What should you do immediately after an oilfield accident?

There is no doubt about the fact that the oil and gas industry pays more than several other jobs. It is extremely common for oil field workers to get six-figure wages, but at the same time, they are the ones who are exposed to different types of safety risks that are associated with their job.  Oil and gas industry workers operate heavy machinery and face excessive pressure to extract as much gas and oil as they can. 

Due to the nature of the hazards associated with this industry, it has the highest injury rates in the United States of America. If you ask an oil field accident lawyer,  he will tell you that most of these accidents are preventable.  What are the steps that you need to take after an oil field accident? Keep reading to learn more. 

• Inform your employer about the accident

The first step that you need to take after an oil and gas accident is to notify the immediate supervisor regarding the injuries that you sustained. Not reporting the accident on time might result in you losing your job or hampering your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries. Make sure you remain honest while reporting the accident, and if it is possible for you, try to complete an incident report. Tell your employer exactly what happened, and show him all the body parts that were hurt.

• Get medical attention to treat your injuries

Once you are done notifying your employer about the accident, you need to seek medical help to treat your injuries. Your employer is legally bound to make sure you receive all types of medical treatment to ensure your injury does not spin out of control. It is important for you to receive an accurate diagnosis of your condition soon after the accident, as this is critical in helping you receive the compensation that you deserve. 

• Get in touch with a reliable oil field accident lawyer

By this point,  it will become necessary to have a formal investigation of the entire accident and the factors that triggered the same. This will happen only after you report your injury. As soon as you report your injury,  there will be multiple investigations based on the insurance company that is covering your loss. Don't speak with a claim adjuster without contacting your oil field accident lawyer. Any wrong statement that you make to the claim adjuster might be recorded and used against you. 

• Keep all medical records and follow the advice of your doctor

The insurance company, your employer, and its workers' compensation provider will pay heed to any missed medical appointments or failure to follow up with your doctor. They will take these incidents into account and use them as an opportunity to dispute the severity of your injuries. This is why you should have a written record of your medical care and carry all your medical documents related to your treatment. 

Once you have taken all the steps that you ought to take, just wait for the consequences. When you work with a knowledgeable lawyer, you can rest assured that he will help you protect your legal rights.