An oilfield accident claim falls under the personal injury umbrella. The damages you are entitled to receive fall under two main categories: economic (or “special”) and non-economic (or “general”).
Economic Damages
Economic damages are relatively simple to calculate. These are the straightforward monetary losses and expenses that you encounter as a result of your accident. Economic damages related to an injury in an oilfield accident may include:
- Hospital bills and copays
- Medication costs and copays
- Medical devices and mobility aids
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Paid help, such as housecleaning
- Lost wages due to an inability to work
- Lost earning capacity if your ability to work will be affected long-term or permanently
Non-Economic Damages Related to an Oilfield Accident
Now, not all types of losses have a clear dollar amount attached to them. Even so, you may be compensated for them in the form of non-economic damages. Non-economic damages include:
- Emotional, mental, and physical pain and suffering
- Anxiety and stress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may pursue a third type of damages called punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant if it’s determined that the accident was the result of the defendant’s gross negligence, fraud, or malice. The state of Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times the total economic damages, plus the amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Oilfield injury cases are complex, and you’re facing companies that want to pay you the least amount possible. To get the most damages you are entitled to after your oilfield accident, it’s important to work an experienced attorney. Call one of our oilfield injury attorneys and get the skilled, compassionate help you need, and the compensation you deserve. You can use our online form or call us at (432) 580-4878.