Texas Pipeline Explosion Lawyer
The Texas pipeline explosion lawyer team at Trey Barton Law represents injured workers and their families in the state’s most complex pipeline accidents. With over $40 million secured on behalf of injured clients and decades of extensive experience handling pipeline explosion claims, our Texas pipeline injury lawyer group provides skilled representation backed with life-changing results from settlement negotiations and oil and gas litigation.
Most pipeline accidents result from catastrophic failures within the oil and gas industry, including poor maintenance and violations of OSHA safety standards or federal regulations. When oil and gas companies put workers at unnecessary risk, our pipeline accident attorneys fight for them. We are quick to investigate, determine responsibility, and hold some of the largest companies in the country responsible for their suffering.
The oil and gas industry is a vital part of our country, but when businesses cut corners, pipeline explosions destroy lives, threaten communities, and cost billions in damages. Our Texas pipeline explosion attorneys are dedicated to protecting people across the state, fighting to secure the maximum compensation clients deserve.
If you’ve been harmed by a blast or lost a loved one, contact us today at 832-916-2526. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer a free consultation to explain your rights. Victims don’t owe any fees unless their pipeline injury lawyer wins on their behalf.
Common Cases Our Texas Oil and Gas Pipeline Explosion Lawyers Handle
Our Texas pipeline explosion lawyer group provides experienced representation for a range of practice areas within the state’s oil and gas industry. We represent pipeline workers and others injured in oil and gas pipeline accidents caused by pipeline failure or operator negligence.
Our pipeline accident attorneys identify the oil and gas companies, pipeline operators, and pipeline owners who may be held responsible for severe injuries or deaths because victims injured in a pipeline explosion and grieving someone lost to fatal injuries deserve to know the person or business who failed in their duty and why.
As pipelines age, they become more dangerous. In most cases, pipeline explosions happen because oil and gas companies refuse to shut down production for replacement.
When our clients come to us, they’ve often suffered injury, property damage, and overwhelming medical bills, while the company refuses to accept responsibility. We use evidence to establish fault and seek recovery for every type of damage available, helping injured individuals obtain compensation for medical care and the lasting effects of significant incidents.
Our explosion and fire lawyers in Texas know what to expect and how to fight back against defenses within the oil and gas industry.
Common pipeline explosion cases include:
Offshore and Underwater Pipeline Explosion
Our Texas offshore accident lawyer group represents injured parties or families of workers killed in offshore and underwater pipeline accidents, where pressurized pipes run for miles beneath water. While oil and gas pipelines are a vital part of the industry, they typically aren’t inspected until failures occur. Corrosion, improper repair, and rushed excavation all increase the risk of pipeline accidents below the surface. When companies neglect inspections, the results are devastating. When offshore pipeline explosions occur, an underwater pipeline explosion lawyer in Texas can conduct an investigation to determine if the pipes were inspected and work to recover significant settlements for employees injured or loved ones of those killed.
High-Pressure Transmission Pipeline Explosion
High-pressure transmission pipeline explosions happen when pressurized oil or natural gas pipelines rupture, causing a catastrophic failure. This type often runs over 500 miles with diameters ranging from 24 inches to over 1.2 meters. When pipeline failures occur, the blast can destroy refineries and surrounding areas. Pipeline operators must prevent these dangers through proper maintenance, yet pipeline failure is common in situations where this is lacking. A Texas pipeline explosion lawyer from our firm won’t hesitate to conduct an investigation to prove that clients’ pipeline injuries could have been prevented and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion
A natural gas pipeline explosion occurs when pressure from natural gas leaks in natural gas lines contacts an ignition source. Natural gas pipelines are integral to operations. They’re often made of carbon steel or plastic, run for miles with diameters ranging from a few inches to several feet, transporting natural gas to consumers and homes. When natural gas companies fail to conduct inspections, the risk of the natural gas pipeline’s valves failing and thus, gas pipeline explosions increases. Companies and distributors transporting natural gases can face liability for any pipeline injuries or deaths that occur from pipeline failures. Our Texas pipeline explosion lawyers provide experienced representation for workers injured or killed in natural gas pipeline disasters to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Crude Oil Pipeline Explosion
The most common cause of crude oil pipeline explosions is oil and gas pipeline companies not maintaining their equipment. Oil pipelines are a few inches to four feet in diameter, run for miles near populated areas and work zones, transporting oil from wells to refineries. When oil pipeline operators responsible for transporting crude oil fail to follow regulations, and someone is injured in a deadly blast, our Texas pipeline explosion lawyers can make them take responsibility for poor maintenance issues that continue to cause crude oil pipeline explosions and resulting injuries.
