The Marcellus Shale formation, stretching across parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, has fueled a fracking boom that plays a major role in the energy economy. But with this boom comes significant risks. In West Virginia alone, fracking-related incidents have caused explosions, fatal accidents, and dangerous roadway conditions, especially in high-traffic areas like Route 50, which cuts through multiple active drilling counties.
This blog breaks down the most common causes of oil and gas injuries in the region and what legal rights victims have in the wake of these tragedies.
Common Causes of Oil and Gas Accidents in West Virginia’s Marcellus Shale
1. Transportation Incidents Along Route 50
One of the most pressing safety concerns in the Marcellus Shale is the sharp rise in vehicle crashes involving fracking trucks. A study found that heavily drilled counties in northern Pennsylvania had 15–23% more total crashes and 61–65% more heavy truck crashes compared to non-drilling counties.
In West Virginia, Route 50 is a primary corridor for tanker trucks transporting water, brine, and fuel to and from drill sites. The counties most affected include Wood, Ritchie, Doddridge, Harrison, Taylor, Preston, Grant, Mineral, and Hampshire. With the surge in heavy truck traffic comes more crashes, road damage, and community hazards.
2. Explosions and Fires at Fracking Sites
West Virginia has experienced multiple severe explosions linked to fracking operations:
- In 2010, a natural gas explosion in the Northern Panhandle injured seven workers after methane ignited at a site over an abandoned coal mine.
- In 2013, a blast at a Doddridge County site sent four workers to the hospital with life-threatening burns. The explosion involved brine and fracking fluid tanks, not the drilling rig itself.
- In 2015, a contractor died in a fracking-related tank explosion while inspecting a brine tank at an established well, showing that hazards extend beyond active drilling .
These incidents often stem from equipment failure, flammable chemicals, poor maintenance, or lack of oversight.
3. Struck-By, Caught-In, or Caught-Between Hazards
Contact injuries are also a serious threat, especially on crowded fracking sites. Workers may be struck by falling pipes, caught in moving machinery, or crushed between vehicles and rigs. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper safety training and equipment.
4. Exposure to Harmful Substances
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), fracking chemicals, and methane gases all pose major health threats. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory illness, skin conditions, and certain cancers. Poor ventilation and a lack of hazard communication training only raise the risks.
5. Falls
Rigs and platforms at Marcellus Shale sites often place workers at elevated heights. Slippery surfaces, inadequate guardrails, and worker fatigue contribute to severe injuries from falls, including spinal trauma and concussions.
6. Well Blowouts
While rare, well blowouts in the region can be catastrophic. Uncontrolled releases of gas or fluid can cause explosions, fires, and mass evacuations. Poor equipment maintenance and human error are the leading causes.
Who May Be Liable in Marcellus Shale Accidents?
1. Employer Liability
Employers are required to follow OSHA guidelines and maintain a safe work environment. Failing to provide proper training, equipment, or hazard protocols may make them liable.
In West Virginia, most oil and gas workers are covered under workers’ compensation insurance, which provides wage replacement and medical benefits for job-related injuries. This system generally protects employers from being sued directly, but it ensures that injured workers receive compensation without needing to prove fault.
However, in certain cases, especially involving egregious negligence or third-party responsibility, workers may still have grounds for separate legal action. It’s important for injured workers to report incidents promptly and document all injuries and conditions thoroughly.
2. Third-Party Liability
If a subcontractor, equipment provider, or property owner contributes to an accident, injured parties may sue under third-party liability laws. Defective blowout preventers or unsafe site conditions are common triggers.
3. Wrongful Death and Survival Claims
If a worker dies due to negligence, their family may file a wrongful death suit. West Virginia law typically allows two years from the date of death to bring these claims. Survival actions seek damages for the deceased’s pain and suffering before death.
4. Environmental and Public Harm Liability
Spills, fires, and emissions from Marcellus Shale sites can harm nearby communities. Companies may be liable under federal acts like the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), especially if tourism, agriculture, or water systems are impacted.
What to Do If You’re Injured on a Fracking Site
Take these steps immediately to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical care and document your injuries
- Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible (within 30 days is best)
- Save documentation, photos, and any witness contact info
- Contact an attorney to review your eligibility for comp benefits or legal action
- Avoid signing anything from insurers until you’ve received legal advice
Why Legal Representation Matters
Oil and gas companies often have deep legal resources on their side. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the incident with independent safety experts
- Navigate WV’s complex comp system and civil liability rules
- Pursue full compensation for long-term disability and losses
Conclusion
Oil and gas extraction in West Virginia’s Marcellus Shale continues to raise major safety concerns. Whether it’s fatal explosions in Doddridge County, tank inspections gone wrong, or increased crashes along Route 50, the risks are real and often preventable.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious work-related injury on a fracking site—whether from an explosion, toxic exposure, fall, or vehicle accident—our legal team can help. These injuries often require more than a basic claim; they demand a thorough investigation and strategic legal action.
Call Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner today at (304) 898-8499 to schedule your free consultation. We serve communities across West Virginia, including the counties most affected by fracking operations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.