According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the oil and gas industry is part of one the most dangerous subsectors of North Dakota employers, accounting for upwards of 20 percent of all workplace fatalities statewide in a recent year. North Dakota oilfields expose workers to a variety of hazards, including dangerous substances and frequent contact with heavy equipment and machinery. Accidents on these sites can result in crush injuries, falls from heights, exposure to hazardous materials, and more, and proper reporting and documentation can be crucial for injured workers seeking the compensation and benefits they deserve.
How to Report an Oilfield Accident
The oil and gas industry in North Dakota has stringent spill and incident reporting guidelines that employees should be aware of so they can take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their co-workers, and the environment from harm.
State and federal laws also require that agencies immediately be informed of an accidental spill or contamination accident. The State of North Dakota has an online form for reporting harmful spills and discharges.
The steps you should take during and after an oilfield accident should also be posted and visible in a location accessible to all employees, such as a breakroom or common area. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally provides employers with these display materials.
To protect yourself and to strengthen your compensation claim, consider the following:
- Seek medical attention for your accident-related injury immediately
- Report the accident to your manager, supervisor, or employer as soon as possible
- Document your injuries
- Keep detailed records of your medical expenses and other accident-related expenses
- Review your North Dakota workers’ compensation rights
- Consult with an experienced North Dakota oilfield injury attorney
- Avoid posting on social media about the accident and your injuries
- Explicitly follow your doctor’s treatment plan
Your employer may also have a specific accident reporting process. Follow your employer’s reporting process and consider reporting the accident to the proper local, state, or federal officials when necessary. An attorney can guide you through these processes.
Work-Related Injury Documentation
Working in the oilfield industry can be a high-risk occupation. Accidents, spills, and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause significant and life-altering injuries and occupational illnesses. Documenting your work-related injuries is crucial for pursuing fair compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Always seek medical attention for your injuries immediately after an accident or work-related incident. Medical records are one of the best forms of work-related injury documentation. You should also document the scene by taking photographs of the accident site and, if possible, your injuries. When able, ask witnesses to provide statements about what occurred and how the incident led to your injuries.
Other significant documentation includes medical bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other paperwork that outlines your accident-related expenses and financial losses. This documentation can help your attorney calculate the fair value of your worker’s compensation claim or (if applicable) personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can also work with you to secure other forms of documentation that may help build your claim, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Get Help from a North Dakota Oilfield Accident Injury Attorney
If you suffered an accident-related injury in a North Dakota oilfield, Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., can help. We fight for the rights of injured oilfield workers, advocating for them and pursuing fair compensation for their injuries and other losses. Our experienced legal team understands your challenges and wants to help you tackle them head-on.
Contact our office today to request a free legal consultation. Let’s discuss your options for recovering maximum compensation at no upfront cost to you.
