In the last decade, there has been a rash of natural gas explosions in America caused by failures in cast iron pipelines. At Glenda Cochran Associates, we have represented a number of individuals injured in cast iron pipeline explosions, which are only likely to increase over time if cast iron pipelines are not replaced by upgraded, newer systems.

As America’s infrastructure grew during the last century, a large number of natural gas distribution pipelines were constructed using cast iron pipe. As this cast iron ages, however, a distinct and dangerous hazard presents a new risk to the public: the phenomenon of graphitization.

WHAT IS GRAPHITIZATION & WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

Graphitization occurs when older cast iron pipelines corrode due to normal environmental exposure. It can and often does result in catastrophic leaks throughout a pipe system, which can lead to fires and explosions. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a sub-department within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), has explained the hazard associated with cast iron pipelines, stating:

“Cast iron pipe, when graphitized, is relatively brittle, which allows far more dramatic failure modes such as rapid crack propagation and circumferential breaks. Such failures are potentially more severe than more ductile failure modes commonly seen in today’s pipe materials.” [PHMSA’s “192 Corrosion Enforcement Guidance” at 134 (2014)]

NECESSARY STEPS TO REPAIR GRAPHITIZATION

Because of the hazards associated with cast iron pipe, natural gas pipeline operators are required by federal regulations to replace any portion of an iron or ductile iron pipe with enough graphitization to increase the chances of a crack or leak to form there. Where graphitization is localized within the pipework, repairs or replacement must also be conducted as soon as possible, according to the legal statute 49 C.F.R. § 192.489 (1971). Additionally, pipeline operators are required to visually inspect its cast iron pipelines for corrosion and graphitization any time that they are exposed.

In 1991, PHMSA’s predecessor, the DOT’s Research and Special Programs Administration (“RSPA”), issued a Pipeline Safety Alert Notice (the “1991 Alert Notice”) to the owners and operators of natural gas pipelines regarding an explosion caused by a crack in a 4-inch cast iron gas main. This notice required gas and oil companies to create new safety programs that would repair or replace the iron pipes throughout their systems based on a reasonably paced timeline.

Each company’s timeline would be determined by various conditions of their pipelines, such as:

In 2012, PHMSA published an Advisory Bulletin reiterating the importance of cast iron monitoring and replacement. According to the bulletin pipeline operators were instructed to increase their efforts to repair or replace “high-risk” cast iron pipes, as well as to revisit their replacement programs to ensure the aforementioned factors were accurately considered. [Pipeline Safety: Cast Iron Pipe (Supplementary Advisory Bulletin), 77 Fed. Reg. 17119-01 (Dep’t of Transp. March 23, 2012) (emphasis added).]

The 2012 Advisory Bulletin also specifically refers to operators’ obligation to develop and implement a Distribution Integrity Management Plan that must include procedures for identifying risks to each distribution pipeline, rank the associated risks, and implement measures to address them. [49 C.F.R. § 192.1007(b-d) (2009).]

While some operators have worked hard to replace their cast iron pipelines as quickly as possible, others have lagged behind, and there are still thousands of miles of cast iron pipelines throughout the United States. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an explosion or fire caused by a natural gas leak from a cast iron pipeline, you may be entitled to compensation and need to seek legal counsel. Call Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law at 888.906.3955 to discuss your claim. We assist clients across the nation.

Whenever people operate vehicles, machines, or appliances that burn fuel in an enclosed space or with improper ventilation, it may create a hidden danger: carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (“CO”) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, while more than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room, with more than 4,000 hospitalized.

CO is found in fumes when you burn fuels like charcoal, coal, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood. Thus, CO is produced when people use cars, trucks, small engines, portable generators, camp stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, space heaters, and furnaces that burn these fuels. CO can build up, and when people or animals breathe it, it displaces the oxygen in their blood, leading to poisoning. The most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. These symptoms may be subtle and may seem “flu-like.” And since people cannot detect CO with their senses, victims are often unaware of the cause of their illness. But breathing a lot of CO can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die without realizing they are experiencing symptoms. Exposure can also cause long-term damage to the brain and respiratory system, as well as miscarriage. If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from CO poisoning, get to fresh air and seek immediate medical attention.

Injuries and deaths from CO poisoning may be caused by a defective product that releases dangerous levels of CO. CO poisoning may also result from someone else’s failure to act reasonably or under the circumstances or in disregard of known hazards. For example, a landlord, hotel operator, or other business or premises owner may fail to properly maintain a furnace or the venting ductwork on their property, thereby allowing CO to seep into areas where people live, sleep, or work. They may also fail to install or maintain CO detectors mandated by regulation or that are otherwise reasonably required. Likewise, companies installing, repairing, or maintaining furnaces or working on boats, RVs, and other vehicles may create or fail to detect leaks in exhaust and venting systems.

