A column of fire erupted into the air in Texas as an SUV crashed through a chain link fence and set off a chain of reactions that no one could be prepared for. The 20-inch natural gas pipeline was damaged after an SUV drove through a fence and sent the community reeling after the explosion displaced hundreds, injured some, and damaged homes. Communities demand energy infrastructure but silently rely on responsible and safe operations so close to their homes.
Overview of the La Porte Pipeline Explosion
In La Porte, Texas, an SUV crashed through a fence, damaging a pipeline, causing flames to burst hundreds of feet into the sky. The surrounding communities were evacuated immediately with no time to prepare and with no knowledge of when they could return. Others in the community were told to shelter in place for hours as an additional safety precaution. The fire started on a Monday and raged for four days, and while some were allowed back into their homes on Wednesday, they soon found that there was nothing to return to but a watery mess.
While the fire raged for days, emergency services weren’t able to reach the SUV that initially struck the pipeline. While they investigated the pipeline, the company allowed the fire to rage until it burned out four days after the initial explosion. A few were injured, human remains were identified in the SUV, cars were melted, playgrounds were burned, and homes were extensively damaged.
Potential Causes and Safety Concerns
The company and the county officials have stated that they monitored the air quality and that no risk was detected. However, residents were uneasy about the official statement due to the enormous tower of flames and thick black smoke that hovered over the area even after the flames had been extinguished.
The company has since released a list of chemicals they believed to have been emitted during a period of time on the first day. This initial report should be followed by a final report with a completed list, but there is no information on when it will be released.
The concerns to public safety include:
- The chemicals released during the explosion
- The water damage and mold in homes
- Long-term effects of the chemicals
- Future explosions
How the La Porte Explosion May Impact Offshore Workers
While this pipeline explosion happened on land offshore, workers face the dangers of damaged pipelines daily. This pipeline explosion has shown those who live near these extensive pipelines how dangerous they can be and what offshore workers face daily. This explosion may set new regulations or even stipulations in insurance coverage that can affect offshore workers and their rights to compensation. If you or a loved one were hurt in a pipeline accident, you can’t count on the company to care for you and your family. Make sure that you work with an experienced legal team if you are facing the aftermath of a pipeline incident.
Your Rights as an Offshore Worker After a Pipeline Incident
You have a right as an offshore worker to have an experienced offshore injury attorney familiar with your life and family. Having an offshore accident attorney you know and can trust in emergencies will keep you and your family from scrambling to find someone in your time of dire need. Offshore workers have the right to compensation and protection should they be injured while on the job. Victims and their families have the right to seek legal representation should they be hurt or suffer the loss of a wrongful death.
Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries or Wrongful Death
Offshore workers face unique challenges and risks for the rewards of their work. If you’ve suffered an injury in an offshore accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you’ve suffered such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and even wrongful death.
In the wake of a pipeline accident, an experienced offshore injury attorney can handle the complexities of your case and represent you in court against these large corporations' legal teams.
Contacting Jolly Roger Law for Assistance
The unfolding developments of the La Porte pipeline explosion will spark conversations around the energy infrastructure and the compensation owed to all who suffer in pipeline accidents. Navigating the legal waters and compensation after a pipeline explosion requires the help of attorneys who understand the struggles that offshore workers face. Contact Jolly Roger Law at (713) 226-8800 to start restoring your life and livelihood.
