Many New Yorkers consider working in the oil and gas industry mainly because of the good pay. It can be a dangerous way to make a living, however. A recent accident at an oilfield has left a man in critical condition.
The work-related accident happened on the evening of Feb. 18 in Louisiana. The man and his co-workers were pumping crude oil into a tank when a hatch blew open. The hatch cover ended up hitting the man in the chest and face. He was taken to a local hospital, where he is seeking medical treatment for serious injuries.
After an accident on the job, it’s important for the victim to not only seek medical help but financial help as well. Workers’ compensation benefits can help victims with bills and medical expenses while they are off work recuperating from their injuries. Under New York’s workers’ compensation law, injured workers are entitled to medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and disability and retraining benefits, amongh other benefits.
Employers are obligated to pay workers’ compensation regardless of whether the employer was at fault. The employer is immune from a civil lawsuit by the employee as long as they pay the benefits.
If a third party other than the employer is found to be at fault in causing the accident, the the employee can bring a civil lawsuit against that party. In such a third-party liability suit, the employee can recover damages over and above what is payable under the workers’ compensation statute, including damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Source: KATC.com, “Oilfied worker hospitalized following accident on job,” Ian Auzenne, Feb. 19, 2014