Any oilfield or offshore worker is at risk of harm if their employer does not put safety first. Although Weatherford claims to make employee safety and well-being a priority, workers have still been injured or lost their lives. At Arnold & Itkin, we recognize the obstacles workers and families face after serious accidents like blowouts, fires, spills, falls, and more. All they want is to heal and move on, but their employers often try to limit their recovery, pressure them to return to work, or deny fault. Our attorneys fight to stop these unfair (and sometimes illegal) practices, helping workers get the help they need to move forward.
To learn more, contact our Weatherford accident lawyers. Your consultation is free and confidential!
Weatherford Incident History
Like most companies in the oil and gas industry, Weatherford’s workers have been injured in serious accidents and the company has been cited for safety violations.
Well Explosion (2013)
In 2013, an explosion occurred in West Texas while crews were attempting to cap a natural gas well. One of the crew members was a contract well fisherman from Weatherford who was tasked with helping the crew see what challenges were in place and how to fix them. Two of the five workers were killed in the incident, and the three who survived were severely injured, suffering from lasting injuries such as hearing loss, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. The Weatherford well fisherman was unable to return to the job he once enjoyed. Surviving members of the crew and families of those that were deceased filed lawsuits, claiming negligence and an unsafe work environment. Ultimately, Weatherford settled one of the crew member’s cases.
OSHA Safety Citation (2010)
In 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), issued a citation against Weatherford for 33 alleged violations (1 willful, 30 serious, and 2 repeat), proposing $261,500 in penalties. The citations came after an inspection of Weatherford’s facility in Longview, Texas, following a complaint that employees were experiencing nosebleeds and headaches as a result of exposure to hexavalent chromium during chrome plating and cleanup operations at the facility.
Ammonium Persulfate Cloud (2010)
In 2010, a cloud of ammonium persulfate was accidentally released from a Weatherford facility in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania. 500 workers had to be evacuated.
8.5 Ton Casing Crushes Drillers Cabin (2007)
In 2007, a section of casing weighing 8.5 tons fell onto the drilling hut on Weatherford’s West Epsilon Rig. Workers on the rig were in the process of pulling, disassembling, and laying down the 30-inch casing on the deck of the rig when the lifting collar opened and the casing fell out. It landed on the roof of the drillers cabin and the end of the casing landed directly on the driller’s chair. The crew member sitting in the chair managed to dodge the falling casing at the last second, sustaining lacerations. Only minor injuries were reported in an accident that could have easily caused multiple fatalities.
What to Do After a Weatherford Accident
After a Weatherford accident or injury:
- Report the incident to your manager or supervisor.
- Seek medical attention.
- Talk to an attorney.
In the event of any type of accident as an oilfield worker, offshore crew member, or other industrial employee, you must remember that you have the right to receive medical treatment and compensation for your lost earnings. Even if your employer tries to force you to see the company doctor or says you’ve healed enough to go back to work, you can see ask to see another doctor. You should not have to return to work until you’re ready.
A Weatherford injury lawyer at Arnold & Itkin can talk to you about your rights and what options you have to seek the compensation you need to rebuild. We have won more than $15 billion on behalf of our clients, proving the wrongdoing and negligence of the largest companies to help good people find brighter futures.
Learn how we can help by calling (888) 493-1629 or contacting us online. Our Weatherford accident attorneys are here for you.
