Oilfield Blowout Lawyer in Texas
When a Blowout Happens, Everything Around It Changes Fast
An oilfield blowout is the kind of incident people in West Texas never forget. Workers remember the sound, the pressure, the fire, and the panic that follows when a well suddenly goes out of control. Families remember the phone call that came afterward.
In the hours and days after a blowout, most people are not thinking about legal claims.
They are trying to figure out:
- Whether their loved one is going to recover
- How long they will be out of work
- Who is actually responsible for what happened
- And why the incident happened in the first place
At Kemmy Law Firm, P.C., we’ve worked with injured workers and families across Texas and New Mexico facing exactly those questions. Our firm has handled serious industrial injury cases since 1986. We understand how disruptive these events are for the people depending on that paycheck.
Call (830) 264-6297 and let us help you. We are available to talk through your situation during a free consultation. Virtual meetings and bilingual support are available for Spanish-speaking families.
What Is an Oilfield Blowout?
A blowout happens when pressure inside a well is no longer controlled during drilling or production. Once that control is lost, oil, gas, or drilling fluids can violently escape the wellbore.
Because of the immense pressures involved, these incidents often lead to:
- Explosions and large fires. Ignited by sparks or hot engines on the rig floor.
- Equipment collapse. The force of the release can compromise the derrick or surrounding structures.
- Toxic exposure. High concentrations of H2S gas or other chemicals.
- Site evacuations. Often affecting multiple contractors and nearby residents.
For workers on the rig, there is usually very little warning before a "kick" turns into a life-threatening release.
We have a saying that goes "When you hire the Kemmy Law Firm, you don't just hire one lawyer, you hire a team of lawyers." Tom Kemmy is an award-winning and board certified personal injury lawyer who has been practicing injury law since 1986. His sons are experienced personal injury lawyers and former prosecutors that represented the State of Texas against murderers, thieves, drug traffickers, and violent criminals. We put our combined experience and knowledge in the pursuit of one goal, to win and obtain maximum justice for our client.
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$19.4 MILLION Jury Verdict Wrongful Death of an elderly woman at Assisted Living facility.
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$9.1 MILLION Young mother suffers a Wernicke's Brain Injury
Oilfield Injury Claims Across the U.S
Although Kemmy Law Firm has designated office locations, we aren’t pigeon-holed to serving places nearby. We take cases nationwide that include the following areas:
Although Kemmy Law Firm has designated office locations, we aren’t pigeon-holed to serving places nearby. We take cases nationwide that include the following areas:
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Permian Basin, TX/NM:Covering West Texas and parts of New Mexico, the Permian Basin accounts for half of all US oil production. While many call this area their home and the neighboring oilfields their livelihood, employees depend on a safe work environment absent of negligence.
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Eagle Ford Shale, TX:Spanning 400 miles across parts of Southern Texas and 50 miles wide, the Eagle Ford Shale is lush with oil and natural gas deposits. These in-demand resources benefit the local economy and in turn, the rest of the nation. However, when economic potential overshadows workplace safety, people get hurt.
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Bakken, ND/MN:
Although many think of Texas when it comes to oil production, the Bakken Shale is estimated to have anywhere from 1.3 to 7.4 billion barrels of undiscovered oil. By encompassing parts of North Dakota, Montana, and Canada, the Bakken Shale proves to be one of the nation’s largest shale plays. The potential value and overall scale of the Bakken Shale creates a need for increased workplace safety.
These are only a few of the many areas we serve nationwide. From Southern Texas to North Dakota and all across the US, Kemmy Law Firm helps you pursue the max for your damages.
What Usually Causes a Blowout?
Most blowouts are not caused by a single mistake.
In our experience, they involve a chain of operational failures happening at once:
- Pressure-control failures. Well pressure must be monitored constantly. If warning signs like "pit gains" are missed or ignored, the situation becomes unmanageable quickly.
- Blowout preventer (BOP) problems. These systems are designed to stop uncontrolled pressure. If the BOP is poorly maintained, improperly tested, or malfunctioning, the entire site is left vulnerable.
- Poor communication between contractors. Large sites involve several companies. Miscommunication during high-risk operations, like cementing or tripping pipe, can create dangerous conditions.
- Inadequate training. Especially in active regions like the Permian Basin, newer workers may be placed into hazardous roles without proper supervision.
- Production pressure. When companies prioritize speed over maintenance and safety inspections, the risk of catastrophic failure increases significantly.
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"They were so patient and explained everything in detail."
