Pipeline explosions and other accidents occur much more often than people realize. When they do, they put the safety and livelihoods of hardworking people in danger. If you were injured or lost someone you love in a gas or oil pipeline accident, you need to partner with a law firm that knows how to determine the cause of the accident and hold the negligent pipeline company liable.
To find out about your legal options, reach out to Parks Law, PLLC today. Drawing on decades of legal experience and a strong background in geology and petroleum engineering, our knowledgeable Texas oilfield accident lawyers defend injured energy landowners, maritime employees, and oilfield workers throughout Texas.
Common Causes of Pipeline Accidents
Texas is home to multiple large oil shales, including the Haynesville Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale, the Barnett Shale, and the Permian Basin. Unsurprisingly, the state produces over 40% of our country’s oil through both offshore and onshore oil operations.
Occupations involving oil transportation, processing, and extraction are extremely hazardous. Extraction industries are regulated by federal and state laws enacted to ensure safe operations. Despite these regulatory safeguards, Texas oilfield accidents are, unfortunately, still a common occurrence.
Pipelines transport gas and oil products across hundreds of miles. While they are certainly efficient, they are dangerous as well. Pipelines must be carefully constructed with close attention to safety regulations and maintained properly over time. If not, negligent maintenance and poor construction can lead to tragic accidents that can kill or injure workers or even nearby pedestrians.
The leading causes of pipeline liability claims include:
- Lack of training
- Incorrect operation/human error
- Failure to properly mark the location of an underground pipeline
- Excavation damage
- Inadequate maintenance
- Improperly repaired welds
- Equipment failure
- Defective parts
- Metal fatigue and failure
- Corrosion failure
- Damage by natural forces
Who Is Liable for a Texas Pipeline Accident?
After being involved in a Texas pipeline accident, it is important to establish fault. Who owns the pipeline? Who is responsible for its upkeep? Was anyone working on it when the accident took place? Depending on the events leading up to the incident, the liable party could be your employer or possibly another company.
In the Permian Basin region, multiple companies own and are responsible for maintaining the pipelines. For some of these companies, their main business is operating transmission pipelines. Simply put, they make their money by maintaining and monitoring this specialized equipment. For other companies, pipelines are not an earner, but rather another expense. This means they may be less willing to dedicate the financial resources and time necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ten companies control more than 80% of large-diameter pipeline and roughly 62% of all pipeline miles nationwide. You could have a claim against a large regional, national, or international company, making it paramount that you work with a skilled Texas oilfield accident lawyer.
In fact, a pipeline company might not be involved in your claim at all. For instance, the equipment or pipeline manufacturer may be responsible for a faulty product. A third-party contractor could be liable for inadequate maintenance, or a utility or construction company might find itself on the receiving end of a pipeline liability claim after striking a documented pipeline during an excavation.
What Are My Options for Pursuing a Pipeline Liability Claim in Texas?
As a Texas oilfield worker, you have rights, including the right to pursue financial compensation when you’re injured on the job. Based on your specific circumstances, such as your employment status, multiple legal avenues may be open to you.
After an oilfield accident, victims can usually recover damages through one of two methods: through a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If workers’ comp does not apply to your situation, consult with a Texas oilfield accident attorney about your employer’s role in the explosion and whether bringing a lawsuit against them is feasible.
Third-Party Liability Lawsuits
If your company was not liable for your pipeline accident, you could still have a valid claim for damages against a pipeline manufacturer, company, maintenance provider, or contractor. In these cases, it is important to work with a skilled Texas oilfield accident lawyer. You will likely be going up against a huge corporation represented by teams of attorneys. Moving forward without trusted legal representation is simply not a smart choice.
Workers Compensation Claims
If you were working when the pipeline accident occurred, workers’ compensation insurance may cover your injuries. Texas employers can choose whether or not to offer workers’ comp to their employees. If your employer subscribes to workers’ comp, you have the right to file a claim for wage and medical benefits. Keep in mind that a workers’ compensation claim is not the same as a lawsuit; it is an insurance claim that, once engaged, generally prevents you from suing your employer.
Talk to a Texas Oilfield Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a gas or oil pipeline accident, help is available. The trusted legal team at Parks Law, PLLC, can help you pursue the damages you are entitled to. Our lawyers have represented clients in a variety of civil litigation cases, including environmental, energy, and insurance matters. Mr. Parks himself has successfully represented an array of insurance and energy companies, as well as individuals and small businesses. I
f you have questions about a potential pipeline liability claim, you can schedule a free legal consultation by calling us at (713) 979-3500 or filling out the quick contact form on our website.