When the alarm screams on a rig, your life changes in a split second. Suddenly, you aren’t just fighting an injury; you are fighting a corporation with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. If you are searching for a Houston oilfield accident lawyer, you likely already feel the pressure of mounting bills and silence from your employer.
To win against Big Oil, you can’t hire a generalist. You need a specialized oilfield injury lawyer in Houston, Texas, who you can trust—someone who knows the industry inside out and isn’t afraid of a courtroom.
Below, we reveal the top Houston Oilfield Injury Attorneys who have the experience and resources to level the playing field and secure your future.
Disclaimer:
The information in this listing is provided for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and credibility, InfinixMob.com does not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes from the attorneys or law firms mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their own due diligence and consult directly with the firms before making legal decisions.
- Top Rated Houston Oilfield Accident Attorneys (Vetted List)
- How We Selected The Best Houston Oilfield Injury Attorneys
- The Clock is Ticking: Statute of Limitations for Oilfield Injuries
- Why You Need a Specialized Oilfield Injury Attorney
- What to Do After an Oilfield Accident in Houston
- Understanding Texas Labor Laws: The "Non-Subscriber" Edge
- Damages You Can Recover After Suffering an Oilfield Injury
- Glossary of Oilfield Terms (Know Your Rights)
- Conclusion: Don't Let Big Oil Win
- FAQ: Best Houston, TX Oilfield Injury Lawyers
Top Rated Houston Oilfield Accident Attorneys (Vetted List)
Finding a lawyer is easy. Finding the right one is hard. We have done the heavy lifting to vet the Best Houston Oilfield Accident Lawyers, TX has to offer. These aren’t just billboard lawyers; these are trial-tested litigators who understand the difference between a roughneck and a roustabout.
The following is a curated list of top-tier legal talent. We recommend scheduling free consultations with at least two firms to see who you connect with best.)
1. Arnold & Itkin LLP

- Location: 6009 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
- Practice Areas: Oilfield Accidents, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, etc.
- Recognition & Awards: Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Top Verdicts and Settlements, The Inner Circle of Advocates, NTL: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and more.
- Client Ratings:
- Case Highlights or Results: They secured a historic $357 million settlement for a workplace accident and a $139 million recovery for an onshore oilfield explosion.
- Why They Stand Out: They have won over $20 billion total and represented a third of the crew from the Deepwater Horizon explosion, specializing in high-stakes “David vs. Goliath” litigation.
- Fee Policy: Contingency (no win, no fee)
- Phone: +1713-497-1446
- Visit the Arnold & Itkin LLP website
2. Zehl & Associates

- Location: 2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056, United States
- Practice Areas: Oilfield Accidents, Maritime & Offshore Injuries, etc.
- Recognition & Awards: Trucking Trial Lawyers (Top 10), Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and more
- Client Ratings:
- Case Highlights or Results: They won a $100 million settlement for a West Texas oil rig blowout and a $90 million settlement for an oilfield burn victim, the largest in U.S. history.
- Why They Stand Out: They are an undefeated trial firm that has recovered billions and was named “Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year” by the National Law Journal.
- Fee Policy: Contingency (no win, no fee)
- Phone: +1713-322-3878
- Visit the Zehl & Associates website
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3. Smith & Hassler

- Location: 1225 N Loop W #525, Houston, TX 77008, United States
- Practice Areas: Oilfield Accidents, Truck Accidents, Car Accidents, Hunting Accidents, Accidental Shootings, etc
- Recognition & Awards: Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating), Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV – Preeminent, and more.
- Client Ratings:
- Case Highlights or Results: Notable wins include a $2.48 million recovery for an industrial plant fall and $1.38 million for victims of an 18-wheeler collision.
- Why They Stand Out: They are known for their “Tell Them You Mean Business” aggressive advocacy and provide direct financial assistance for medical bills and living costs while cases are pending.
- Fee Policy: Contingency (no win, no fee)
- Phone: +1713-739-1250
- Visit the Smith & Hassler website
4. Attorney Brian White & Associates

- Location: 3120 Southwest Fwy Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098, United States
- Practice Areas: Oilfield Accidents, Oil Rig Accidents, Offshore Injuries, Truck Accidents, etc.
