Fracking Accidents
The Marcellus Formation (better known simply as the Marcellus Shale) is a large unit of marine sedimentary rock extending from the village of Marcellus, New York, through much of the Appalachian Basin into West Virginia. The untapped natural gas reserves contained in the shale has led to a dramatic increase in hydraulic fracturing, the process more commonly known as fracking that involves rock being fractured by pressurized liquid.
While increased fracking activity in Pennsylvania has provided economic benefits to many residents, the nature of the actual work is extremely grueling—and dangerous. Even operations placing tremendous emphasis on worker safety are not immune to devastating accidents that frequently involve people suffering severe injuries.
Lawyer for Fracking Accidents Injuries in West Chester, PA
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a fracking accident in Pennsylvania, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel before making any statement or signing any paperwork for your employer. Ciccarelli Law Offices has office locations in Kennett Square, King of Prussia, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Malvern, Plymouth Square, Radnor, and Springfield.
Our West Chester personal injury attorneys provide legal representation on a contingency fee basis so you do not pay our firm one cent unless you receive a monetary award. Call (610) 719-3190 right now to have our lawyers review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free, no obligation consultation.
Chester County Fracking Accidents Information Center
- What kinds of accidents occur on fracking sites?
- How are victims harmed in fracking accidents?
- Where can I learn more about fracking accidents in West Chester?
Types of Fracking Accidents in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) stated in its 2016 Oil and Gas Annual Report that it issued 3,363 Notices of Violation to conventional oil and gas well operators and 83 Notices of Violation to unconventional operators that did not submit production reports. DEP also issued about 400 Notices of Violation to unconventional and conventional operators for failure to submit well integrity reports in 2015.
While DEP said that the number of violations has been decreasing over the past six years, the number of actual violations that are committed by fracking companies is likely much higher. Several fracking accidents are the result of oil or gas well operators not complying with applicable laws and regulations.
Even when an operator attempts to lawfully oversee a fracking operation, accidents may still result form any of the following scenarios:
- Electrocutions;
- Employee negligence;
- Explosions;
- Exposure to hazardous materials;
- Fires;
- Fuel spills;
- Hydraulic valve or line failures;
- Improper maintenance of equipment;
- Machinery accidents;
- Untrained workers.
West Chester Fracking Accident Injuries
Fracking involves people working in very demanding conditions with very powerful machinery. When something goes wrong on a fracking site, workers can suffer catastrophic injuries.
In many cases, victims sustain injuries that will prevent them from being able to return to work. Particularly severe injuries may prevent some people from being able to hold any kind of job, and some may require full-time assistance.
Ciccarelli Law Offices handles a wide variety of injuries resulting from fracking accidents, including—but not limited to:
- Fractures
- Hearing Loss
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Toxic Exposure
Pennsylvania Fracking Accidents Resources
Marcellus Shale | PA DEP — The mission of the PA DEP is “to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment.” Visit this section of the PA DEP website to access a Marcellus Shale fact sheet, a white paper on utilization of AMD in well development for natural gas extraction, and a DEP response to the special audit of the pennsylvania department of environmental protection’s performance in monitoring potential impact to water quality from shale gas development, 2009-2012. You can also find a hydraulic fracturing overview, a summary of hydraulic fracturing solutions, and the hydraulic fracturing and chemical registry.
Pennsylvania fracking map | NPR StateImpact — StateImpact is a project of NPR member stations dedicated to examining how state policy and issues affect people and communities. StateImpact Pennsylvania created this news application using lists acquired from the PA DEP. You can explore data by operators, counties, municipalities, or violations.
Find a Fracking Accidents Injury Attorney in West Chester, PA
Did you suffer severe injuries or was your loved one killed in a fracking accident in Pennsylvania? You will want to contact Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible.
Our personal injury lawyers in West Chester represent individuals in communities all over Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, and the greater Philadelphia area. You can have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of tour case when you call (610) 692-8700 or fill out an online contact form to set up a free initial consultation.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.