Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Work in oilfields, gas rigs, and refineries can be rewarding, but it comes with serious risks. In Oklahoma, workers face one of the highest rates of job-related injuries and deaths in the country, especially in oil and gas extraction. Explosions and fires on worksites can leave employees and their families facing overwhelming losses—medical bills, lost income, and sometimes the unthinkable: death.
A recent Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling has changed the legal landscape for injured oilfield workers and their loved ones. This blog breaks down what you need to know if you or someone close to you was hurt in a gas or oil rig explosion in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s energy industry powers jobs across the state, but the work is dangerous. Whether it’s handling pressurized equipment, hauling wastewater, or working near flammable chemicals, even a small mistake can have deadly consequences.
From 2003 to 2010, 823 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job in the U.S. — a fatality rate seven times higher than the national average. — OSHA Fatality Report
Explosions and fires often stem from overlooked maintenance, equipment failure, or safety violations. When this happens, workers can suffer severe burns, lung damage, or traumatic injuries. Some don’t survive.
In a landmark case, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a law that had previously shielded oil and gas companies from certain lawsuits. The case centered around a truck driver who was severely burned while picking up wastewater from a well site. He died three days later from his injuries. His family tried to sue, but their case was dismissed under a law that gave oil companies special protection.
The Supreme Court reversed that.
No valid reason exists for the special treatment of the oil and gas industry. — Oklahoma Supreme Court, ruling on 2014 oilfield explosion case
Now, companies can be held accountable through the courts—just like in other industries.
This ruling matters because it gives injured workers and grieving families new legal options. Usually, on-the-job injuries are handled through workers’ Compensation. But workers’ comp doesn’t always cover everything. If an oil company or third-party contractor acted carelessly, you might have grounds for a separate lawsuit.
These are called third-party claims. You may be able to sue a party outside your direct employer if they caused or contributed to unsafe conditions.
For example, you may have a claim if:
These claims can result in Compensation above what workers’ compensation offers.
Explosions on job sites are rarely just bad luck. In many cases, they are preventable. Unsafe practices, poor supervision, and cost-cutting shortcuts often play a role.
Cause of Explosion | Description |
| Equipment Failure | Malfunctioning valves, pumps, or pressure systems |
| Lack of Safety Training | Inadequate protocols or training on handling hazardous materials |
| Pipeline Leaks or Ruptures | Old or poorly maintained infrastructure |
| Chemical Reactions | Incompatible substances or uncontrolled gas buildup |
| Negligent Subcontractors | Unqualified or unsupervised third-party crews |
| Ignored OSHA Regulations | Non-compliance with federal safety standards |
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an oilfield explosion, there may be several ways to seek justice. Workers’ Compensation covers medical costs and partial wages, but it doesn’t pay for pain, long-term disability, or emotional harm. It also won’t hold third parties accountable.
Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuits may allow you to recover damages that workers’ comp doesn’t offer. These lawsuits can target companies or contractors whose actions directly contributed to the explosion.
You may be eligible to claim:
The outcome of your case depends on its unique facts. Past successes do not guarantee future results.
An attorney can help you determine whether your situation qualifies for a third-party claim—and build a case that shows what went wrong and who’s responsible.
Explosion lawsuits aren’t simple. Multiple companies may be involved, and each one will try to avoid blame. A knowledgeable lawyer can uncover evidence, work with safety experts, and handle negotiations with powerful insurance companies.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases across Oklahoma. We understand the devastation a worksite explosion brings. Our attorneys investigate every angle—safety violations, faulty machinery, improper training—and fight for the compensation victims deserve.
No attorney fees unless we win your case. Clients may still be responsible for costs. — Required Disclaimer
We take on the legal stress so that you and your family can focus on healing.
Yes, suppose a third party (such as the oil company or a contractor) caused the explosion due to negligence. In that case, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits.
You may be entitled to Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. In fatal cases, families may seek damages for wrongful death and funeral expenses.
Your legal team may investigate safety violations, equipment failures, lack of training, or subcontractor conduct to build a case showing the explosion could have been prevented.
Yes. Workers’ Compensation covers limited benefits, but a lawsuit can hold third parties accountable for full financial and emotional damages.
While not daily occurrences, Oklahoma’s active oil and gas industry sees multiple explosion-related incidents each year. Many involve preventable safety failures.
Seek medical attention immediately, document the incident if possible, report the injury to your employer, and consult a personal injury lawyer with experience in industrial accident cases.
Oklahoma’s recent court ruling is a significant step toward holding oil and gas companies accountable for unsafe work conditions. It gives injured workers and their families a path to seek justice—especially when third-party negligence leads to explosions, fires, or serious harm.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a worksite explosion, know that you’re not alone. Legal support can help you understand your rights, investigate what went wrong, and take action.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Oklahoma families recover after oilfield accidents. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on your future.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
