Pipeline worker working at night

Pipeline Accidents

Were you seriously injured working on a pipeline? Are company reps already at your door asking you to sign papers?

Don’t sign away your rights without talking to pipeline accident attorney Michael E. Shelton, a lawyer who started out working on pipelines.

As a Houston lawyer and card-carrying union member, he understands the pipeline industry and what injured workers face.

The Shelton Law Firm

Our principal attorney has 40+ years of experience helping pipeline workers in Texas, Louisiana, and throughout the country receive fair compensation after pipeline explosions and accidents.

"I began my career in the pipeline industry." Houston Pipeline Attorney & Labor Union Lawyer Michael E. Shelton

"I know the business. I understand the business. It's a specialized area, specialized equipment, specialized terms that a lot of people don't understand. Everything that pipeliners work with is either incredibly heavy, flammable, or explosive. Injuries are common, and when they occur, they're usually catastrophic."

An Advocate for Pipeline Workers

In Texas and Across the Nation

Michael Shelton has more than four decades of experience holding companies accountable for pipeline injuries and deaths. While people in the industry know their work is dangerous, too often companies put profit over people.

When companies cut corners and pressure employees to work faster, the risk of injuries and pipeline explosions grow. But most accidents are preventable. And, when you take into account the inherent dangers with natural gas and oil pipelines, companies should be actively doing all they can to prevent injury and wrongful death.

Unfortunately, some companies put profits over people. Take for example the San Bruno pipeline explosion in California. An independent audit and report found that Pacific Gas and Electric diverted more than $100 million in natural gas safety and operations money to things like executive bonuses and profits for stockholders.

When a company or individual fails to take reasonable steps to prevent pipeline explosions and accidents, then they should be held accountable and compensate victims for their losses. That includes lost wages, medical bills, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.

Can I Sue if I have Workers’ Compensation?

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In some cases, yes. Even workers with worker's compensation are entitled to sue their employer if there has been gross negligence. You may also have a case if your injuries were caused by a third party, such as an employee of another company. Third-party cases can also involve companies not physically present on the job site, such as an equipment manufacturer whose defective product led to your injuries or a loved one's wrongful death.

What Leads to Pipeline Accidents?

While there are many causes of accidents, they are often caused by negligence. Injury lawyer Michael Shelton knows the pipeline industry from first-hand experience as a worker in the oilfields. He understands the conditions in the field, and works with a network of specialists to identify how the oil or gas pipeline accident happened. Based on this and other crucial pieces of information, he can determine what you deserve in compensation.

Common sources of accidents include:

  • Poor training
  • Defective safety equipment and procedures
  • Aging equipment and pipeline infrastructure
  • Inadequate maintenance
  • Improper installation or repairs
  • Defective piping

Hire an Attorney Who Knows the Industry Call for a Free Consultation with Michael Shelton

Every pipeline accident is different, but the Shelton Law Firm in Houston knows the pipeline industry from the inside out and knows what to look for to determine if you have a case. Our team can uncover what led up to the accident and work to identify all the liable parties so you can get the compensation you deserve and protect your financial future.

Michael Shelton has won many pipeline cases, including against big companies like Chevron, and he will put the same expertise and negotiation skills to work for you. And while not all cases will go to trial, Mr. Shelton prepares for each one as if it will so that his clients get top dollar.

If you are unsure if you have a case or what your case might be worth, request a free consultation. Our pipeline and injury lawyer can explain the process that ensures your rights are protected. You pay nothing unless and until Mr. Shelton wins your case.

Michael Shelton working with a client

(713) 807-0700


The Shelton Law Firm
Houston

"Everything was taken care of."

In Diane's workers' compensation attorney testimonial, she explains everything that Michael E. Shelton did for her and her family. After catastrophic burns due to a natural gas explosion, he worked closely with all the injured parties to help them focus on recovery. He even provided financial support to one client until they were able to settle the case.

Can I Afford a Lawyer? Yes!

We know working people don't have money sitting around to pay a lawyer. But you’re up against companies that keep lawyers on their payroll and you need us on your side. To make hiring a lawyer affordable, the Shelton Law Firm in Houston, Texas, works on a contingency basis. That simply means that you don't owe us a thing unless you win compensation, either in the form of a negotiated settlement or winning a jury trial. If you don't win, we don't get paid. So it’s in our best interest to do everything we can to help you win.

Were You Injured in  a Pipeline Explosion?

Pipeline injury attorney Michael E. Shelton has decades of experience helping workers injured by fires and explosions. He can help victims of pipeline accidents as well as those injured at home or in other settings. Compensation for these catastrophic injuries can help you cover medical bills, deal with mental anguish, and more.
If you don't win, we don't get paid. So it’s in our best interests to do everything we can to help you win.
Michael E. Shelton

The Shelton Law Firm

Personal injury attorney Michael E. Shelton has been representing victims of catastrophic injuries in Houston, Texas, for nearly 50 years. He is proud to be a union card holder as a journeyman pipefitter and General Counsel for the Texas Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO. He is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:

  • The Texas Bar Association
  • The Houston Bar Association
  • The Louisiana State Bar
  • The Louisiana Association for Justice

If you are the victim of a personal injury, schedule a free consultation with The Shelton Law Firm today by contacting us online or calling (713) 807-0700.

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