Why North Dakota’s Oil Fields Are So Deadly For Workers
Jun 24 - PBS News Hour
When Brendan Wegner went to work in North Dakota's Bakken oil fields, his family had no idea it was so dangerous. On average, a worker dies every six weeks. On his first day on the rig, Wegner was killed by an explosion, and OSHA launched an investigation. Special correspondent Jennifer Gollan of Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting examines how employers avoid accountability.
In North Dakota’s Bakken Oil Boom, There Will Be Blood
Jun 13 - Reveal
In the early evening of Sept. 14, 2011, Jebadiah Stanfill was working near the top of an oil rig at a bend in the Missouri River in North Dakota. Jolted by a deafening boom in the distance, he swung around from his perch and saw a pillar of black smoke twisting into the sky.
Less than a mile away, another rig had exploded. “There’s men over there!” a worker below him shouted.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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Verdict $19.9 Million
Schulz: Verdict in favor of doctor fired by HMO for standing up for patients' rights.
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Record-Setting Verdict $9.2 Million
Largest oil field verdict in North Dakota history: Pipe fall case with a traumatic brain injury.
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Confidential Settlement $7 Million
Plaintiff was employed by defendant general contractor and injured by actions of subcontractor that resulted in flash fire – explosion burn injuries. 1st and 2nd degree burns. After attorney’s fees and expenses client received $4,574,502.
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Confidential Settlement $4.7 Million
Oil field pipe defectively stored rolled onto our client's leg, causing permanent injury.
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Confidential Settlement $3.5 Million
Plaintiff had 2nd and 3rd degree burns, PTSD, and diminished capacity from an oil field explosion and fire. After expenses, medical liens, and attorney’s fees client received $1,760,883.
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Confidential Settlement $3.5 Million
Plaintiff severely burned in blowout on a North Dakota oil rig. After expenses, medical liens, and attorney’s fees client received $1,293,186.
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I highly recommend this law firm and their amazing staff that assisted!
“My gratitude goes beyond words for Sean and this law firm. I was treated with empathy, respect and transparency which helped make a difficult process be much more manageable. Throughout this journey, Sean was professional and successful in helping me to help me find peace in a such a heart wrenching experience.”- Brandalyn H.
