Concerning an offshore subsea pipeline leak allegedly caused by a ship anchor strike, Baker & O’Brien was requested to assess the pipeline company’s emergency actions and tactical response. As part of this assignment, we visited the offshore platform to review its operating procedures and leak detection equipment, pipeline operating events, and operator responses. We evaluated the company’s procedures, equipment, and emergency response vis-à-vis industry standards and practices and produced an expert report used by the parties in their settlement.

In this personal injury case, a refinery heater damaged beyond repair during a hurricane was being dismantled when sparks from the cutting tool ignited oil spilling from the heater tubes. We were asked to identify the cause and responsibilities for the incident, which required our review of regulations, industry standards, and company/contractor safe work practices. Baker & O’Brien presented our opinions in an expert report and provided deposition testimony supporting the dispute resolution.

While erecting a scaffold at a power plant, a scaffolder made a tragic mistake when he opened the electrical panel door protecting energized high-voltage equipment. We identified the applicable electrical generation regulations, industry standards, responsibilities of independent contractors, and individual human factors to determine the incident’s cause and responsibilities. Our expert report of opinions was used to negotiate a settlement.