Working in New Mexico’s oil fields is tough, dangerous, and often unpredictable. When accidents happen, they’re not just physically painful—they can come with significant financial challenges. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs can quickly pile up, leaving injured workers feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an oil field accident, you may wonder how to pay for the mounting medical expenses. You’re not alone in this struggle. Many workers face similar situations from accidents that weren’t their fault each year. The good news? There are legal options to help you recover those costs.
The Challenge of Medical Costs After an Oil Field Accident
After an injury, medical bills can begin to arrive almost instantly. Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy appointments all come with hefty price tags. For many workers, the situation gets even more complicated when injuries require long-term care.
Here are some of the biggest challenges injured workers often face:
1. Immediate Medical Expenses:
Emergency care is essential after a serious accident but rarely cheap. For example, treatment for burn injuries or broken bones can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
2. Ongoing Rehabilitation Costs:
Many oil field injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or severe spinal damage, require months or even years of therapy. These costs add up quickly, especially if insurance offers limited coverage.
3. Lost Income While Recovering:
Oil field injuries can take workers off the job for weeks, months, or indefinitely. Without a paycheck, it becomes nearly impossible to keep up with both everyday living expenses and the cost of medical care.
4. Uncooperative Insurance Companies:
Insurance providers don’t always have your best interests at heart. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or delay your claim in an effort to save money—and that only creates more stress for you during an already difficult time.
Legal Options for Recovering Medical Costs
After an oil field accident, there are ways to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Here’s a closer look at how the legal system can help you:
1. Workers’ Compensation:
Workers in New Mexico are generally covered under workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ comp might cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if you've been injured on the job. However, workers’ comp has its limits—it usually doesn’t compensate for non-economic factors like pain or suffering.
2. Personal Injury Claims:
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury—whether it was your employer, a third-party contractor, or an equipment manufacturer—you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. This avenue allows you to pursue a broader compensation range, including damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
3. Third-Party Lawsuits:
If a party other than your employer is responsible for your injury (such as the manufacturer of faulty safety equipment or a subcontractor), you may be able to file a lawsuit against that third party. These cases often result in more substantial compensation than workers’ comp claims.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Facing medical bills, insurance companies, and legal questions while trying to recover from an injury is overwhelming. That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in. Here’s how they can support you every step of the way:
1. Evaluating Your Case:
A skilled attorney will assess your situation to determine the best approach for recovering your medical expenses. They’ll review the details of your accident, medical records, and any evidence of negligence to build a strong case.
2. Handling Insurance Negotiations:
If you’ve tried dealing with insurance companies before, you know they rarely play fair. Your attorney will tackle those negotiations for you, ensuring the insurance company doesn’t try to lowball your settlement or deny your claim unfairly.
3. Maximizing Compensation:
Personal injury attorneys know how to calculate the full extent of your damages. Beyond medical bills, they’ll take into account lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs you may face. Their goal is to recover every dollar you’re entitled to so you can move forward without financial stress.
4. Providing Peace of Mind:
The legal process can be daunting, but having an experienced attorney on your side allows you to focus on what matters most—your recovery. They’ll handle the paperwork, negotiations, and legal strategies while you concentrate on healing.
New Mexico Oil Field Accident Attorneys
Navigating the aftermath of an oil field accident can be a daunting task, but with the right information and support, workers can effectively pursue compensation and secure the care they need. At Simon Perdue Law, we are committed to helping injured workers in Albuquerque, NM, understand their rights and navigate the legal processes involved in recovering medical costs. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and representation, ensuring that workers receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil field accident, contact us today at (505) 588-5962 to learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery journey.