How a Houston Pipeline Explosion Lawyer Can Help You

There are over 2.4 million miles of pipelines in the United States. That’s enough to circle the earth roughly 100 times. Pipelines exist in all 50 states, and pipeline development and investment is a big-dollar business. In 2017, investment in oil pipeline carrier property exceeded $111.8 billion, according to the Oil and Gas Journal.

In 2017, the largest interstate pipeline companies in the United States were:

While these are the largest pipeline owners in the United States, there are actually 3,000 different pipeline owners and operators in this country ranging from large to small, according to the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

U.S. Companies spend a lot of money to build their pipelines, but not enough on the workers who actually build them. In 2017, it was estimated that the cost to construct a single mile of land pipeline was $9.95 million. Of this $9.95 million, companies spend approximately $4 million on labor per land pipeline mile.

A lot is required to construct a pipeline, and every step presents a situation where a pipeline worker can be injured if the proper safety precautions are not taken. The steps include:

1. Site preparation: clearing and grading the terrain, which includes things like removing trees and boulders, stacking timber, etc.
2. Pipe stringing: transporting pipe to the site and unloading and distributing it along the right of way
3. Trenching: digging trenches with trenchers and backhoes; rock drilling and blasting; stockpiling of removed dirt and other materials for backfilling
4. Bending: use of a bending machine to slightly bend pipe for slight turns and maneuvers
5. Welding: temporarily support sections of pipe and weld them
6. Coating: coating is often applied to weld sites
7. Lowering: use of sidebooms and machinery to lower pipe
8. Backfilling: use of machinery to return earthen materials to cover pipe
9. Testing: hydrostatic testing to ensure integrity of pipe
10. Site restoration: using machinery to restore topographical site to pre-construction appearance

Once a pipeline is built, much work is required to maintain it and ensure it is safe. And because of the explosive nature of what the pipeline is often transporting, pipeline incidents can be fatal. For example, in 2018, a Midland County home explosion was caused by a natural gas pipeline leak, killing a toddler.

What Can a Houston Pipeline Explosion Lawyer do for Victims?

A good lawyer will work with their client during the whole process. They will listen to the victim’s needs and advise them on the best course of action. They will also litigate on their behalf and fight for the compensation that they deserve for their pain and suffering. Additionally, pipeline explosion lawyers understand the intricacies of the industry and will not blame the victim. Just because a worker was in the vicinity of the accident does not mean that they were at fault.

Morrow and Sheppard LLP are Houston pipeline explosion lawyers that have the education, experience, and desire to fight for the rights of the victims of pipeline and refinery accidents as well as many other types of accidents. They understand the importance and the dangers of the oil industry and believe that through their litigation they will not only help victims but they will help the industry increase their safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured or tragically killed while working in connection with a pipeline, the Houston pipeline explosion lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard can help. Please call us or click here for a free, confidential consultation.