Fracking Work Equipment Injuries

Like all drilling and mining operations, drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of an unconventional, deep Marcellus shale well is a highly industrial process and involves dangerous work. Heavy equipment, high-pressure chemicals and flammable gas make natural gas extraction work extremely hazardous.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed because of an accident working on or near a well site in Pennsylvania, it important to hire an attorney who is experienced in handling these kinds of claims and who knows and understands all of the specific details involved in drilling and fracking a deep Marcellus gas well.

Challenges With Work Injury Claims Involving Fracking

Recognizing and understanding the legal issues that arise from injuries that occur at deep Marcellus well sites can be complicated because there are frequently multiple companies working at the site during the various stages of the well construction and drilling/fracking. Often these companies will be working together on one project at the same time. This not only presents safety issues but it can also create problems when it comes to determining liability.

Employers and workers’ compensation insurers are often reluctant to pay claims and may try to deny the claim or offer a small settlement in hopes the injured worker will accept it. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we have four decades of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys know how to investigate workplace accidents to determine which parties are responsible to pay the worker who was injured workers’ compensation benefits, and which parties may be liable to the injured worker in a third-party liability claim for pain, suffering and other damages that are not payable under the workers’ compensation laws. We will pursue claims against all liable parties in order to maximize your claim.

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., will meet with you for free to discuss your case. We will take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns. We serve Northern Pennsylvania through our Pittsburgh office at 412-391-9860. You can also contact us by email or call us toll free at 866-466-5789.

Accidents Caused By Fracking Equipment

There are a number of ways in which a worker or visitor to a well site may be injured. Safety lapses may include a failure to provide proper equipment, improper assembly of drilling platforms and/or scaffolding, faulty electrical work which can lead to electrocution explosions or fires, manufacturing defects with the equipment itself as well as removal of safety features on the equipment.

Our lawyers have the experience and understanding of the entire process to identify and protect the rights of workers or bystanders injured in the following kinds of accidents:

• Truck accidents: Accidents with trucks are common at fracking well sites or on the roads and highways used to travel to and from well sites. Fracking operations depend on water pressure trucks, gas drilling trucks, tankers, flatbeds and trailers. Serious injuries and death from truck accidents are not uncommon.
• Drilling accidents: Drills and other heavy equipment accidents can cause serious injuries to the head, broken bones and crushed limbs requiring amputation. Workers can easily be crushed by falling weights or other objects on the drilling platform. Due to the weight of this equipment, these injuries are frequently life-altering.
• Fall accidents: Falls can happen at virtually any place at a drilling site. Weather conditions, chemicals and water make for slippery conditions on fracking equipment. Workers can fall off drilling scaffolds and platforms, down wells or into vents.
• Chemical exposure accidents: Fracking uses a variety of toxic chemicals. Exposure to solvents, fracking brine, compounds, hydrochloric acid and other dangerous chemicals can not only cause serious burns, but may even cause diseases, such as cancer.
• Electrocution, explosions, fires and pipeline ruptures: Like oil rigs, attempting to extract natural gas carries with it the risk of electrocution, pipeline ruptures, fireballs and natural gas explosions, which could cause serious burn injuries and may even be fatal.

Lawyers You Can Rely On If You Are Injured In A Fracking Work Site Accident

The attorneys at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., want to help you get the relief you need so you can move forward with life. This means thoroughly investigating your case and making sure that we remain in close contact with you as we progress through your case.

For more information, call us in Pittsburgh at 412-391-9860, or toll free at 866-466-5789. You can also reach us online. All consultations are confidential and there is no charge for your initial appointment.