XTO Energy Inc. Accidents

Company Profile for XTO Energy

XTO Energy was created in 1986 by 3 former Southland Royalty executives who were suddenly without work after their company was taken over. During these early days, the company was referred to as the Cross Timbers Oil Company. Initially a small operation out of Fort Worth, Texas, the company continued to grow by adding additional properties to its operation. Eventually, it grew large enough to expand and open offices in Oklahoma.

As it was originally focused on crude oil, the company began to shift its sight to natural gas just as the industry was about to experience a boom. To reflect this change, Cross Timbers Oil changed its name to XTO. By 2004, the company had grown so much that it was added to the S&P 500. XTO merged with ExxonMobil in a deal valued at $36 billion. Since this merger, the company has made numerous deals expanding its oil drilling properties.

Today, XTO handles the production, processing, transportation, and development of oil and natural gas. Specifically, XTO specializes in hydraulic fracturing. It is the largest holder of natural gas reserves in the U.S. XTO is headquartered out of Spring, Texas and has subsidiaries throughout the nation, including one that operates in the United Kingdom as XTO UK, Ltd. The company’s offshore ventures are under the subsidiary XTO Offshore Inc.

Most accidents in the energy industry are preventable. Yet, improper training, poorly maintained equipment, and a lack of safety make energy jobs some of the most dangerous in the nation. The XTO Energy accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP have represented injured workers throughout the nation and are ready to help you as soon as possible. We’ve recovered billions for clients; we're ready to fight for the money you need to recover.

If you’ve suffered because of an XTO Energy accident, call Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation: (888) 493-1629.

ExxonMobil: XTO Energy's Parent Company

XTO Offshore Inc.’s parent company is massive and is a direct descendant of the Standard Oil Co. Inc., John D. Rockefeller’s behemoth oil company that dominated the nation’s oil production in the 19th and 20th centuries. Though XTO Offshore Inc. is a separate company, examining ExxonMobile helps build an understanding of XTO Offshore Inc.’s operation.

ExxonMobile acquired XTO in December 2009 in what was the largest acquisition by the giant energy company. ExxonMobil continues the legacy of Standard Oil Co. Inc. by holding a spot as the 10th largest company by revenue in the world. The company as it exists today was created in 1999 after the merger of Exxon and Mobil. It is the largest refiner in the world and its 2017 revenue was a staggering $237.1 billion.

XTO Energy’s Contribution to ExxonMobile Penalties

When it comes to violations in safety, environmental, and other standards, ExxonMobil commits violations commensurate with its size. It has been cited for 249 violations since the year 2000. The penalties add up to a total of $1,024,755,420. Of these penalties, XTO and its subsidiaries committed violations amounting to $29,024,482 in fines. These 24 violations on the part of XTO companies occurred between 2010 and 2017, making XTO Energy one of ExxonMobil’s most penalized subsidiaries.

XTO Energy Oil Rig Accidents

When companies prioritize profits over safety, accidents will occur. Nearly every company claims to "prioritize safety," yet when it comes to implementing procedures, they fail to do it in a way that is meaningful or actually prevents accidents. Arnold & Itkin is familiar with the industry practices that harms workers, and we continue to hold companies like XTO Energy accountable for their failures.

The following dangers are common on offshore oil rigs:

• Dangerous weather conditions
• Improper equipment maintenance
• Corrosion
• Well blowouts
• Slip and falls
• Platform Collapses
• Collisions
• Falling objects

When an employee is injured, it is ultimately the responsibility of the company to provide medical care and other financial needs. Whether they are small businesses or large corporations like XTO, each entity has a responsibility to help employees recover from injuries due to negligence, especially in the naturally dangerous environment of offshore energy exploration.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Citation

In 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a citation against XTO for a spill at a water recycling site in Pennsylvania that occurred in November of 2010. The Pennsylvania Attorney General also filed criminal charges against XTO for the water spill.

$648,000 Civil Penalty Against XTO

In 2013, the Federal Office of Natural Resources Revenue levied a $648,000 fine against XTO for failing to provide data related to a federal lease in Kansas.

Earthquake Incident Linked to XTO Wastewater Wells

In April of 2015, a study by researchers at Southern Methodist University revealed evidence that two XTO-operated wastewater wells were connected to a series of 2013 earthquakes. The Texas Railroad Commission conducted an additional study, finding it unlikely that there was a correlation between the wastewater wells and the earthquakes. Eventually, a 2015 hearing revealed that there was not enough evidence to confirm XTO’s involvement in the earthquakes, but some believe there is still a connection.

Injured in an Accident? Our XTO Energy Lawsuit Attorneys Will Fight for You.

Arnold & Itkin’s XTO Energy accident lawyers know that large companies often try to shift blame onto workers when an accident occurs. We understand that injuries are painful, and the medical debt incurred by them robs you of financial security. However, when a company tries to intimidate and suppress injured employees, Arnold & Itkin knows that no company is too large to escape accountability.

When the Deepwater Horizon exploded and caused one of the worst offshore drilling disasters of all time, we represented over one-third of the crew and ensured their needs were taken care of as we fought for their recovery. Our attorneys faced three of the largest oil companies in the world in the process. When these companies tried to shift the blame, Arnold & Itkin advocated for our clients to the very end—and it worked.

Arnold & Itkin attorneys have achieved results such as:

• $5.5 Million for Concussed Rig Worker: Our team was able to obtain this large settlement for a man suffering from severe head and back injuries after an offshore accident. This settlement helped our client cover the costs of continued care.
• $3.5 Million Recovered for Injured Land Rig Worker: When a Louisiana land rig worker sustained serious neck and shoulder injuries, Arnold & Itkin was there to help. Our attorneys refused to allow the defendant to deny liability as they attempted to do and secured this result for our client.

No worker should suffer because of the negligence of an employer. Contact Arnold & Itkin today at (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation. We will discuss the details of your case and guide you through your best options.