Environmental Lawsuits Against El Paso Oil and Gas - Common Claims and Defenses in Texas

In 2023, Texas accounted for 43% of the nation’s crude oil production and 27% of its natural gas withdrawals. Unfortunately, along with all of this oil and gas production come infractions against environmental law by gas companies. These infractions often damage the property and personal health of those who have allowed gas companies to drill on their land. Luckily, however, our team of El Paso lawyers at Carabin Shaw have the experience needed to secure vital compensation for those victimized by these types of crimes.

If you are currently or have recently faced environmental damage caused by an oil or gas company in El Paso, Texas, our experienced attorneys can help. Contact our legal professionals today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case review. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7, and we offer English and Spanish-speaking representatives for your convenience.

The wide variety of oil and gas environmental violations that may impact Texans can cause confusion about whether or not victims have a legal case in the first place. To help clarify the situation, we will first explore some of the most common environmental violations that may impact victims.

Production of gas and oil can release chemical compounds like carbon dioxide, methane, and benzene into the atmosphere. In addition to contributing to global warming, these chemicals can cause respiratory illness. Methane, a highly flammable compound, risks igniting and causing property damage or injury. Benzene has been linked to Leukemia and other cancers.

Dangerous oil drilling and fracking chemicals can contaminate surface water and groundwater. This may be caused by leaks from improperly constructed wells, spills and leaks while transporting oil, or stormwater runoff. Dangerous drinking water, damage to aquatic life, and soil pollution are common results.

Some oil and gas companies resort to illegal methods of waste disposal as a cost-saving measure, leading to contamination. The vast array of toxic byproducts from drilling include benzene, arsenic, and radioactive materials.

If you or someone you love have recently suffered from any of the pollutants listed above, discuss the possibility of legal action with a trusted Texas lawyer — like those at Carabin Shaw — as soon as possible.

For victims to pursue oil and gas lawsuits in West Texas, they must prove that drilling companies acted negligently in a way that caused their property damage or personal injury.

Negligence means the liable party failed to practice reasonable care, resulting in dangerous practices. In cases where companies violate environmental regulations, they are almost certainly demonstrating negligence.

With the assistance of oil and gas attorneys in El Paso TX, victims of environmental violates by oil and gas companies should be able to pursue the following types of lawsuits:

• Personal injury
• Property damage
• Breach of contract
• Trespassing (in cases where toxins migrate from one property to another)
• Surface damage
• Private nuisance

When victims work with environmental litigation attorneys to hold oil and gas companies accountable for violations, they can win compensation to help with their injuries or property damage, as well as help prevent similar violations in the future.

To build a strong legal case, oil and gas environmental violation victims in El Paso, Texas must gather and maintain as much relevant evidence as possible. Common types of evidence you should provide to your lawyer include:

• Medical records
• Contracts
• Photo and video evidence
• Lab results from environmental testing
• Regulatory reports
• Permits and compliance documents
• Maintenance and operation records
• Expert testimony
• Police reports

The assistance of an experienced environmental law attorney is invaluable for victims of oil and gas environmental regulations. Victims often find themselves squaring off with high-powered corporate legal teams when seeking justice.

Additionally, your attorney can handle insurance claims on your behalf, collect evidence for your case, conduct a private investigation, and provide emotional support all along the way.

At Carabin Shaw, our experienced team of environmental lawyers knows precisely what it takes to win cases for victims like you. Check out our client reviews, then give us a toll-free call at 800-862-1260, where our English and Spanish speaking staff is available 24/7.

Getting started is not risky because we offer a free case review to all prospective clients. Furthermore, we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis. That means we will not collect any payment until we win your case.

For more information:

• EIA.gov
• Inside Climate News