Two men were found dead at an oil drilling site in Eddy County, New Mexico by authorities on Wednesday, March 4. The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident to figure out how the men were killed. Identified as Nicholas Gerberich and Storm Hutchins, the two were found unconscious and not breathing.
The oil site is an operation run out of Midland by Concho Resources, and the accident occurred off County Road 722 and US 285.
While no one knows how the men died yet, the sheriff’s office reported that “there are numerous hazards. There are high powerlines. There is moving machinery, heavy equipment, poisonous gases. It can be dangerous for people working there and people traveling through that area.”
Common Causes of Oil Site Accidents
It’s no secret that oilfield work is one of the most dangerous professions. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the annual fatality rate among oil and gas extraction workers has climbed in recent years to 30.5 per 100,000 workers.
Working in an oilfield can be dangerous due to the heavy equipment and hazardous chemicals that are often present on the site. While the industry is governed by various safety regulations, accidents still occur often and can produce catastrophic injuries.
Common causes of oil field accidents include:
- Defective equipment
- Safety regulation violations
- Improper maintenance
- Poor supervision
- Lack of training
- Failure to conduct inspections of site
All of the above causes are caused by negligence on the part of employees, supervisors, and inspectors, and can easily be avoided through proper training.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Oil industry-related accidents can be devastating and produce injuries that range from minor to serious, and are also known to cause deaths.
Common injuries associated with oilfields include:
- Skin injuries, such as chemical burns, cuts, lacerations, and bruises
- Burns, including first-degree burns, second-degree burns (partial-thickness), and third-degree burns (full-thickness), as well as blistering and scarring
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Limb injuries, which can result in amputation or permanent damage to limb functionality
- Soft tissue injuries, such as the tearing of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as sprains and fractures
Tens of Millions Recovered for the Injured
Working in the oil industry can be dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you deserve to be injured on the job. If you or someone you love has been injured or passed away due to another party’s negligence, our oilfield accident attorney is here for you. From oilrig trucking accidents to toxic exposure, fires, falls, and more, we’ve helped countless oil workers who have suffered from both physical pain and their financial burdens. Through fierce advocacy, we’re able to achieve full compensation for our clients’ medical bills, lost wages, disabilities, and other damages. With tens of millions of dollars recovered for our clients throughout the years, we have the experience and resources needed to help you, no matter what your unique situation may be.
If you’ve been injured while working at an oil site, or if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by negligence, call our personal injury attorney at (575) 222-2702, or contact us online. At Crow Law Firm, B.J. Crow has nearly 20 years of experience in litigation, and fights aggressively for his clients’ rights.