Refined Oil and LPG Explosion
Refined oil pipeline and liquified petroleum gas explosions are common in tank farms, transfer stations, and along distribution lines transporting refined petroleum products. These oils and gases are highly volatile, and when valves or machinery aren’t maintained, this can result in fires that cause devastating harm. When oil and gas pipelines explode, our Texas oil and gas explosion lawyers will work hard to ensure the people injured or killed get recovery for pipeline accidents that should have been prevented.
Gas Line Explosion
Gas line explosions often start with natural gas leaks from aging or damaged natural gas lines, many made of plastic. When natural gas ignites, this triggers major fires that cause serious injuries and property damage. A Texas gas line explosion attorney can ensure those injured or the families of those killed obtain the settlements they are entitled to.
Pump Station, Terminal, and Processing Plant Explosion
Pump station, terminal, and processing plant explosions often happen when equipment, pipes, or installation work fail due to the companies’ failure to maintain them. These sites involve contractors and businesses working under tight schedules, and safety lapses put everyone located nearby at risk. Our Texas pipeline accident lawyer group consults with experts and negotiates aggressively to ensure clients obtain fair recoveries.
CO2 Pipeline Explosion
A CO2 pipeline explosion occurs when carbon steel pipes transporting hazardous liquids burst, often due to the failure of oil and gas pipeline companies to maintain them. When CO2 pipelines explode, anyone nearby is in immediate danger. A Texas pipeline explosion attorney can review records, identify neglect, and take legal action against those liable.
Underground Explosion
Underground explosions often result from shifting ground or hidden issues several feet below the surface. Unexpected movement can crack oil and gas lines and trigger this. A Texas pipeline injury lawyer can help file accident lawsuits or wrongful death lawsuits for those harmed or for those who lost a loved one.
Combustion-Based (Deflagration, Detonation, Jet Fire, Flash Fire)
Jet fires and flash fires result from fuel or vapor igniting under pressure, leading to fast-moving fires that can engulf individuals immediately. Our Texas oilfield fire attorneys have extensive knowledge of these fire types and fight for full compensation in pipeline accident cases.
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE)
BLEVEs occur when tanks containing extremely volatile liquids overheat and burst, releasing a massive fireball. BLEVEs are often triggered by external fires or oil and gas pipeline businesses not maintaining equipment. A Texas oil and gas injury lawyer can take legal action for those hurt in incidents that could have been prevented.
Other Accidents Our Texas Pipeline Accident Lawyer Team Handles
Our Texas pipeline accident lawyer group is experienced in other accident cases resulting from unsafe operations. Schedule a free consultation today to understand your legal options.
Underwater Pipeline Accident
A Texas underwater pipeline accident lawyer helps injured parties pursue recovery after submerged line failures. These accidents can involve complex repairs, safety violations, and long-term losses.
Loss of Containment (LOC)
Loss of containment happens when pipes break or leak, releasing toxic materials and creating a serious risk of injury. When the failure results in harm, the parties with responsibility may owe significant damages.
Chemical Release
Chemical release accidents often happen when maintenance is delayed or hazardous materials, like H2S, are mishandled. Oil and gas workers exposed should seek immediate medical care and consult a Texas pipeline accident attorney.
Gas Control or Valve Failure
Gas control or valve failure in natural gas lines can lead to uncontrolled pressure and explosive leaks.
Blowdown
Blowdown is a pressure relief process that, when mishandled, can release flammable gas into the air. Uncontrolled blowdowns increase explosion risk.
Pigging
A pipeline pigging accident can occur during maintenance or inspection when pressure builds unexpectedly. These operations often span hundreds of feet, and the inability to control this may damage the pipe or require crews to replace sections.
Hot Tap
A hot tap incident happens when cutting into a live pipeline without proper pressure control or safety measures. Hot taps are high-risk and can lead to disasters if machinery fails.
Pipeline Excavation
Construction excavation can cause serious damage if crews strike active lines. A single mistake can lead to leaks, fire, or explosion.
Weld Failure
Welding issues weaken joints, raising the risk of ruptures. Poor work is the most common cause of this type of accident.
Corrosion Collapse and Trench Collapse
Outdated systems or poor installation can cause corrosion that weakens pipes over time. This hightens the risk of trench collapse and structural failures.
Backflow
Backflow happens when gas reverses direction, often due to valve failure. When businesses ignore regulations, this can lead to serious accidents.
Confined Space
Access and ventilation limitations increase the risk of exposure or structural collapse. Our Texas crush injury lawyers assist with serious injury and wrongful death cases caused by a lack of safety in such hazardous construction zones.
Texas Pipeline Regulations
After a Dallas pipeline exploded and killed a child, the state passed legislation that:
- Natural gas pipeline operators must report gas leak incidents within an hour of becoming aware.