- Recognition & Awards: Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Top 50 Verdicts (Verdict Search), Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and more.
- Client Ratings:
- ★ 4.9/5 on Google (1,500+ reviews)
- ★ 0.0/5 on Yelp (reviews)
- Case Highlights or Results: They secured a massive $62 million judgment for an industrial explosion case and have recovered tens of millions for victims of oil rig collapses, blowouts, and equipment failures.
- Why They Stand Out: Brian White is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law (top 3% in Texas) and was recently voted “Best of the Best” for personal injury litigation by the Houston Chronicle in 2025.
- Fee Policy: Contingency (no win, no fee)
- Phone: +1713-364-1466
- Visit the Attorney Brian White & Associates website
5. Terry & Thweatt, P.C.

- Location: 114 Byrne St, Houston, TX 77009, United States
- Practice Areas: Oilfield Injuries, Offshore Injuries, Refinery Injuries, Commercial truck Accidents,etc.
- Recognition & Awards: Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV – Preeminent”, Million Dollar Advocate Forum, The National Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, Super Lawyers, and more.
- Client Ratings:
- Case Highlights or Results: They secured a $10.3 million settlement for the family of an oilfield worker fatally burned in a rig explosion and $3.7 million for a pipeline explosion victim.
- Why They Stand Out: Founded by former U.S. Marines, the firm is known for a “small by design” approach where the partners personally handle every case from start to finish rather than passing them to paralegals.
- Fee Policy: Contingency (no win, no fee)
- Phone: +1713-600-4710
- Visit the Terry & Thweatt, P.C. website
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How We Selected The Best Houston Oilfield Injury Attorneys
We didn’t just pick names out of a hat. At InfinixMob, our goal is to connect you with legal representation that can actually stand up to billion-dollar energy companies. We used a strict 4-point vetting process to select the attorneys listed above:
Oilfield-Specific Track Record: We looked for firms that have secured multi-million dollar verdicts specifically in oil and gas cases (blowouts, rig fires, H2S exposure), not just general car accidents.
Trial Capability: Insurance companies know which lawyers settle cheap and which ones go to court. Our selections are not afraid to take a case to a jury verdict.
“Non-Subscriber” Expertise: Texas oilfield law is unique. We prioritized lawyers who specialize in “Non-Subscriber” cases (where the employer doesn’t have Workers’ Comp), as these require a higher level of technical legal skill.
No Upfront Fees: All attorneys on this list operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they front all the costs for investigation and experts, and you only pay if they win your case.
The Clock is Ticking: Statute of Limitations for Oilfield Injuries
This is the most critical section of this entire guide. In Texas, you do not have unlimited time to decide.
Under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, the Statute of Limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Why You Cannot Wait:
The “Two-Year” Hard Stop: If you file your lawsuit one day after the two-year mark, your case will almost certainly be thrown out of court, and you will receive $0, no matter how severe your injuries are.
Evidence Disappears: In the oilfield, evidence “walks away.” Rigs are moved to new locations, drill crews are reassigned to different states, and surveillance footage is overwritten. The sooner you hire a Houston oil field accident lawyer, the sooner they can file a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to stop the company from destroying evidence.
The “Discovery Rule” Exception: In rare cases (like slow-developing illnesses from chemical exposure), the clock might start when you discovered the injury, but you should never bank on this exception without a lawyer’s advice.
Why You Need a Specialized Oilfield Injury Attorney
You wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix an electrical panel, so why hire a traffic ticket lawyer for a rig explosion? Oil and gas law is a different beast entirely.
A general work injury lawyer might look at your case and see a simple “slip and fall.” A true oilfield injury attorney sees the complex web of liability. They know that on a single job site, you have the Operator (Big Oil), the Drilling Contractor, the Casing Crew, the Mud Loggers, and the Equipment Manufacturers.
If your oilfield accident lawyer doesn’t understand this hierarchy, they might sue your employer (who has limited liability) but miss the third-party contractor who actually caused the accident—costing you millions in potential recovery.
What to Do After an Oilfield Accident in Houston

The first 48 hours are critical. While you are recovering in the hospital, the company is already dispatching their “Rapid Response Team” to the site to control the narrative. Here is how you protect yourself:
Stop Work & Report It: Report the injury to the Company Man or Toolpusher immediately. If it’s not written down, they will claim it never happened.
Get Independent Medical Care: The “company doctor” works for the company, not you. Their goal is often to minimize your injury to keep OSHA recordables low. Go to a trusted ER or specialist.
Silence is Golden: You will likely be approached by an insurance adjuster acting very friendly. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not sign anything.
Secure Evidence: If possible, get names and phone numbers of witnesses (your crew, other contractors). Photos of the rig floor or defective equipment are gold.
Call a Professional: Contact a Houston oil field accident lawyer to file a lawsuit in the Harris County District Courts before the evidence “disappears” or the rig moves to the next location.
Understanding Texas Labor Laws: The “Non-Subscriber” Edge
This is the secret “Big Oil” doesn’t want you to know.
Most injured workers immediately start searching for workers compensation attorneys or workmans comp lawyers. In most states, that’s the right move. But Texas is unique. Texas allows employers to “opt-out” of the state Workers’ Compensation system. These employers are called “Non-Subscribers.”
If your employer is a Non-Subscriber, you are not limited to the tiny checks from workers’ comp. You can sue them directly for negligence.
The catch? You have to prove they were at fault.
The upside? If you win, you can recover full lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages—amounts that a standard workplace injury claim would never cover. A smart work injury lawyer in Houston will check your employer’s status on day one.
Damages You Can Recover After Suffering an Oilfield Injury
While your hospital bill piles up fast, you have to ensure that you get a qualified oilfield injury lawyer in Houston that understands your needs and know how to calculate future losses, not just today’s bills.
Economic Damages: This covers your medical bills (surgeries, rehab) and your lost wages. For high-earners like directional drillers or company men, this loss is massive.
Non-Economic Damages: This pays for the human cost—the pain, the physical impairment, the disfigurement, and the mental anguish (PTSD) that follows a traumatic event.
Punitive Damages: If the company was grossly negligent—like ignoring safety alarms to speed up drilling—the court may award these damages to punish the company.
Glossary of Oilfield Terms (Know Your Rights)
To communicate effectively with your Houston oilfield injury attorneys, it is helpful to understand the terminology.
Blowout Preventer (BOP): A heavy valve stack used to seal, control, and monitor oil and gas wells to prevent blowouts.
Company Man: The representative of the oil company (Operator) on the drilling location. They are essentially the boss of the site.
Roughneck: A floor hand who handles the drill pipe and general labor.
Tour (pronounced “Tower”): Your work shift (e.g., “I was working the morning tour”).
Non-Subscriber: An employer who has opted out of Texas state workers’ compensation coverage.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Big Oil Win
The oil and gas industry is the backbone of the Texas economy, but it breaks the backs of the workers who build it. If you have been hurt, the company has a playbook to minimize your payout. You need a playbook of your own.
Don’t settle for a quick check that won’t cover your bills five years from now. Reach out to one of the Houston oilfield accident lawyers listed above. They have the resources to hire experts, reconstruct the accident, and stare down the big corporate legal teams until you get what you deserve.
Your recovery starts with the first call. Make it count.
FAQ: Best Houston, TX Oilfield Injury Lawyers
What’s a Houston oilfield accident attorney?
A Houston oilfield accident attorney is a specialized personal injury lawyer who represents workers injured in the oil and gas industry. Unlike general attorneys, these legal experts understand the complex hierarchy of the oil patch—including OSHA regulations, the Jones Act (for offshore claims), and Texas Non-Subscriber laws. Their primary goal is to investigate rig disasters, identify liable third-party contractors, and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering against powerful energy corporations.
Do I really need a lawyer if the company is paying my medical bills?
Yes. They may be paying bills now to keep you from filing a lawsuit. Once the statute of limitations runs out, those payments will stop, and you will be left with nothing. A workplace injury lawyer ensures your future is protected, not just your present.
