What Is Pipeline Construction?

Crude oil production in the U.S. has risen in the past several years as the U.S. has attempted to decrease reliance on oil produced in the Middle East. As such, pipeline construction has become a booming industry.

The tasks required to complete a pipeline construction project are often dangerous. These tasks include:

Surveying the project site and staking boundaries

Clearing the site and installing erosion control methods

Trenching the soil to fit pipelines

Stringing pipes alongside the trenches

Welding these pipes together

Lowering the pipe in the ground

Filling in the trench

Testing the pipes

Connecting the pipes to the refinery plant and pumps

What Types of Accidents Are Common During Pipeline Construction?

These highly involved construction projects require thousands of man hours performed by a large group of skilled construction workers. This is a highly risky job because heavy and dangerous equipment is used. In addition, the pipes are pumping extremely flammable oil.

Because of the dangers inherent in pipeline construction, construction accidents that result in both injuries and fatalities are overwhelmingly common. Injuries and fatalities frequently result from:

Oil and gas explosions and fires

Faulty equipment

Lack of safe working conditions

Soil collapse around the trenches

Scaffolding collapses

Falling equipment

Who Is Responsible for My Injury?

If you suffered an injury while working at a pipeline construction site, there are multiple different entities that may be responsible for your injury.

The company that employs the construction worker is directly responsible for injuries and fatalities. This may be either the company that owns the oil pipeline or a construction company. You can pursue personal injury, wrongful death, negligence, and worker’s compensation claims against these organizations.

If a piece of defective equipment or machinery caused the injury, you may also sue a third party equipment manufacturer.

If a fellow construction worker caused your injury, such as by dropping a piece of pipeline on your foot, you may also have a claim for negligence against this contractor.

Should I Consult a Lawyer After a Pipeline Construction Accident?

Not only are there various organizations and people who may be responsible for your injury, but there are also numerous different claims you can pursue following an injury. Determining which organization is responsible and which claim is the best to pursue is a determination best performed by an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your claims, negotiate a settlement, and pursue damages for medical care and compensation via trial.