Workover rig operations are among the most underappreciated — and underreported — sources of serious injury in the Texas oilfield. Workovers are performed on existing wells to restore or increase production, and they involve pulling tubing, rods, and downhole equipment from pressurized wellbores under tight schedules and with small crews that are often overworked. The combination of mechanical hazards, well pressure, chemical exposure, and relentless pressure to keep wells producing creates conditions where accidents are almost inevitable.
If you were hurt on a workover operation — whether you are a derrickhand, floorhand, operator, or service company employee — you deserve answers about what happened and what you are owed. The Garza Law Firm has represented oilfield workers for more than 50 years. We understand the difference between a workover rig and a drilling rig, what a rod pump job looks like, and the specific dangers involved in each type of workover operation. That knowledge matters when we are building your case.
Many workover injuries go unclaimed or under-claimed because workers don't know they can pursue more than workers' comp — or because their employer does not carry workers' comp at all. Texas gives injured oilfield workers powerful tools to hold negligent companies accountable. Let us show you how.
Key Facts About Workover Rig Accidents in Texas
Workover and well servicing operations account for a disproportionate share of Texas oilfield fatalities relative to their workforce size, according to data compiled by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oil and gas safety reports.
Pressure control failures during workover operations — including unexpected gas kicks and blowouts on live wells — are a primary cause of catastrophic injuries and deaths. The Texas Railroad Commission requires specific blowout preventer (BOP) testing procedures for workover operations, and violations of these rules can establish negligence in a lawsuit.
Many workover companies in Texas operate as non-subscribers to the workers' compensation system, particularly smaller operators in the Permian Basin and South Texas. Non-subscriber employees can sue their employer directly and recover full damages without the cap that workers' comp imposes.
Dropped object injuries — tools, tubulars, and equipment falling from the derrick or mast — are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and fatalities on workover rigs. OSHA's general industry and construction standards for falling objects apply to oilfield operations and violations can be central to a negligence case.
Back and musculoskeletal injuries sustained during manual pipe handling on workover rigs are among the most common — and most often under-valued — injuries in oilfield workers' comp claims. An experienced attorney can ensure these injuries are fully documented and their long-term impact on your ability to do physical work is properly compensated.
Common Questions About Workover Rig Accidents
I work for a small workover company and I don't think they have workers' comp. What are my options?
If your employer is a workers' compensation non-subscriber — which is common among smaller Texas workover companies — you can file a civil lawsuit against them directly in Texas court. In a non-subscriber lawsuit, the employer loses several standard legal defenses, including the right to claim the injury was caused by your own negligence or a fellow employee's negligence. This often results in significantly higher recoveries than a workers' comp claim would provide.
Can I file a claim against the oil company that hired the workover contractor to do work on their well?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If the oil company exercised control over the safety details of the workover operation, provided defective equipment, or created the hazardous condition that caused your injury, they may be liable as a third party. Texas courts apply a fact-specific analysis of the degree of control the operator retained. This is a key area of investigation in every case we handle.
My company got me back to work quickly and said my injury wasn't that bad. Should I be concerned?
Yes. Employers have a financial incentive to return injured workers to duty quickly and to minimize the documented severity of injuries. Injuries that appear minor at first — back strains, shoulder injuries, concussions — frequently turn out to require surgery or result in permanent limitations. See a doctor of your own choosing, document everything, and speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
What is a 'third-party claim' and why does it matter in a workover accident?
A third-party claim is a lawsuit you file against someone other than your direct employer — for example, the well operator, a chemical supplier, or an equipment manufacturer. These claims are not limited by workers' comp benefit caps and allow you to recover the full range of damages, including pain and suffering and future lost earning capacity. In workover cases, third-party claims are common and often represent the bulk of the total recovery.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
When you hire The Garza Law Firm, we guide you through every step of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery.
Free Case Evaluation
We discuss your workover accident in detail, including the type of operation underway, who was on location, what caused the incident, and the nature of your injuries. All conversations are confidential and there is no charge or obligation.
Workers' Comp Status Investigation
We immediately determine whether your employer subscribes to Texas workers' compensation. If they are a non-subscriber, we advise you on the enhanced rights and remedies available to you under Texas law.
Evidence Collection and Preservation
We send legal hold demands for job tickets, BOP test records, wellsite supervisor reports, BOP pressure charts, equipment inspection logs, and any incident investigation reports before they are altered or destroyed.
Third-Party Liability Review
We analyze the contracts between the workover company, the well operator, and any other service companies on location to identify every party with potential liability for your injuries.
Medical Documentation
We work with your treating physicians and, where necessary, independent medical experts to thoroughly document the full extent of your injuries and their projected long-term impact on your health and work capacity.
Settlement Negotiation or Litigation
We pursue maximum compensation through negotiation backed by a complete and fully documented case file. If a fair settlement is not reached, The Garza Law Firm will take your case to trial in Texas court.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Contact The Garza Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
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