How much does an oilfield injury attorney cost?
Most credible oilfield injury lawyer Houston firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. They only get paid a percentage if they win your case.
Can I sue if the accident was partially my fault?
Often, yes. Texas uses “proportionate responsibility.” Unless you were more than 50% at fault, you may still be able to recover damages. Do not admit fault until you speak to an attorney for workers’ comp or personal injury.
What Is the Leading Cause of Death in the Oilfield Industry?
According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents are consistently the leading cause of death in the oilfield industry. This includes highway crashes involving frac sand trucks, crew vans, and heavy equipment haulers. The second most common cause is “struck-by” incidents, where workers are hit by falling pipe, swinging tongs, or pressurized equipment on the rig floor.
What Are Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents in Texas?
Oilfield accidents in Texas are rarely just “bad luck”; they are usually the result of negligence or rushing to meet drilling quotas. The most common causes include:
1. Safety Violations: Ignoring OSHA protocols to speed up production.
2. Equipment Failure: Defective blowout preventers (BOPs), top drives, or winches.
3. Fatigue: Crew members working overtime shifts without adequate rest.
4. Improper Training: Green hands (new hires) operating heavy machinery without supervision.
5. Chemical Exposure: Unprotected exposure to toxic Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas.
Who Is Responsible for Oilfield Accidents?
Responsibility is often split among multiple parties, which is why hiring an experienced oilfield injury lawyer Houston trusts is critical. Potential liable parties include:
1. The Operator (Oil Company): For overall site safety negligence.
2. The Employer: If they failed to provide safety gear or training.
3. Third-Party Contractors: Casing crews, mud loggers, or transport companies who may have caused the hazard.
4. Equipment Manufacturers: If a specific tool or machine part failed.
5. Property Owners: If the physical site conditions were inherently dangerous.
What Is My Oilfield Accident Case Worth?
The value of an oilfield injury case varies significantly based on the severity of the injury and the negligence involved. While no Houston oilfield injury attorneys can guarantee a specific number, settlements often cover:
1. Economic Damages: Past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost earning capacity (crucial for high-earners like drillers).
2. Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, mental anguish, PTSD, and physical disfigurement.
3. Punitive Damages: In cases of “gross negligence,” Texas courts may award additional millions to punish the company for reckless behavior.
What Are Common Oilfield Accidents?
The most frequent types of accidents seen by Houston Oilfield Injury Attorneys involve high-risk mechanical and environmental hazards, such as:
1. Well Blowouts: Uncontrolled release of crude oil and gas leading to explosions.
2. Falls from Heights: Falling from the derrick board, monkey board, or rig floor.
3. Crush Injuries: Hands or limbs getting caught in tongs, spinning chains, or drill pipe.
4. Toxic Inhalation: Breathing in silica dust (silicosis) or H2S gas.
5. Electrical Shocks: Contact with high-voltage power lines or generator failures.
Where Do You Take Oilfield Cases?
Top-tier oilfield injury lawyers in Houston typically accept cases statewide and even nationally due to the mobile nature of the industry. Common jurisdictions include:
1. The Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa area).
2. The Eagle Ford Shale (South Texas).
3. Offshore/Gulf of Mexico (Maritime and Jones Act claims).
4. The Haynesville Shale (East Texas).
Regardless of where the accident happened, the lawsuit is often filed in Houston (Harris County) because that is where many major oil companies are headquartered.
What Should I Do After an Oilfield Accident?
To protect your right to compensation, follow these five critical steps immediately:
1. Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor (Company Man) instantly. Ensure an incident report is filed.
2. Seek Independent Medical Care: Do not rely solely on the company doctor. Go to a hospital of your choice to document the true extent of your injuries.
3. Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, the equipment involved, and your injuries. Collect names and numbers of witnesses.
4. Refuse Recorded Statements: Do not speak to insurance adjusters or sign settlement offers without legal counsel.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Call a Houston oilfield accident attorney immediately to file a preservation letter, preventing the company from destroying evidence.
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