In these kinds of circumstances, the law allows victims and their families to seek damages as just compensation and to punish the wrongdoer. Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law has solid experience representing victims of CO poisoning and has obtained substantial recoveries on their behalf. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe injury or death from CO poisoning, contact our office for a free consultation and assessment of your case. You can do so by phone, email, letter, or in person.However, there are laws establishing how soon a victim of wrongdoing must file suit in court after suffering harm. Thus, delay can dramatically affect whether a lawsuit can be filed. All discussions with our lawyers and staff remain strictly confidential — even if you do not hire us to handle your case. Call us for a free consultation at (205) 328-5050, or toll-free at (888) 906-3955, or fill out a contact form today.

On May 22, 2022, the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (“SBC”) released a 288-page report by Guidepost Solutions, detailing the results of its independent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse within SBC-affiliated churches.

In the report, Guidepost described how the SBC Executive Committee stonewalled and denigrated survivors of clergy sex abuse over the last two decades. The report further detailed how two former SBC staff members maintained a secret list of reports accusing Baptist ministers of sexual abuse, with no indication that any action was taken to ensure that those ministers were not in positions of power at SBC churches. On May 27, 2022, the Executive Committee published an additional, 205-page list containing more than 700 entries from sex abuse cases that largely span from 2000 to 2019. At least 35 of those entries identify accused sexual abusers with ties to Alabama.

These recent publications have revealed that there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of instances of alleged sexual assault and abuse by clergy and other personnel working for churches affiliated with the SBC, including churches in Alabama. The SBC is the largest protestant denomination in the United States, with approximately 14 million members nationwide. It is also the largest denomination of any kind in Alabama, with almost one million of Alabama’s 4.8 million people have belonged to one of the approximately 3,200 churches within the state affiliated with the SBC in 2015.

Now is the time for victims to come forward to seek justice for the sexual abuse they have suffered. Much of that abuse likely could have been prevented if the SBC Executive Committee had acted on reports and complaints made to them and local SBC-affiliated churches had exhibited greater awareness and diligence to protect their membership. The most important thing to know is that, in order to pursue a claim, you need to act quickly. Coming forward is a difficult decision to make, but the delay can dramatically affect whether a lawsuit can be filed. There are laws establishing how soon a victim of wrongdoing must file suit in court after suffering an injury, although such time limits may be extended in certain circumstances, including when the victim has suffered sexual abuse or other injuries when they were still a minor.It takes courage for survivors to come forward, and, as with all of our cases, Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law are here for our clients every step. If you want to reach out for a free consultation of your case, you decide the way you want to communicate, whether in person, by phone, or by letter. You may also remain anonymous while we discuss your case. Everything you say to our attorneys and staff is privileged under the law. All discussions remain strictly confidential — even if you do not hire us to handle your case. Call us for a free consultation at (205) 328-5050, or toll-free at (888) 906-3955, or fill out a contact form today.

POSTED BY GLENDA COCHRAN ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS AT LAW || 8-AUG-2022

On Friday morning, July 29th, a large oil tank exploded at an oil well storage facility in Flora, Mississippi, in Madison County. According to media reports, the property is owned by W.S. Red Hancock Inc., and workers were doing maintenance when the tank exploded, “creating a firebomb.” Six workers were caught in the explosion, suffering severe burns and injuries. Two were airlifted from the scene, while the others were taken to the hospital by ambulance. It is unclear at this time what caused the accident, but state and federal authorities are investigating.

CAN I SUE FOR DAMAGES IF I’VE RECEIVED A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PAYOUT?

In these kinds of explosion incidents, workers and bystanders can be killed or suffer severe burns and injuries that forever alter their lives and those of their loved ones. When a worker dies or is injured at work, the employer is liable under state workers’ compensation laws to pay the worker’s medical bills and certain other compensation, regardless of who was at fault. However, while workers’ compensation provides a virtually assured remedy, it is limited. For example, workers’ compensation does not include damages for pain, suffering, or lost enjoyment of life. It also doesn’t allow damages to punish and deter wrongful conduct. Injured workers are permitted to sue for broader, compensatory, and punitive damages from parties other than the employer. Third-party claims cover the wrongful conduct of other parties who could be the sole or contributing cause of an explosion or other workplace accident. For example, the injured employee may seek to recover damages against the owner of the premises where the employee was sent to work, the manufacturer of a defective product, or a contractor that improperly installed, maintained, or used equipment involved in the explosion.

CALL GLENDA COCHRAN ASSOCIATES FOR THIRD-PARTY LAWSUITS

In these “third-party” lawsuits, determining the precise cause of the explosion and the parties at fault are critical, complex matters that the injured employee is required to prove. Navigating these issues to get the full recovery to which a worker may be entitled takes experienced attorneys who have previously handled these kinds of explosion cases. Glenda Cochran Associates has done so many times, including cases involving pipelines, storage tanks, valves, gasoline, oil, natural gas, and propane.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an explosion accident, contact Glenda Cochran Associates today for a free consultation.

