New Mexico Well Blowout Attorneys
Fighting for Well Blowout Injury Victims in Artesia, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Jal, and Lovington
An oil well blowout is a catastrophic failure of equipment that exposes workers to grave dangers. These uncontrolled releases of crude oil or natural gas are violent, often resulting in fires, explosions, and subsequent calamities that can cause severe injuries or even loss of life. Blowouts ignite without warning, and their aftermath can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of those caught in the chaos.
If you recently suffered injuries in connection with an oil well blowout at your worksite, you should not wait to get legal advice, as you may be entitled to compensation. At Simon Perdue, our skilled New Mexico well blowout lawyers can provide the aggressive, results-oriented you need to navigate this difficult time. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Having previously represented huge gas companies, we understand how to effectively advocate for you in these matters. We are not afraid of a fight, and we know what pressure points we need to hit to secure the best possible results.
You have limited time to act, so do not wait to discuss your oil well blowout case with our attorneys. Call (505) 588-5962 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today.
When We're On The Case
-
Real Trial LawyersWe'll take your case and fight until the end. We'll take a trial over a settlement because we know you deserve more.
-
Insider InformationAs former big oil defense attorneys, we know the tricks and trades the other side uses.
-
Always PushingWe know the opposing side is not always forthright with their evidence. We know what we want, and will not stop until we get it.
How Do Oil Well Blowouts Happen?
The balance between the hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore and the pressure of the oil and gas in the reservoir is a delicate one. During normal operations, drilling fluid, colloquially called "mud," is pumped into the well to exert downward pressure. This drilling mud needs to be of sufficient density to counteract the upward pressure of the hydrocarbons. A miscalculation or a failure to read the pressure levels correctly can lead to a situation where the formation fluids overpower the mud, resulting in a blowout.
Different mechanisms may trigger these catastrophic events. For example, the blowout preventer, a critical safety device, might fail. This device's primary function is to seal the well in emergency situations, cutting through the drilling apparatus if necessary to prevent an outbreak. Mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or an ineffective blowout preventer can leave the well defenseless against an uncontrolled surge of oil or gas. Additionally, unexpected and sudden gas pockets (also known as “kicks”) encountered during the drilling process can cause a full-scale blowout if not detected and managed correctly.
Human factors can also contribute to these disasters. Errors in judgment, lack of training, failure to follow safety procedures, or poor communication can lead to a blowout. Attention to drilling indicators, regular inspections, and adherence to best practices are essential, yet any deviation or mistake can lead to a lapse in controlling the well pressure, ending in catastrophe.
Every blowout has its distinct set of underlying causes, often a chain of events and errors rather than a single point of failure. Understanding what specifically caused the blowout that injured you is a key part of evaluating your legal options and recovering damages. To that end, our New Mexico well blowout attorneys are prepared to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your injuries. We know what to look for and can anticipate the types of evidence your employer may work to conceal.
supporting You through your legal journey
-
"Attentive to My Needs"Simon Perdue was attentive to my needs and the issues of my case. He answered all my questions and kept me informed about every step.- Former Client
-
"Wanted the Best for Me"Joel always validated my feelings and wanted the best for me. He was thorough and transparent throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Joel for any of your litigation needs.- Former Client
-
"Couldn’t Have Chosen a Better Law Firm"I couldn’t have chosen a better law firm to finish my case. Joel was knowledgeable and helped with any questions my husband and myself may have had.- Former Client
-
"You are an angel in human form with your line of work and would not have chosen any other lawyer."Joel, thank you again for fighting in my favor. You have changed my life and way of thinking drastically, I am now becoming a business owner. You are an angel in human form with your line of work and would not have chosen any other lawyer. The way you treated me and my family in making sure we were taken care of, I gratefully appreciate you for that. May you continue the good fight for God and may you and your family continue being blessed.- Ryan P.
-
"Made Me Feel Like Family"After losing a friend and nearly my own life in explosion at work, Joel Simon made me feel like family and fought for me. Got me what I deserved.- Former Client
Recovering Compensation for Oil Well Blowout Injuries in New Mexico
If you sustained injuries because of a well blowout, you may be able to secure compensation through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Our team at Simon Perdue can evaluate the facts of your case and walk you through your legal options.
If you were an employee and were at work at the time of the accident, you will likely need to seek compensation through New Mexico workers’ compensation system. By filing a claim, you can obtain compensation for medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. You do not have to prove negligence to get workers’ compensation benefits, but you also cannot generally sue your employer. Unfortunately, getting the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to is often harder than it should be, but we are prepared to fight to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to under the law.
In some cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties whose negligence was responsible for a well blowout. For example, if the blowout was caused by someone other than your employer or a work colleague, you can potentially sue this third party. In these cases, you do need to prove negligence, but you can also obtain non-economic damages (including money for disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering) that cannot be obtained through the workers’ compensation system.
Our lawyers are not interested in settling for less than what you deserve. We are experienced trial attorneys whose goal is to deliver the best possible result, no matter who we are up against or the complexity of your situation. When you come to us for help, we will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and review what types of compensation we may be able to help you recover.
Call (505) 588-5962 or contact us online to speak to a member of our team today!
Common Oil Well Blowout Injuries
Oil well blowouts frequently cause catastrophic injuries that dramatically and irreversibly affect the lives of those affected. Many victims are temporarily or permanently unable to work following these incidents due to the scope and severity of their injuries, underlining the importance of hiring experienced legal representation to help seek compensation.
Our New Mexico well blowout lawyers are ready to represent you if you suffered any of the following common injuries:
- Burns and scalds. Direct exposure to flames and the explosive force during a blowout often results in severe burns. These can range from first-degree burns, affecting only the top layer of skin, to life-threatening third-degree burns that damage deeper tissues.
- Traumatic injuries. The forceful ejection of equipment and debris can lead to crushed or broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries. Workers may be hit by high-speed projectiles or become trapped under fallen machinery.
- Respiratory problems. Inhalation of smoke, toxic gases, and particulate matter during a blowout can lead to acute and chronic respiratory issues, such as chemical pneumonitis, asthma, or long-term lung damage.
- Hearing loss. The extreme noise generated by a blowout can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, especially if the incident occurs in an enclosed space without proper hearing protection.
- Psychological trauma. Blowouts are traumatic events that can result in mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.
- Chemical exposure. Contact with crude oil or other chemicals released during a blowout can cause skin irritation, rashes, and other dermatological conditions. A blowout can also cause systemic toxicity if harmful chemicals are absorbed through the skin or ingested.
- Vision impairment. Exposure to bright flames or toxic emissions can damage workers' eyesight, leading to temporary or permanent vision impairment.
advocating for the maximum compensation
-
$40,000,000 Wrongful Death
-
$17,000,000 Oilfield Explosion
-
$15,000,000 Truck Accident
-
$10,500,000 Brain Injury
-
$3,000,000 Head Injury
-
$3,000,000 Back Injury
