Austin Pipeline Accidents Lawyers
Strong advocacy for pipeline accident victims in Texas
Texas pipelines cross all parts of the state. They’re everywhere. That’s because Texas is the biggest extractor of oil of all the states. Pipelines transport oil and gas for consumers, businesses, and industries. While much of the pipeline network carries oil within Texas, a lot of the network is designed to carry energy to other parts of the country. When pipeline accidents happen, the consequences can be catastrophic. Often the consequences are fatal.
At Slack Davis Sanger, out Austin pipeline accident lawyers understand what federal and state regulations and what industry standards govern pipeline safety. We have obtained numerous verdicts and settlements for personal injury clients when accidents cause death or catastrophic harm. We have the experience and resources to help you and families like yours obtain justice after a pipeline accident.
"Slack Davis Sanger represents the ultimate in professionalism combined with a true caring attitude.” - Colonel Ray Toler, Client
What types of oil and gas pipelines are there in Austin?
Pipelines provide the energy we need to work, function, and play. There are different types of pipelines depending on the type of energy, the delivery process stage, and other factors. EnerPac identifies the following types of pipelines:
- Gathering pipelines. These pipelines deliver energy products (crude oil, natural gas, butane, ethane, and propane) from the source to processing plants or storage tanks. Gathering pipelines are regulated by the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and other agencies.
- Transmission pipelines. These pipelines transport energy products across Texas, the United States, and the rest of the world. They operate at high pressures. “Typical reasons for the failure of transmission lines include pipe seam failures, corrosion, material failure and defective welding.”
- Distribution pipelines. These pipelines deliver natural gas to neighborhoods of homes and businesses. Distribution pipelines are classified as “mains” and “service” pipelines. The pressure in main pipelines can vary considerably. Pressures of up to 200psi are possible, which means if they blow, the damage can be extensive.
- Flowlines connect gathering stations to wellheads. Per EnerPac, “Flowlines are prone to methane leakage, and according to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the United States, they are one of the largest sources of emissions in the gas industry.”
- Feeder pipelines. These pipelines move energy product from processing facilities and storage tanks to the long-distance transmission pipelines.
Energy products are very combustible and very volatile. Explosions and fires can continue for hours.
What conditions and conduct cause pipeline accidents?
According to PHMSA, the leading causes of pipeline accidents are:
- Corrosion (internal and external)
- Stress cracking
- Seam corrosion
- Seam failure
- Welding failures / material failure
- Damage from natural forces (including disaster events like earthquakes)
- Operator negligence
- Manufacturer negligence
What types of injuries are caused by pipeline accidents?
When pipeline accidents involving fires, explosions, and exposure to dangerous chemicals occur, victims may suffer catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Spinal cord damage
- Disfiguring burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve, ligament, tissue, and muscle damage
- Internal injuries
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Other injuries that require surgery and/or long-term rehabilitative care
In many cases, the injuries prove fatal. We file wrongful death claims if a loved one tragically dies to an Austin pipeline accident.
What are the major pipeline companies in Texas?
The current members of the Texas Pipeline Line Association are:
| Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP Atmos Pipeline – Texas Boardwalk Pipeline Partners Brazos Midstream Buckeye Partners, L.P. CenterPoint Energy Cheniere Energy Chevron Pipeline ConocoPhillips Inc. Crestwood Midstream Partners LP DCP Midstream, LLC Denbury Resources Inc. Dow Hydrocarbons and Resources LLC Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. Energy Transfer Company EnLink Midstream Enterprise Products Partners L.P. Epic Pipeline Flint Hills Resources Freeport LNG Development, L.P. | Howard Midstream Energy Partners, LLC Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. Kinetik Marathon Petroleum Midcoast Energy Nextera Energy NorTex Midstream Partners, LLC NuStar Energy ONE Gas, Inc. ONEOK, INC Phillips 66 Pipeline, LLC Plains All American Pipeline, LP Southcross Energy Targa Resources Inc. Tellurian, Inc. The Williams Companies Inc. Vaquero Midstream LLC Western Midstream Partners, LP West Texas Gas WhiteWater Midstream |
There are additional pipeline companies and pipeline projects throughout Texas.
Who is liable for an Austin pipeline accident?
Depending on how the accident happened, the defendants may include:
- The energy companies
- The pipeline manufacturer
- Your employer
- A third-party contractor
- A construction or utility company
- Other defendants
The defense lawyers for oil and gas companies are among some of the best in Texas. You need strong experienced lawyers, like those at Slack Davis Sanger, on your side.
How much is my pipeline accident case worth?
Our lawyers are respected across Texas for our skill, persuasiveness, and tenacity in personal injury cases. Personal injury cases are based on showing a defendant who was responsible for the pipeline construction, maintenance, or repair was negligent. In some cases, manufacturers may be liable if their defective products caused the accident.
The Austin pipeline injury attorneys of Slack Davis Sanger demand compensation for all your injuries (for your lifetime, if necessary) – including all your:
- Medical expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Daily living with scarring and disfigurement
- All other permissible damages Texas laws permits
Do you have a pipeline accident lawyer near me?
Slack Davis Sanger has an Austin office located at 6001 Bold Ruler Way, Suite 100. We also maintain Dallas and Fort Worth locations. We see clients away from our offices when necessary.
Assert your rights. Speak with an Austin pipeline accident lawyer now
We understand how frightened you are. You’re worrying how well your injuries will heal, who will pay your medical bills and daily living bills, and can you work again. At Slack Davis Sanger, our Austin pipeline accident lawyers handle every part of your claim, one step at a time. These steps include answering your questions, investigating how the pipeline accident happened, determining who is responsible, discussing your medical needs and prognosis with your doctors, and preparing your case for trial. To discuss your legal rights, call our Austin trial lawyers at 866-531-1657 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.
Austin Office
6001 Bold Ruler Way
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78746
Main Austin Practice Areas