San Antonio Oilfield Accident Attorneys

Potential Hazards on San Antonio Oilfields

Oilfields in the San Antonio area—especially those operating along the southern edge of the Eagle Ford Shale—are some of the busiest in the nation. But with that activity comes risk. Oilfield workers here face some of the harshest and most dangerous working conditions in the state. Between high-pressure systems, flammable chemicals, and heavy equipment, the smallest oversight can cause catastrophic injury or death.

Texas consistently leads the nation in oilfield fatalities. And too often, these aren’t accidents—they’re preventable tragedies caused by corner-cutting companies and supervisors more focused on production than people.

Our San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys routinely handle cases involving:

Explosions, Fires & Toxic Exposure: 
Whether from a gas leak, tank rupture, or well blowout, explosions and fires on oilfields are devastating. Workers may suffer burns, traumatic injuries, or be exposed to volatile chemicals like hydrogen sulfide or drilling mud additives—many of which can cause long-term damage or death.

Malfunctioning or Poorly Maintained Equipment: 
High-wear machinery like pumps, drilling rigs, and valves requires constant upkeep. When companies delay maintenance to save money, that equipment becomes a threat. Failures in pressurized systems or moving components can lead to crushing injuries, amputations, or fatal blowbacks.

Falls from Height & Slip Hazards: 
Drilling operations involve elevated work platforms, catwalks, and scaffolded areas. Without proper fall protection—like harnesses, guardrails, and secured ladders—workers are at serious risk. Even ground-level walkways coated in oil, mud, or water become slip hazards that can lead to back injuries, broken bones, or concussions.

Falling Tools & Equipment: 
On a rig, it’s not uncommon for workers to carry and use a variety of heavy tools while working at heights. A dropped wrench, shackle, or pipe joint can turn deadly in an instant. Loose tools, equipment, and materials must be properly secured while not in use, and in some cases, work below must cease.

Every one of these hazards is manageable with the right training, equipment, and oversight. When oil and gas companies fail to provide those protections, we hold them accountable. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve won billions for injured workers and grieving families because we know what it takes to prove negligence and demand real justice. If you or a loved one was hurt in a San Antonio oilfield accident, we’re ready to fight for what’s fair.

Common Oilfield Jobs in San Antonio & Their Hazards

San Antonio plays a pivotal role in Texas oil production, with its proximity to the Eagle Ford Shale placing thousands of workers at the frontlines of oilfield operations. These include roughnecks, drillers, derrickhands, toolpushers, truck drivers, and pump operators—all of whom face serious risks every time they clock in.

Each of these roles comes with its own set of hazards:

• Roughnecks and floorhands often operate heavy machinery and handle pipe connections.
• Drillers and derrickhands work on elevated platforms and must contend with high-pressure systems.
• Truck drivers hauling frac sand, fuel, and wastewater drive long distances on narrow roads and crowded highways.
• Pump operators monitor and control flowback from the well, which includes volatile materials under pressure.

When these roles are performed without proper safety measures or under excessive fatigue, serious injuries are not just possible—they're likely. At Arnold & Itkin, our San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys investigate not just what happened, but why it happened—and who should be held responsible

Oilfield Truck Accidents in South Texas

The highways stretching out from San Antonio are lifelines for the oilfield—but they're also deadly. Thousands of trucks pass through the region each day, transporting water, drilling mud, sand, crude oil, and equipment. Drivers often log excessive hours, navigating rural roads that are poorly lit, uneven, and narrow.

Oilfield truck accidents can be especially dangerous for a few key reasons:

• Trucks may be overloaded or improperly balanced, increasing the risk of rollover.
• Drivers are often fatigued, working long shifts and pressured by unrealistic deadlines.
• Maintenance may be neglected to avoid costly downtime, leading to brake, tire, and steering failures.
• Hazardous cargo can cause fires, explosions, or chemical exposure in a crash.

Dangers of Faulty Equipment for San Antonio Workers

Malfunctioning oil extraction equipment can trigger an explosion or fire. Every piece of equipment used to extract, transport, and store oil is owned and maintained by oil and gas companies. It is, therefore, their responsibility to keep these processes and equipment free from hazards. Companies often fail to repair or upkeep equipment to reduce costs—putting their workers' lives at risk. Defective equipment can also expose workers to toxic chemicals. If a chemical leaks, it’s usually because an employee was not properly trained or because the machinery used is defective. 

When employers fail to provide a safe work environment, they must be held responsible for their negligent behavior.

Taking on Cases Against Large Companies in the Oil & Gas Industry

Our San Antonio oilfield accident attorneys handle cases against companies such as: