Dealing with insurers after suffering an oil field accident injury in Texas can be intimidating, frustrating, and confusing. Their insurance adjusters are already working behind the scenes to safeguard their bottom line while you are trying to recover physically, financially, and mentally. They may seem helpful at first, but you should know that their goal is not to pay what your claim is worth. It’s to settle quickly and cheaply or deny your claim.
These are the reasons we say that the best way to handle insurance adjusters after suffering an oil field accident injury is to work with a Texas oilfield accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of the state’s workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. At Moore Law Firm, our lawyers know how insurers operate and can fight for maximum compensation for you, whether through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
How to Talk to Insurance Adjusters to Protect Your Claim
Your employer’s insurance provider will quickly get involved once they learn you were injured on the job. You probably expect the insurer to cover your medical expenses, lost earnings, and other related expenses because that’s their responsibility. You will likely hear from an adjuster within days, if not hours. They may sound friendly or concerned to make you think they are on your side, even if their goal is to undervalue your claim.
They will use delaying tactics, request excessive documentation, or argue that your injury was pre-existing or caused by something unrelated to your job. So, when speaking with an adjuster, less is more. Keep your answers brief and factual. If they ask how you’re feeling, don’t say “I’m fine” or “getting better,” even if you’re just trying to be polite. They can use your comments later to downplay your injuries.
Never admit fault or guess what caused the accident. It’s perfectly okay to say, “I’m not sure yet,” or “I need to speak with my attorney,” if you are unsure about something. Likewise, avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. They often ask for one early in the process, usually before you’ve had a chance to fully understand your injuries or speak to your lawyer. While this may seem harmless, these recorded conversations are carefully designed to protect the insurance company, not you.
You should know that adjusters are trained to phrase questions in ways that can get you to downplay your injuries, admit fault, or make inconsistent statements. Even a simple slip of the tongue can weaken your claim. Discuss your case with an oilfield accident lawyer who can protect your rights before agreeing to record anything.
Even if the insurer acknowledges fault, they may offer a quick settlement that seems generous up front but falls far short of covering your long-term needs. Early offers are almost always lowball attempts to close the claim before you realize the full extent of accident-related losses. However, once you accept the settlement, you usually cannot go back and ask for more if your condition worsens or your medical bills pile up.
That’s why having a lawyer on your side is invaluable. They can handle these conversations for you, make sure nothing you say gets twisted against you, and fight for the full value of your claim. The earlier you work with a lawyer, the better protected your rights will be.
The Legal Challenges of Texas Oil Field Accident Injury Claims
Oilfield accident claims are not like typical car accident claims. These cases often involve multiple layers of liability, from subcontractors and third-party equipment manufacturers to landowners and corporate entities. Determining who’s responsible and holding them accountable will require in-depth investigation and knowledge of the oil and gas industry.
Some oilfield workers in Texas aren’t even covered by traditional workers’ compensation insurance. Many companies opt out of the state system and become nonsubscribers, which means injured workers may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation instead of a workers’ comp claim. This opens the door for larger financial recovery. However, it also means you will be up against seasoned corporate legal teams and insurance adjusters from the very beginning.
How a Texas Oilfield Accident Injury Lawyer Helps You Handle Insurance Adjusters After an Oil Field Accident Injury
Working with the right legal team can mean the difference between securing maximum compensation and settling your claim for less than it’s worth. The insurer won’t have a chance to take advantage of you because your oilfield accident attorney will handle all communications, so the adjuster can’t twist your words or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Your lawyer will bring in experts to evaluate the full scope of your injury, from immediate medical costs to long-term disability, pain and suffering, and lost earning potential.
They will dig deep into company safety records, maintenance logs, witness statements, and OSHA violations to build the strongest possible case. Additionally, they will fight for you, negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court.
Seek Legal Guidance From Our Texas Oilfield Accident Attorneys
The last thing you need is to be manipulated or misled by insurance adjusters after an oilfield injury. At Moore Law Firm, our Texas oilfield accident lawyers will not let that happen to you. Contact us at 504-840-5529 or online to arrange your no-cost consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What should I not say to an insurance adjuster after an oil field injury?
Avoid admitting fault, guessing causes, or saying “I’m fine.” Keep answers brief and factual, and never give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
Why are oil field accident claims more complex than car accident claims?
Oil field claims often involve multiple layers of liability, including subcontractors, third-party manufacturers, and corporate entities, requiring in-depth investigation.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation?
Yes, many Texas oil companies opt out of traditional workers’ compensation, meaning injured workers may need to file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation.