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Failure to Properly Mark Pipeline Locations

Accurately marking gas and pipeline locations is key. Otherwise, if a pipeline operator, locator, contractor, or another responsible party fails to properly mark pipeline locations, this can result in an explosion that causes serious harm to those involved. 

Get legal help if you have been injured in an explosion that occurred because a pipeline location wasn’t marked properly. Consult with experienced pipeline explosion lawyers and they can provide insights into whether you have grounds for filing a claim or lawsuit. 

How Can a Pipeline Location Be Marked Incorrectly?

If a utility operator or locator doesn’t accurately identify, survey, or paint underground infrastructure before excavation, a pipeline location may be marked incorrectly, and this can increase the risk of an explosion.

Common reasons why pipeline locations can be marked improperly include:

  • Human or survey errors
  • Inconsistent labeling
  • Ground conditions or other factors that interfere with locating equipment and can make it difficult to interpret readings
  • Misinterpreting markers

The failure to properly mark pipeline locations can have serious consequences. If you are injured in an accident that occurs due to an improperly marked pipeline, discuss the incident with an attorney. Based on the circumstances, your attorney may encourage you to seek compensation from any liable parties. 

Safety and Legal Consequences of Failure to Properly Mark a Pipeline’s Location

During an excavation, if someone strikes an improperly marked or unmarked pipeline, this has the potential to contribute to a release of hazardous substances, fire, or explosion. 

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and other government agencies have rules in place for marking pipeline locations. If these rules aren’t followed, the parties responsible for an inaccurately marked or unlabeled pipeline can be subject to penalties.

People who suffer injuries in accidents that occur due to a failure to mark a pipeline location may be able to recover compensation from any responsible parties. These individuals can ask for damages covering their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. 

If you have lost a family member in a fatal accident resulting from a failure to mark a pipeline location, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. 

An attorney with relevant case experience can provide information about the eligibility requirements for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in the aftermath of an accident involving an improperly marked pipeline. 

When Can You Sue for a Failure to Properly Mark a Pipeline Location?

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years, with certain exceptions. 

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is typically two years from the date of death. 

In accordance with Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased person (decedent) can sue for a wrongful death. If neither of these parties begins the action within three calendar months of the death, an administrator or executor of the decedent’s estate may be eligible to sue.    

Explosion accident lawyers can detail the statute of limitations that applies to your case. If you are ready to sue, your lawyer can help you file your lawsuit in alignment with Texas law.