How to use this guide
Use the section links to find the records, deadlines, and questions most relevant to your situation.
Topic
Can I Sue My Oil Field Employer?
How workers' compensation and possible third-party claims differ.
Start with
Possible Third-Party Claims
Use the section links to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Individual questions
Case-specific review
An attorney can address how the facts, evidence, deadlines, and governing law apply to a particular matter.
01
Possible Third-Party Claims
Oklahoma workers' compensation law generally limits negligence claims against a direct employer, but an oil-field site may involve several companies, contractors, equipment owners, or drivers.
Whether a separate claim may exist depends on who caused the injury, the parties' legal relationships, and the evidence.
02
Comparison: Comp vs. Civil Suit
| Feature | Workers' Comp | Civil Lawsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Benefits and provider rules are governed by workers' compensation law. | Medical expenses may be recoverable when supported by liability and damages evidence. |
| Lost Wages | Available benefits and limits depend on workers' compensation law. | Past or future wage loss may be recoverable when legally and factually supported. |
| Pain & Suffering | Not a separate workers' compensation benefit category. | May be recoverable under applicable law and evidence. |
| Punitive Damages | Not a workers' compensation benefit category. | Available only when the governing law and evidence support them. |
03
Example Scenario
Consider a hypothetical worker employed by ABC Drilling who is hit by a forklift driven by an employee of XYZ Casing.
- The worker may have a workers' compensation claim through the employer.
- A separate claim against the other company may also require review, depending on responsibility, employment relationships, and available evidence.
The available claims and damages are case-specific and should be evaluated under current Oklahoma law.
Review the Record Early
Evidence can change quickly. Attorney review can help identify records, deadlines, and preservation issues.