Dakota Access Pipeline Spill Damage & Injury

Dakota Access Pipeline Spill Shows Potential for Damage, Injury

Minot personal injury attorneys explain the risks and legal protections

Recently, the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline experienced a leak that resulted in 84 gallons of oil being dumped onto the surrounding area. Though the leak was relatively small – the equivalent of about two barrels of oil – critics of the pipeline say that the incident justifies their concerns, saying that pipelines are known for leaks and spills, which can prove deadly to the environment and to people. The Minot personal injury attorneys at the Larson Law Firm note that the spill shows the potential risk that such incidents pose to people, causing serious illness or injury for which victims can seek compensation under the law.

The cause of the leak was not known, but it occurred at a pump station in South Dakota a few weeks before the pipeline was opened for commercial service. The South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources said that oil that was able to be recovered was put back in the pipeline and that the remaining gravel and dirt that was soaked with oil was removed and cleaned. The gravel and dirt was then disposed of so as not to have negative environmental effects.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and others have criticized the Dakota Access Pipeline for concerns about just these types of incidents. The pipeline runs from western North Dakota to Illinois, and it passes through a sacred burial ground. Critics say that any spills could desecrate the burial ground or contaminate the local water supply. The pipeline is close to the Missouri River System. The spill was 100 miles east of Lake Oahe, which is part of that system.

Though spokespeople for the pipeline said that the spill was contained and did not affect the water supply, there is a real possibility that future leaks or spills could poison the water. Slow leaks could occur and the water supply could become contaminated without anyone even knowing for a long time, and by then, many people could have become seriously ill. Oil in the water could lead to life-threatening illnesses like cancer.

Spills and other pipeline accidents can also cause serious injuries to those who are nearby when the incident occurs, such as local residents or workers. Some injuries can result in short hospital stays and a few weeks out of work, but others can cause life-long changes, such as impaired mobility, loss of vision, and the inability to work as you once did. Working with a Minot personal injury attorney like those at the Larson Law Firm improves the likelihood that you will get the compensation you deserve for such injuries or illnesses, helping to protect your future and your legal rights. Compensation may cover the cost of past and future medical care, time lost from work, and more. Compensation may also reflect intangible measures like the loss of quality of life or the pain and suffering you experienced.

If you are injured in an oil pipeline spill or accident, or if someone you loved is killed in such an incident, we urge you to call the Larson Law Firm at 701-484-4878 to talk with an experienced Minot oil field injury lawyer. You can also use our secure online form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.