Natural gas pipelines can be extremely dangerous if the gas company in charge of the pipeline fails to take adequate safety precautions. Not only would an explosion harm an employee near the pipeline, but it could also cause severe property damage to residences or businesses in the vicinity of the pipeline. If you or a family member was severely injured when a gas pipeline exploded, you should consult with an experienced Houston natural gas pipeline explosion accident attorney.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for an injury that occurred due to a pipeline explosion. Our firm understands how the injuries suffered due to a gas pipeline explosion can substantially affect a person’s life, and we are here for you in your time of need. You do not have to fight your case alone; contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., to schedule your free legal consultation. You can also contact the firm online.
Common Causes of Natural Gas Pipeline Explosions in Houston
Despite the number of regulations imposed upon the natural industry, there are still accidents where gas pipelines explode due to negligence. Understanding the common causes of a gas pipeline explosion can help you seek compensation for your injuries. The following is a list of reasons why a natural gas pipeline may explode.
Poor Maintenance
To operate efficiently, natural gas pipelines require frequent maintenance. Equipment needed to operate a gas pipeline may need to be repaired or replaced altogether. Unfortunately, some companies may fail to perform frequent maintenance or may not follow safety guidelines when repairing a pipeline.
Faulty Installation
When creating a gas pipeline, it is imperative that a company hire skilled engineers that will properly install the pipeline. A simple mistake like welding the wrong areas of the pipeline or failing to install emergency valves could lead to a number of other issues.
Gas Leaks
It is important for oil and gas companies to be aware of when a gas leak may be occurring and for the company to have a plan to handle the leak. For example, if a customer reports evidence of a gas leak, the gas company should respond to this complaint immediately. If a gas company does not react in time to repair the gas leak, a pipeline explosion may occur.
Failure to Adhere to Safety Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have outlined a number of safety guidelines that dictate the safety measures that should be taken with a natural gas pipeline. However, some natural gas companies may fail to adhere to guidelines set out by OSHA. Alternatively, if a natural gas company does not adequately train employees to uphold the safety guidelines set out by OSHA, this could also lead to a serious pipeline explosion.
There are other causes of pipeline explosions that are not discussed above. To learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit against a natural gas company, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Houston pipeline explosion accident attorney.
Proving a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion in Houston
Gas pipeline explosions are extremely dangerous and can leave a victim with a number of severe or life-threatening injuries. For example, if a victim was close to a pipeline when it exploded, they could suffer a loss of hearing. Other types of injuries caused by natural gas pipeline explosions include:
- Severe burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Disfigurement from flying debris
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of vision
This is not an exhaustive list.
If you were the victim of a natural gas pipeline explosion in Houston, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the natural gas company responsible for the accident. Under many circumstances, prevailing in a personal injury lawsuit requires a plaintiff to prove that a defendant acted negligently. There are four elements that must be shown to prove negligence:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care (e.g., to operate the gas pipeline adequately)
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- The plaintiff suffered an injury due to the defendant’s breach
- The plaintiff sustained an injury that is compensable by a court of law
Once a plaintiff has proven the above elements, they can be awarded damages for their injuries. It is important to note that a plaintiff must still prove that they suffered damages. For example, providing receipts of medical care that was caused by the pipeline explosion may be necessary.
If a plaintiff prevails in their case, they can be awarded compensatory damages. Compensatory damages can be awarded for economic and noneconomic losses. The following is a list of compensatory damages that can be awarded for a personal injury lawsuit:
- Loss of wages or future loss of wages
- Medical bills
- Costs of medication and medical equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact Our Experienced Houston Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Accident Lawyer Today
If you were severely injured due to a natural gas pipeline explosion, you should contact an experienced Houston natural gas pipeline explosion accident lawyer. At the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our committed injury lawyers possess a wealth of experience litigating a variety of injury lawsuits, and we would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797. You may also use our online submission form to contact us online.