Improper Installation of Pipelines

Improper installation of gas and oil pipelines can cause explosions and environmental hazards. This happens due to welding mistakes, coating failures, and other installation errors. Such issues can sometimes represent safety violations. Along with this, those injured in accidents that occur due to improperly installed pipelines can hold any liable parties accountable through claims and lawsuits. 

Talk with a pipeline explosion lawyer if you are harmed in an oil or gas refinery accident caused by a defective pipeline. If warranted, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your accident losses.

Common Pipeline Installation Errors 

If a pipeline isn’t installed correctly, problems can arise that lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Below are common pipeline installation errors that can contribute to these and other issues at oil and gas refineries:

• Welding mistakes: Faulty pipeline joint welds are prone to cracking under pressure. 
• Coating failures: If a protective coating is applied over mud, rust, or a wet surface, it can prevent the coating from bonding to the surface properly and accelerate corrosion. 
• No quality control checks: Ignoring pipeline inspections or not calibrating or using holiday detectors to look for potential issues can cause defects to go undetected prior to burial. 
• Improper handling and bedding: Ditching or placing pipelines on hard debris can contribute to dents and other damage. 

Those injured in accidents associated with pipeline installation issues should seek legal help. Meet with an explosion accident lawyer, and they can explain what to do if you want to request compensation from liable parties. 

Pipeline Installation Regulations and Safety Standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees compliance with federal pipeline safety requirements and provides resources addressing pipeline construction. 

PHMSA performs pipeline inspections to verify compliance with its requirements. If an issue is identified, the administration will bring it to the attention of the pipeline contractor. At this point, the contractor will be expected to resolve the problem.  

In addition, PHMSA ensures that pipeline installation issues are corrected before a pipeline is buried and before commissioning through pre-commissioning integrity hydrostatic pressure tests and inline inspection tool runs. Newly installed pipelines also have to undergo pressure testing before they’re activated. 

Meanwhile, in Texas, the Railroad Commission of Texas and other pipeline operators have regulations and safety standards for installation. 

If you are injured in an accident and a defective pipeline may be the cause, now is the time to review your legal options with an attorney. When you do, you can get information about what a claim or lawsuit will entail and the steps to take to ask for compensation from anyone responsible for the incident. 

Can You Sue If You Get Hurt Because a Pipeline Wasn’t Installed Properly?

Whether you can sue because you were injured in an accident caused by an improperly installed pipeline depends on the facts of your case. If you are eligible to file a lawsuit, you can sue in accordance with the statute of limitations. 

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years. Due to this, if you’ve been injured in a pipeline accident, you may have two years to file your lawsuit. 

An attorney can discuss the statute of limitations with you and whether you are able to sue a pipeline contractor or other parties liable for improper pipeline installation for compensatory damages.