The Dangers of Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing – also called fracking – is a huge part of North Dakota’s oil industry. This process fuels economic growth, provides jobs, and contributes to energy independence. However, for the thousands of oil field workers in our state, fracking is not without its risks. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the challenges oil workers face. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, you should know your legal rights.

What is fracking?

Fracking is the process used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground. It involves drilling into the earth and injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to create cracks and fractures in rock formations. These fractures allow oil and gas to flow to the surface, where it’s collected and processed.

Fracking has helped North Dakota become one of the nation’s top oil-producing states, but the nature of the work poses serious risks to the men and women working in the oil industry.

What dangers do oil workers face with fracking?

Fracking sites are fast-paced and high-pressure environments. Workers often handle heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, and extreme conditions, which can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Here are some of the biggest dangers faced by oil field workers.

Equipment malfunctions and heavy machinery accidents

The process of fracking requires powerful equipment, including drilling rigs, high-pressure pumps, and trucks transporting heavy loads. When machinery is not properly maintained or if safety procedures aren’t followed, workers can suffer injuries like crushed limbs from falling equipment, severe lacerations from malfunctioning tools, amputations due to machinery entanglements, or fatal injuries from being struck by moving equipment.

Equipment should be in good working condition, and workers must undergo proper training to operate heavy machinery to minimize such risks.

Explosions and fires

Fracking uses flammable gases, pressurized chemicals, and ignition sources, which make oil fields a very hazardous environment. Frequent triggers for fires and explosions include gas leaks from wells or pipelines, equipment sparks near flammable materials, blowouts caused by pressure buildup, or chemical storage mistakes.

These types of incidents can lead to severe burns, respiratory injuries, and fatalities. Oil companies need to follow strict safety guidelines because of these significant risks.

Exposure to toxic chemicals

Because fracking fluids contain a mix of water, sand, and chemicals, prolonged exposure can cause respiratory issues, skin burns and rashes, neurological damage, or long-term illnesses like cancer.

Workers who develop serious health issues from chemical exposure may have the right to seek compensation.

Slip-and-fall accidents

Unfortunately, oil fields are filled with hazards that can lead to slip and fall injuries, such as:

• Spilled chemicals create slippery surfaces
• Uneven ground and unstable platforms
• Poorly-maintained walkways
• Extreme weather conditions like ice or mud

Falls can cause broken bones, head injuries, or spinal cord damage. Work areas should operate with careful safety precautions and protective equipment to prevent falls.

Truck and transportation accidents

A critical part of fracking operations includes transporting equipment, sand, water, and chemicals. Long hours and demanding schedules can put oil field truck drivers at risk. Common causes of truck accidents in fracking include fatigue from working long shifts, poorly maintained trucks, dangerous road conditions near well sites, and overloaded or improperly secured cargo.

If an oil field worker is injured in a truck accident, they may be entitled to compensation.

Overexertion and heat-related illnesses

Fracking is very physically demanding work. Employees often spend long hours in extreme temperatures, which can lead to heatstroke and dehydration, muscle strain and exhaustion, and long-term joint and back injuries.

Without adequate breaks, hydration stations, and proper safety measures to protect against these dangers, workers may suffer serious physical harm.

What are my legal rights after an oil field accident?

Have you been injured while working on a fracking site? You may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to understand your legal options, and the experienced oil field accident attorneys at Larson Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you determine your best course of action. Here’s what you need to know.

Here in North Dakota, most oil field workers are covered under workers’ compensation, which provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, workers’ comp doesn’t cover things like pain and suffering. In many cases, it also precludes employees from suing their employer.

Sometimes, an injury is caused by someone other than your employer. In these cases, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or trucking companies. These types of claims can help you recover additional compensation beyond workers’ comp.

If a worker is killed in a fracking accident, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These types of lawsuits provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

How can your Minot oil field accident attorneys help with my case?

Oil companies and their insurers often try to minimize claims or deny them outright. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we can:

• Investigate the accident to determine who is at fault
• Gather evidence, including safety records and witness statements
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies
• Take your case to court if necessary

We know how the oil industry operates, and we fight to get injured workers the compensation they deserve.

What should I do if I’ve been injured in a fracking accident?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a fracking accident, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights.

First, seek medical attention. Remember, your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get yourself checked out by a doctor. Notify your employer of the injury immediately and document the incident. Take photos, collect witness statements, and keep your medical documentation.

Finally, before accepting any kind of settlement, consult with our lawyers, who understand oil field accidents.

Have you or a loved one suffered injury in a fracking accident? Don’t face the legal process alone. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have the experience and dedication you need to fight for injured oil field workers and their families. You deserve fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our Minot oilfield accident attorneys now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.