rest of their lives. We didn't accept that. Just three days into trial, they agreed to pay $14.9 million.
That's what we do for New Mexico oilfield workers: we push until companies are forced to do what's right. Some of our other notable oilfield injury recoveries include:
$209 million verdict for the family of an oilfield worker who died from exposure to Hantavirus.
$139 million settlement for survivors of a catastrophic oilfield incident, one week before trial.
$72 million settlement for an oilfield worker who lost his arm and suffered other catastrophic injuries.
$36.5 million settlement for an oilfield worker who was wrongfully blamed for his injuries.
These recoveries have changed our clients’ lives, helping to secure their care and support for the rest of their lives. These and all the oilfield injury cases we have successfully handled have also put pressure on oil and gas companies to improve safety and place more importance on their workers’ lives. See more testimonials to learn more.
“They didn't just chase dollars. They wanted to get to the bottom of what happened. They did what they said they would—and they were always there for us.”
Oil and gas extraction ranks among the most dangerous jobs a person can have in America. Every day, you’re handling heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals while managing the near-constant risk of fires and explosions. It’s a company’s job to mitigate these risks. After all, oil and gas extraction needs to happen, so someone has to do it. But that doesn’t excuse the dozens of companies every year whose bad policies and corner-cutting lead to catastrophic injuries.
Land Rig Explosions: Land-based oil rigs are packed with flammable fuels, pressurized equipment, and ignition sources. When companies fail to enforce proper safety checks or skimp on maintenance, these rigs can explode with devastating force—killing or maiming numerous crew members in seconds.
Blowouts: A blowout occurs when uncontrolled pressure forces oil, gas, or drilling mud out of a wellbore. Without proper blowout preventers (BOPs) or safety protocols in place, blowouts can trigger deadly fires, explosions, or chemical exposure, placing workers in danger of suffering life-changing trauma.
Drilling Rig Accidents: Drilling rigs are high-risk worksites. Workers may be injured by rotating equipment, falling tools, or poorly maintained derricks. However, these risks can be minimized or even eliminated. Many accidents happen because of mechanical failures, lack of training, or companies ignoring fatigue-related safety risks.
Gas Truck Accidents: Tanker trucks transporting oilfield chemicals or fuel often travel long distances on rural highways not meant to handle heavy traffic. Driver fatigue, speeding, or improperly secured loads can lead to rollovers, fires, and multi-vehicle crashes, especially near oilfields in southeastern New Mexico.
Pipeline Explosions: A single leak in an underground pipeline at a New Mexico oilfield or even in residential neighborhoods can ignite and cause massive damage in seconds. When companies fail to detect corrosion, overpressure events, or illegal tapping, pipeline failures become fatal for both workers and nearby communities.
Well Servicing Accidents: Well servicing and maintenance operations are just as dangerous as initial drilling. New Mexico oilfield workers performing hot work, pressure tests, or equipment swaps face risks of chemical burns, crush injuries, or sudden equipment failure if safety and training are not put first.
Fracking-Related Injuries: Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) involves high-pressure pumps, sand, and dangerous fluids to extract valuable resources. When fracking equipment malfunctions or operators skip proper pressure checks, it can result in chemical spills, line bursts, or flash fires that severely injure nearby crew.
Equipment Failures: Faulty pumps, winches, hoists, or hydraulic systems can cause catastrophic injuries at oilfield sites in New Mexico. Defective design, poor maintenance, or improper use often lead to traumatic amputations, crush injuries, or deaths—particularly when safety overrides are disabled or ignored.
Caught-In/Between Accidents: Oilfield workers regularly operate in tight quarters with moving machinery and heavy loads. Without safeguards, workers can become pinned between vehicles, crushed by rig components, or pulled into rotating shafts. The nature of these injuries is horrific and often life-threatening.
Toxic Exposure & Inhalation: Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or fracking chemicals can cause respiratory failure, brain damage, or death. Many workers suffer lifelong health issues from repeated exposure to toxins at oilfields and related worksites, including plants and refineries.
Falls From Height: Working on elevated platforms, derricks, or scaffolding without proper fall protection can lead to serious injuries or fatalities at New Mexico's oilfields. These falls often occur because of missing guardrails, faulty harnesses, or poor training procedures. Fall protection is typically required at any working height of 6+ feet.
Fires Caused by Static Discharge or Leaks: Even a small spark can ignite leaking vapors or fuel. Static electricity, exposed wires, and poorly grounded equipment can all cause deadly fires or explosions at New Mexico oilfield sites—especially during tank cleaning or fluid transfers—if operators do not take proper preventative measures.
If you or someone you love has suffered because of an oilfield accident, our firm is here to help you recover what you’ve lost. We’ve won our clients over $20 billion in verdicts and settlements because we go above and beyond to get the results that they need—no matter what.
