The Bakken energy boom brought jobs and heavy industry to eastern Montana — along with serious injury risks. Oilfield injury claims are complex, often involving multiple parties and overlapping legal rules.
A High-Risk Industry
Oilfield and energy work involves heavy equipment, high pressures, flammable materials, and demanding schedules. Common injuries include burns, crush injuries, falls, equipment failures, and trucking crashes on the heavily traveled roads around the Bakken. Fatigue from long shifts compounds the danger.
Eastern Montana counties tied to energy production see these serious workplace injuries regularly.
Workers' Comp and Beyond
An injured worker is typically covered by workers' compensation, which provides benefits regardless of fault but limits the ability to sue the employer directly. However, many oilfield injuries involve third parties — equipment manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, or trucking companies — who can be sued separately.
These third-party claims can provide compensation beyond workers' comp, including for pain and suffering not available through comp alone.
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Oilfield worksites involve a web of companies: operators, drilling contractors, service companies, equipment suppliers, and trucking firms. Determining who is responsible for an injury — and which claims are available — requires careful investigation. The right analysis can substantially expand the available compensation.
Defective equipment, unsafe practices by another contractor, or a negligent truck driver can all support third-party claims.
Trucking and Road Risks
The energy industry generates heavy truck traffic on rural roads not built for it. Oilfield-related trucking crashes are a major source of serious injury in eastern Montana, and they bring their own body of trucking-liability rules involving the driver, the carrier, and federal regulations.
These crashes often involve significant injuries and multiple potentially liable parties.
Get Experienced Help
Because oilfield injury claims combine workers' comp, third-party liability, product issues, and sometimes trucking law, experienced representation is valuable. A free review can map out your options.
If you were injured in Montana's energy industry, call 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential review.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have a third-party claim against a contractor, equipment maker, or trucking company even if workers' comp covers the employer. These claims can provide compensation beyond comp benefits.
Burns, crush and equipment injuries, falls, and trucking crashes are common. Many involve multiple responsible parties.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Montana attorney. Injury Claim Team is a legal referral and lead-generation service, not a law firm.