Kentucky Pipeline Explosion Attorneys
Representing the Injured Throughout Lincoln County & All of Kentucky
If you’ve suffered because of an explosion accident, such as a catastrophic pipeline explosion, answers are available from those who caused it. Explosions are not common parts of everyday life, so someone likely failed to prevent the one which harmed you. At Arnold & Itkin, our Kentucky explosion lawyers know how to help those struggling to find answers after an accident. We’ve won billions of dollars for clients and have proudly helped them recover losses caused by medical debt, lost wages, property damage, and other damages caused by explosions.
Call our Kentucky pipeline explosion lawyers today to find answers for what happened to you. A member of our team is available 24/7 and consultation is completely free.
Consequences of Serious Kentucky Pipeline Explosions
Common locations for explosions are along natural gas pipelines. These modern marvels travel aboveground, underground, and even through water to transport natural gas. However, when a pipeline fails, the resulting explosion is almost always catastrophic. Explosions damage property and fires caused by them can kill those nearby or cause serious injuries. Their blast radius is wide, their force powerful, and their heat dangerous.
The consequences of pipeline explosions include:
- Toxic exposure
- Explosions
- Burn injuries
- Property damage
- Blunt force trauma
- Wrongful death
One challenge with maintaining pipelines is the fact that they might function for years before they have any problems. Companies who own pipelines must ensure that they regularly inspect and maintain their property to avoid harming those who spend each day near them. No matter how much pipe a company owns, they must prevent the unthinkable the careful inch-by-inch inspection of their systems.
The Lincoln County, Kentucky Pipeline Explosion
On August 1, 2019, the unthinkable happened in Lincoln County when a pipeline exploded just outside of a mobile home park. The incident took the life of one person, injured five more, and destroyed five homes. Flames from the resulting fire reached up to 300 feet into the air and residents could see them for miles. NBC News reported that the blast was so powerful that cars were hit with debris up to a quarter-mile away. One witness even compared the explosion to an atomic bomb.
The exploded pipeline section was a small piece of one of the nation’s largest pipeline systems.
It belongs to the Texas Eastern Transmission (TETCO) Pipeline. The TETCO pipeline runs from the Gulf of Mexico through ten states, terminating in New York City. After decades of use, the pipeline is no stranger to explosions. A portion of the pipeline exploded in April of 2016 in Salem Township, Pennsylvania. Then, another section exploded on January of 2019 in Noble County, Ohio. One thing is certain after these events: its owner, Canadian energy company Enbridge, must ensure that all 9,000 miles of this pipeline are not moments away from disaster.
Kentucky Pipeline Explosion FAQ
How often do pipelines explode?
There are over 2.7 million miles of pipelines in the United States. Although pipelines have been touted as a safe mode of transportation for natural gas and hazardous liquids across the country, this vast network has been the source of billions in damage—not to mention serious injuries and lost lives.
According to FracTracker Alliance, from January 1, 2010 through November 14, 2018:
- There were 5,512 pipeline incidents in the U.S.
- 596 people were injured and 126 lost their lives as a result of these incidents.
- There were 291 pipeline explosions and 818 pipeline fires during this time.
- Pipeline incidents caused over $4 billion in damages.
- Nearly 30,000 people had to be evacuated due to pipeline incidents.
Pipeline explosions are a serious problem in Kentucky and nationwide. If you’ve been injured or have lost someone you love, you deserve the chance to hold the at-fault party accountable.
I was working when I was injured in a pipeline explosion. Am I entitled to workers’ compensation?
If you were working on or in the vicinity of a pipeline when it exploded, you may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. In Kentucky, workers’ comp provides medical care and financial support for people who suffer any type of work-related illness or injury. You can seek these benefits without having to prove fault or negligence on the part of your employer or a co-worker. You may also be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if a third party was responsible for the explosion and your injuries. An investigation and review of your case can reveal what steps you can take to pursue the benefits and/or compensation you deserve.
When should I involve an attorney after a pipeline explosion?
You should involve an attorney as soon as possible after any type of serious accident or injury. Even if you think your injury is covered by workers’ compensation or you believe the insurance company will pay you a fair settlement, you need to be certain. You may also find that your claim is delayed, that you’re offered an unfairly low settlement, or even that you’re denied the benefits you need. An attorney who has experience with pipeline explosion claims can protect your rights, despite an insurance company’s attempts to protect their profits instead of your well-being. You can get the medical treatment and the financial support you need to rebuild your life and future.
Find Answers After Suffering in a Kentucky Pipeline Explosion by Calling (888) 493-1629
At Arnold & Itkin, we have the experience and dedication to obtain results for clients suffering after an explosion accident. We’ve won billions for our clients, including for those who’ve suffered a pipeline explosion. Energy companies have a responsibility to maintain their pipelines. When they fail to do so, those who are unlucky enough to be near the resulting explosion pay the steepest prices. Our goals are simple: we want to restore financial stability to the lives of our clients and hold responsible parties accountable so more people don’t suffer in the same way.
Call our Kentucky pipeline accident lawyers today at (888) 493-1629. The initial consultation is free!