Resources for Injured Oilfield Workers in Albuquerque
Albuquerque may not sit directly atop New Mexico's major oilfields, but it's home to many of the men and women who keep these operations running. Workers often commute to southeastern New Mexico—especially to the Permian Basin—or live in “man camps” during longer hitches. The long hours, remote job sites, and high-risk environments make this work some of the most demanding and dangerous in the state. When serious accidents happen, workers and their families often turn to Albuquerque for medical care, legal help, and support.
What to Do After an Oilfield Accident
Get immediate medical attention. Your health and safety come first. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Report the incident. Notify your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as you can.
Document everything. Take photos, get witness names, and keep copies of medical records and incident reports.
Avoid giving recorded statements. Insurance companies may ask for a statement—speak to an attorney first.
Seek legal counsel. Contact a local oilfield accident lawyer in Albuquerque for answers and support.
Medical Centers in Albuquerque
After a serious oilfield injury, workers may be treated at top Albuquerque hospitals like Presbyterian Hospital, UNM Hospital, or Lovelace Medical Center. These facilities offer emergency trauma care, surgical treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation. Some also provide specialized burn units, orthopedic care, and physical therapy, which are critical services for workers recovering from explosions, crush injuries, or chemical exposure.
Top-Rated New Mexico Oilfield Accident Law Firm: (888) 493-1629
Southeast New Mexico, particularly Eddy County, Lea County, and Chaves County, which sit in the oil-rich Permian Basin, is currently in the midst of the oil and gas equivalent to a gold rush. New Mexicans and workers from across the U.S. are working at the state’s many oilfields, where they have the opportunity to earn good money—but at what cost?
If you were injured at an oilfield in New Mexico, you deserve the chance to recoup your losses.
Oilfield workers in New Mexico deserve attorneys who can take on the biggest oil and gas corporations—and win. Arnold & Itkin has earned nationwide recognition for doing exactly that. Named among the Best Law Firms in America and honored by Best Lawyers for outstanding results, the firm has built a reputation for record-setting verdicts and settlements in catastrophic industrial accident cases.
We help workers and families in all of New Mexico, including those in:
Bernalillo County
Chaves County
Colfax County
Eddy County
Harding County
Lea County
McKinley County
Rio Arriba County
Roosevelt County
San Juan County
Sandoval County
Union County
As an oilfield worker or any employee, contractor, or subcontractor in New Mexico, you have the right to expect a reasonably safe workplace. If you were injured in a land rig fire, explosion, or any oilfield accident, you may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation for your medical care, ongoing treatment, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. Our Albuquerque oilfield accident law firm can help you explore your options and get the recovery you deserve.
Find out what rights you have as an oilfield worker and how you can recover the compensation you need. Call (888) 493-1629 today for your free, private consultation.
CommonQuestions
What Types of Injuries Do Oilfield Workers Experience?
Oilfield workers in New Mexico may experience catastrophic injuries if safety standards are overlooked, equipment malfunctions, or their co-workers or employers are careless. This can cause land rig accidents like fires, explosions, and other serious incidents that have the potential to cause life-altering harm.
Potential land rig and oilfield injuries include broken bones, injuries to limbs and extremities, burn injuries, back and neck injuries, toxic exposure, brain injuries, and more. Because oilfield worker injuries are often severe, they require extensive medical care and will often impact a worker’s ability to return to the field. This makes the swift recovery of compensation all the more important.
What Should I Do After an Oilfield Injury in New Mexico?
The most important thing you can do after an oilfield accident is to seek medical care. Get the treatment you need, from the doctor you want to see. Your employer may try to send you to a company doctor, but you have the right to seek treatment from the doctor or facility of your choosing.
After you get medical care, make sure you inform your employer of the incident and your injuries, in writing. Starting a record of your injury and keeping all applicable documents, receipts, and communication like emails or letters will help support your claim for compensation. As soon as you can, contact an attorney with experience in New Mexico oilfield accident cases. These are complex legal matters that require a complete understanding of state and federal safety regulations, oil and gas laws, and precedents set by case law.
How Can Your Firm Help with My Oilfield Injury Claim?
Arnold & Itkin has a long history of representing oil and gas workers in the U.S. We’ve handled some of the biggest and most challenging cases in history, such as the Deepwater Horizon explosion, and have faced off against giants like Mobil, Transocean, BP, and others. When workers need help in the aftermath of serious land rig accidents, oilfield accidents, and offshore injuries, they turn to Arnold & Itkin. We have recovered billions of dollars in life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients and are known for our intelligence and our willingness to do whatever it takes to see justice served. Our Albuquerque land rig accident firm is here to help. No matter what.