- Requires high-risk pipelines to be replaced each year.
- Prohibits the new installation of wrought iron, cast iron, or bare steel pipes.
Preexisting state regulations:
- Require corrosion inspections at least every 5 years
- Mandate incident reports within 2 hours for any pipeline accident involving death, injury, or over $50,000 in damage.
- Require annual reports by March 15.
- Requires excavators, homeowners, and small contractors to call 811 at least 2 days before digging.
- Requires lines to be marked within 48 hours of notice.
New Federal regulations (effective in 2020):
- Extend reports to rural gathering lines and specific hazardous liquid gravity
- Requires inspections in areas affected by natural disasters
- Requires assessing pipe integrity every 10 years for onshore hazardous liquid segments that are located outside of high-risk areas through robotic inspections
- Extends required leak detection to all regulated areas involving non-gathering hazardous liquid pipelines
- Requires pipelines inside or that affect high-risk areas to accommodate in-line inspection tools within 20 years (if construction can be modified)
How a Texas Pipeline Injury Lawyer Can Help
Texas pipeline injury lawyers protect an injured person from being forced into quick settlements by companies after pipeline accidents. Pipeline explosion cases often involve physically devastating injuries, including lost limbs, and thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Our experienced pipeline accident attorneys investigate the facts, evaluate damages, and determine who’s accountable, whether it’s pipeline owners, operators, or excavators. We handle various types of lawsuits for people injured and loved ones killed, and stand ready to represent your interests in court using the resources required for full recovery. Financial compensation is integral to moving forward, and we continue to fight until justice is served.
The pipeline injury lawyer group at our firm provides answers, protects your interests, and maximizes settlements through experienced representation. We’ve helped clients obtain hundreds of thousands or millions in recovery and are prepared to assist in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your pipeline explosion case.
Workers' Compensation vs Oil and Gas Explosion Settlement or Verdict
Workers’ compensation claims often limit what injured pipeline workers can recover after oil or gas explosions. It only pays 70 to 75% of lost wages and is capped at $1,172 per week. This matters because high earners often receive less than half of their pre-pipeline injury pay. Workers’ comp also excludes damages for pain, suffering, and other losses.
Furthermore, injured oil and gas workers who suffered serious burn injuries or require extensive surgeries are required to seek medical care from physicians who typically aren’t experts in their areas.
Texas pipeline explosion accident lawyers can evaluate whether non-employer parties, like contractors, pipeline or property owners, manufacturers, or distributors, were responsible. If so, the injured person can sue for full damages.
Third-party settlements or verdicts compensate victims far beyond workers’ comp limits, and our knowledgeable attorneys can help clients recover maximum compensation.
Claims For Pipeline Deaths in Texas
When a pipeline worker is killed, the worker’s comp system pays families 75% of income losses, capped at $1,172 per week, and up to $10,000 in burial costs. This means families of fatal accident victims who made $150,000 annually will receive less than 41% of their actual wages and will not be compensated for pain, suffering, or long-term resources.
Unlike other states, employees can’t sue employers unless they acted with gross negligence, which is common in gas or oil companies.
A Texas pipeline death lawyer can investigate fatal injuries, determine who can be held responsible, and file lawsuits against contractors, pipeline or property owners, and equipment providers.
Wrongful death claims can exceed millions in damages, depending on income losses and other factors.
Families deserve answers, and we work hard to explain your rights, address concerns, and pursue maximum compensation that families are entitled to.
Shale Regions We Serve
Our Texas pipeline accident lawyers serve north and central Texas, with offices strategically located to handle claims across all covered areas and surrounding areas within our jurisdiction.
Eagle Ford Shale
Our Eagle Shale lawyer group helps oil and gas workers hurt in pipeline accidents pursue their rights and seek full financial compensation.
Haynesville Shale
Our Haynesville Shale attorney group helps those injured in a pipeline incident obtain compensation to which they’re entitled.
Austin Chalk
Our Austin Chalk attorney group assists with oil and gas pipeline accident cases, representing pipeline workers injured in preventable incidents.
Contact a Texas Pipeline Explosion Attorney For a Free Consultation
A Texas pipeline explosion attorney can help you take action after failures resulting from hazardous liquids, outdated systems, or unsafe oil and natural gas pipelines. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for justice for serious burn injuries and wrongful deaths caused by the oil and gas industry. We offer free consultations and take pipeline accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
Contact us today at 832-916-2526 to speak with a Texas pipeline accident lawyer.
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Trey Barton understands the hardships injured people and their loved ones face as they try to heal from their accident. Every case is prepared as if it is going to trial. This gives you the best opportunity to obtain a fair recovery for your case, and ensures I am positioned to take the case to trial if the insurance company does not give you the money you deserve.