Oil field work in Knoxville carries risks that few other occupations match. When something goes wrong on a rig, at a refinery, or near heavy machinery, the resulting injuries are often severe—and sometimes deadly. With the help of a Knoxville workers’ compensation attorney, employees and their families deserve justice after these incidents, and Tennessee law provides several avenues to fair compensation.
Call The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto at (865) 691-2777 to pursue the financial compensation that you deserve today.
Hazards Knoxville Workers Face in the Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas sector exposes employees to serious dangers. Heavy equipment, combustible materials, elevated platforms, and toxic substances are part of daily operations. When operators prioritize speed or cost-cutting over safety protocols, the people on the ground are the ones who pay the price.
Some of the most common causes of Knoxville oil field accidents include:
- Oil truck collisions
- Chemical poisoning
- Battery explosions
- Falls from heights
- Crush injuries
- Well blowouts
- Workover rig collapses
- Fires at oil fields and wells
- Equipment and machinery malfunctions
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Tennessee
If you were injured while working on an oil field near Knoxville, you may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. This no-fault insurance system provides financial benefits to workers who are hurt during the course of their employment. Most employers in Tennessee are required to carry this coverage, including those in the oil and gas industry.
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Tennessee, you must follow these steps:
- Notify your supervisor of the work-related injury within 15 days.
- Your supervisor submits the First Report of Injury Form (Form C-20) to the workers’ compensation insurer within one day of being notified.
- The insurance carrier has 15 days from receiving the form to approve or deny your claim.
Benefits Available to Injured Oil Field Workers and Their Families
Tennessee workers’ comp covers reasonable medical treatment, travel costs to appointments, and a portion of your lost wages. Wage benefits fall into four categories:
- Temporary partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Permanent total disability.
The type of benefit you receive depends on whether your limitations are short-term or lasting, and whether you can return to any work at all. If a worker dies on the job, surviving family members may receive wage replacement benefits and up to $10,000 toward burial expenses.
When You Can Pursue a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit
When you file a workers’ compensation claim in Knoxville, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, there are situations where you may have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim — a workplace injury attorney in Knoxville will fight for the justice you or your loved one deserves.
If someone other than your employer or a coworker contributed to your injury, such as an equipment manufacturer, a contractor, or a property owner, you can pursue a civil claim against that party. This separate lawsuit can provide compensation for damages like medical care, lost wages, and the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have endured.
Discuss Your Oil Field Accident Case with The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto
Oil field injuries are rarely simple. Between workers’ compensation rules, third-party liability, and the tactics carriers use to limit payouts, the path to fair recovery can be challenging to walk alone. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto have handled cases tied to Tennessee’s oil and gas industry for years, and we know how to build claims that hold up against well-funded opponents.
Contact us today to discuss what happened and what your case may be worth.