On Saturday August 17th, a natural gas pipeline owned by Whitney Oil and Gas exploded near Venice, Louisiana killing 40-year-old Joshua Nichols.
Nichols, a Lake Charles resident and father of three, was a contractor for Petroleum Co-Ordinators Inc and was operating a mud boat near the pipeline when the explosion occurred. According to the Louisiana State Police and the U.S Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, two pipelines may have been the source of the blast and have been capped off pending investigation.
The Cause of the Explosion is Yet to Be Determined
While the exact cause of the Witney Oil and Gas pipeline explosion is currently under investigation, pipelines fail for a number of reasons. The most common of which include:
- Corrosion
- Severe weather
- Excavation damage
- Equipment failure
- Incorrect or negligent operation
- Material or weld failure
- Defective materials or products
- Code violations
- Inadequate safety protocols and practices
In some cases, a combination of several factors may ultimately lead to the failure and explosion.
Legal Considerations for The Family of The Decedent
Depending upon the circumstances and the results of the investigation, there may be several legal options available to the estate or family of Mr. Nichols. The family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits or claims under the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). If negligence contributed to the fatal explosion, Mr. Nichols’ surviving spouse or children may be entitled to a wrongful death lawsuit or a third-party liability claim.
According to Singleton Schreiber attorney LaCrisha McAllister, these situations can be extremely complex. “Navigating the complexities of accident claims involving the oil and gas industry requires not only a deep understanding of state and federal laws but also a compassionate approach to supporting the surviving family.”
“In a situation such as this, a father has been suddenly and tragically taken away,” McAllister went on to say. “It’s crucial to find an attorney with the experience and dedication to ensure that justice is served and that the family’s rights are fully protected.”
The attorneys at Singleton Schreiber understand how difficult the aftermath can be when a loved one is lost in a fatal incident. They also understand how important the legal process can be in getting justice for the loss and providing compensation to help families move forward. If you or a loved one have been affected by a tragic work-related incident, please, contact Singleton Schrieber to find out how they can help. Call (619) 771-3473 or fill out a contact form here to learn more.
