An engineer’s understanding of the equipment. A trial lawyer’s understanding of the case.

Oilfield sites, refineries, chemical plants, and industrial facilities are some of the most dangerous workplaces in Texas. When something goes wrong, the injuries are often catastrophic, and the companies involved defend these cases aggressively.

Before law school, Josh Hopkins earned his mechanical engineering degree and worked for an oilfield equipment company. He understands how equipment is supposed to work and how it fails. He handles every case personally.

Common Oilfield and Industrial Accidents

• Explosions, fires, and flash fires
• Well blowouts and pressure releases
• Crane, rigging, and dropped-object accidents
• Falls from rigs, towers, and platforms
• Equipment and machinery failures
• Chemical exposure and toxic gas, including H2S
• Caught-in and crush injuries
• Oilfield truck and transportation crashes

Who May Be Responsible

Most worksites have many companies on them: operators, drilling contractors, service companies, equipment manufacturers, and staffing companies. Even if your own employer is protected by workers’ compensation, other companies on site may be responsible for your injuries.

Workers’ Compensation in Texas

Texas is the only state where private employers can opt out of workers’ compensation. That matters:

• If your employer doesn’t carry workers’ comp (a “non-subscriber”), you may be able to sue the employer directly for negligence, and the employer loses key defenses.
• If your employer does carry workers’ comp, you generally can’t sue the employer for negligence, but you may have claims against other companies. In a workplace death, the spouse and children may be able to bring a gross negligence claim against the employer.

The Engineering Advantage

Industrial cases turn on technical questions: why a valve failed, whether a guard was missing, whether a pressure system was designed and maintained properly. Josh reads the engineering himself, works closely with expert witnesses, and can spot weaknesses in the defense’s technical explanations.

Compensation You May Be Able To Recover

Depending on the facts, injured people and families may be able to seek compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Physical impairment and disfigurement

Don’t Wait — Deadlines Apply

Every claim has a legal deadline to file, and some are much shorter than people expect, especially claims involving a government vehicle, property, or employee, which can require written notice within months. Missing a deadline can end a claim permanently. The deadline in your case depends on your specific facts, so talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

This information is general and is not legal advice. Reading this website or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m getting workers’ comp benefits. Can I still have a case?

Possibly. Workers’ comp benefits don’t prevent claims against other companies that contributed to your injury.

How much does it cost?

Nothing up front. Oilfield and industrial cases are handled on a contingency fee, so there’s no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. The firm advances all case expenses. They are repaid from the recovery, and if there is no recovery, you owe nothing. Fee terms are explained in writing before you sign anything.

Talk to Josh Hopkins Today

If you were hurt in an oilfield, refinery, plant, or other industrial accident, talk to Josh directly. Call 361-31-LAWYR (361-315-2948) or request a free case review online. Se habla español.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Josh Hopkins is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lawyer responsible for this content: Josh Hopkins, Corpus Christi, Texas.