The Bakken oil boom turned North Dakota into the third leading oil-producing state behind Texas and New Mexico. Oil is big business in North Dakota, employing thousands of people and turning the state into a powerhouse oil and energy producer for the United States. Although the industry has been a game changer, big business sometimes comes with big costs. There are numerous health hazards associated with oil and gas extraction. If you’re an oilfield employee exposed to toxic chemicals, your health could be at risk.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we provide a voice to the voiceless. That means advocating for and educating people about the dangerous health hazards posed by toxic chemical exposure in oilfields and the legal remedies that may be available to help those suffering from the ill effects of chemical exposure.
Health Risks Associated with Toxic Chemical Exposure in Oilfields
The U.S. Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes the substantial risks the oil and gas extraction industry poses. Extracting oil and gas from the depths of the Earth can be backbreaking work. In addition to physical labor and heavy machinery, many oil and gas fields use hazardous chemicals to extract oil. Hydraulic fracking is one method of gas extraction. The process involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals into a well to break apart underground bedrock and free up oil and gas reserves.
“Fracking” utilizes different chemicals depending on the composition of the bedrock and geology-based specifics of the rock formations in the area. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified 1,606 chemicals used in fracking operations. Some of the most common compounds used in the process tend to include:
- Acid
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Methanol
- Sodium chloride
- Naphthalene
- Biocide
- Glutaraldehyde
- Benzene
- Silica
- Sodium hydroxide
- 2-butoxyethanol
- Formaldehyde
Many of the chemicals used in fracking are considered toxic, and many are known carcinogens. Carcinogens are compounds known to cause cancer.
Other occupational hazards in the oil and gas extraction industry include:
- Exposure to hydrocarbon gasses
- Exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas
- Contact with naturally occurring radioactive materials
Injuries from toxic chemical exposure can compromise the health of oil and gas workers. Some may experience the acute effects of toxic chemical exposure, like nausea, vomiting, coughing, and burning of the eyes, throat, and lungs. However, consistent or repeated exposure to toxic chemicals on the worksite can lead to chronic health conditions like:
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung diseases
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological damage
- Liver damage
- Birth defects
- Endocrine system disruptions
These medical conditions can significantly change the quality of a person’s life and be potentially fatal.
Legal Remedies Available for Exposed Workers
Depending on the circumstances of the chemical exposure, injured workers may have various legal remedies available for seeking compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. Workplace exposure claims are complicated. In some situations, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program that pays for medical expenses, a portion of a worker’s lost wages, and disability payments. The program also covers injured worker employees diagnosed with work-related occupational illnesses.
Injured workers may also file a lawsuit against a careless third party if that party’s actions resulted in the worker developing a work-related occupational illness or disease diagnosis. Some employers may also be held directly responsible in specific instances. However, it is best to consult an experienced North Dakota injury attorney about your legal options due to the complexity of these types of claims. An attorney can review the facts specific to your situation and outline the legal remedies available to you.
Contact Our North Dakota Injury Lawyers Now
You don’t deserve to suffer because companies use toxic chemicals to generate a profit. If you’ve been diagnosed with a significant health condition and believe toxic chemical exposure in the oilfields is to blame, talk to an attorney at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. now. We have over 100 years of combined legal experience that we put to use for people like you: people in search of justice and fair compensation. Contact our North Dakota offices today and request a confidential legal consultation.