Everyone we worked with was amazing. They were so patient and explained everything in detail. They worked with my mom and then when she passed away the game plan changed and they made sure to explain everything. We were blessed to have them on our team. I would highly recommend them.
- Dora M. -
"What surprised me most was the immediate help and desire to help."For my Hispanic compatriots, I would like to share my experience with the Kemmy Law Firm. What surprised me most was the immediate help and desire to help. They provided me with the steps that, as you will understand, are often complicated to achieve my goals.- Carlos L.
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"I wholeheartedly endorse Kemmy Law without reservation."Working with Tom and Nick Kemmy on my case was a far better experience than I expected going in. They were thoughtful and listened to what I had to say. It was also gratifying that Kemmy Law Firm is truly a family affair with the Dad, Thomas, four sons and a daughter in law, Nick's wife, working together. If you're looking for legal representation, I wholeheartedly endorse Kemmy Law without reservation.- Jerry G.
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"I would recommend the Kemmy Law Firm 100 times out of 100."
We could not be more satisfied with Kemmy Law Firm. They represented us, and especially my father with respect and efficiency and earned every bit of what the law allowed. This helped my mother more than I can articulate. I would recommend the Kemmy Law Firm 100 times out of 100.
- Iaz P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 830-264-6297 today!
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What Should I Do After an Oilfield Accident?You should get medical treatment immediately after the accident. Then, report the accident to your supervisor and inform them of your injuries. Gather photos and videos if you can as this could strengthen your injury claim.
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How Much Compensation Can I Receive in My Settlement?The compensation you receive varies on a case-by-case basis. Oilfield accidents are especially devastating, and the injuries you experienced might require ongoing care, which results in medical bills and other expenses, not to mention non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Essentially, the more damages you incurred from your accident; the more compensation you might receive.
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What Are the Worst Oilfield Accidents?Oilfield accidents occur all over the world, and they range in severity. Deepwater Horizon is the most infamous oilfield accident and remains as being the largest oil spill in the history of marine oil drilling operations. There are countless other disasters that have left a significant impact on those involved and their families, such as Piper Alpha, Ocean Ranger, and Bohai 2 to name a few.
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Can You Get Fired for Reporting a Safety Violation?
No. Worker protection laws prohibit your employer from retaliating against you for reporting a safety violation or accident.
All of our clients have families of their own. They are decent, hardworking people, and come to us with complex business issues or because their lives have been changed by a catastrophic injury.
The Reality of Oilfield Work in Texas
Oilfield workers spend long hours around high-pressure systems and heavy machinery. Most workers understand the risks, but they do not expect preventable failures to change their lives.
According to federal safety data, oil and gas extraction continues to report higher rates of serious injuries than many other industries. In drilling regions like Midland, Odessa, and Hobbs, a single blowout affects the stability of the entire household. The people we represent are often hardworking men and women who spent years in the field before one shift changed everything.
How We Approach These Cases
Investigating a blowout requires a deep dive into drilling records, maintenance logs, and pressure-control data. At Kemmy Law Firm, P.C., we approach these matters with a trial-focused mindset.
We Prepare Every Case for Trial
Some law firms move cases toward quick settlements to avoid the courtroom. Our approach is different. We prepare every case as though it will eventually be presented to a jury. This preparation often changes how insurance carriers evaluate the case from the start. Several of our attorneys bring prior experience from prosecution and defense backgrounds, which shapes our high-stakes strategy.
We Work with Technical Professionals
Blowout litigation often requires analysis from professionals familiar with:
- Petroleum engineering and drilling operations.
- Industrial safety procedures and accident reconstruction.
- Specialized medical care for catastrophic injuries.
Direct Communication
We keep communication accessible. You won’t be passed between adjusters and investigators. You speak directly with the attorneys handling your case throughout the process.
The Impact Reaches Beyond the Worksite
A serious blowout creates immediate challenges that affect daily life. The physical injuries, often including burns or respiratory issues, are only part of the story.
Families are suddenly facing:
- Extended hospital stays and travel for specialized medical care.
- Financial pressure from reduced income while bills continue to pile up.
- Emotional strain and PTSD for both the worker and their family members.
- Uncertainty about whether the injured worker can ever return to the field.
These situations place significant pressure on a household, especially when the incident could have been prevented with proper safety protocols.
Speak With an Oilfield Blowout Attorney Today
After an incident, you are left sorting through medical decisions and conflicting information from multiple companies. At Kemmy Law Firm, P.C., we help families across Texas and New Mexico understand their rights and the path forward.
Contact Kemmy Law Firm, P.C. today at (830) 264-6297 to schedule a free consultation. Let our family help yours find the accountability you deserve.