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Alabama State Bar, Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.2 (e), requires the following language in all attorney communications: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Our founding attorney, Glenda Cochran, is once again included in the Top 100 High Stakes Litigators list for Alabama. Ms. Cochran was re-selected to the list based on her years of exceptional advocacy, litigation success, ethical standards, and extraordinary accomplishments in high-stakes legal matters.

With more than 25 years of trial experience and numerous awards achieved in her career, Ms. Cochran is recognized among her legal peers and across the state for her advocacy and litigation successes. Along with numerous accolades including being selected in American Trial Academy’s Top Tier Lawyers list, she also has been awarded the highest possible AV Preeminent® rating in both legal ability & ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell®.

Ms. Cochran is a graduate from Cumberland School of Law and is involved in the Alabama State Bar, American Association for Justice, and Birmingham Bar Foundation. She is known for her achievements in personal injury practice areas including:

• Burn injuries
• Explosion injuries
• Product liability
• Premises liability
• Workplace injuries
• Medical malpractice
• Wrongful death

ABOUT AMERICA’S TOP 100 LLC

America’s Top 100 LLC’s mission is to recognize the most qualified and accomplished professionals in various industries each year, from attorneys and doctors to dentists, accountants, architects, engineers, and realtors, among other professionals.

Membership to the annual list is exclusive, as less than 1% of professionals in the United States are selected for membership each year. Only 100 attorneys in each state are selected. Membership in each state is determined through a rigorous process that involves:

• Nomination
• Third-party research
• Statistical analysis of the candidate’s experience, achievements, results, community impact, peer reputation, consumer satisfaction, and other factors specific to each profession

For strong strategy and representation in your personal injury case, contact Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law online or by phone at {F:P:Site:Phone}. We offer free consultations and are committed to helping those suffering from serious injuries.

Two individuals were taken to a hospital after a house explosion in Janesville. According to the Janesville Police Department, the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak and a lit cigarette. One of the injured individuals said they smelled gas before the other lit a cigarette. One of the victims is being treated for minor injuries while the other is in serious condition with severe burns. A dog that was in the home at the time of the explosion is also being treated for serious burns.

The duplex is considered a total loss, and the person living on the other side of the duplex was not injured and is now staying with family. The accident is still under investigation.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

Burn injuries can result from heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, or radiation coming into contact with the skin and can be extremely serious, especially if the burn is considered to be second-, third-, or fourth-degree.

If you’ve been injured in a fire or explosion, you should seek medical attention immediately, especially if you have the following:

• Chemical burns
• Second-degree burns
• Third-degree burns
• Burns that take up over 10% of the body
• Burns accompanied with a traumatic injury

Burn injuries are often classified under catastrophic injuries, which defines injuries that can become permanent and require lifelong care and treatment. Catastrophic injuries often cause disabilities that prevent victims from returning to their normal way of life, and many have to quit their jobs if their injuries no longer allow them to perform their tasks.

LEGAL ADVOCACY AT NO CHARGE

Many injured individuals are weary of hiring a personal injury attorney to help them file a claim because they can’t afford to pay on top of their already existing medical bills and property damage. Fortunately, our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t win until you do. We also offer free consultations so we can hear your story and provide you with options should you wish to proceed.

Our lawyers have recovered the following damages for our clients to relieve them of their burdens:

• Medical bills, including ambulance rides, surgeries, hospital stays, and more
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Lost wages or future earning capacity from missing work

If your burns were caused by a negligent party, our team can use our resources and knowledge to get to the bottom of the situation and determine liability.

A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON DURING A DARK TIME

Suffering from burn injuries after a devastating accident can feel overwhelming as well as isolating, but our attorneys can be by your side throughout the personal injury claims process. Our team at Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law is dedicated to pursuing justice for those who have been wrongly harmed – you won’t be alone in your recovery. Through honest communication and fierce advocacy, we strive to secure the results you desire while you focus on resting. Allow us to help you navigate the legal system and file the necessary paperwork. We’ve helped clients suffering from thermal burns, chemical burns, electrical burns, natural gas burns, propane burns, and industrial burns.

Contact our legal team online or by phone at {F:P:Site:Phone} for a free consultation regarding your burn injuries or other injuries caused by negligence. The burn injury lawyers at Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law have defended the rights of the injured for more than 25 years. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.

An Ogden couple suffered second- and third-degree burns after an explosion in a travel trailer last Thursday afternoon. According to news sources, the Weber Fire District and Ogden Fire Department both reported to a Super 8 hotel after reports of a fire, and the fire was quickly extinguished. Both the man and woman suffered burns to their legs and hands, and were transported to a local hospital, then moved to the University of Utah burn center. The Weber County Sheriff’s Office reported that the injuries were not life threatening.

Authorities believe the cause of the fire to be an accident, though the scene is still under investigation. The trailer was completely destroyed in the fire following the explosion, which they suspect was a propane leak.

TYPES OF BURN INJURIES

With more than 25 years of experience, our law firm has aided countless burn victims and helped them recover through tireless legal support. It’s important to call us immediately after your accident so we can act quickly and gather the evidence we need to support your case before it’s lost or discarded.

Common burn injuries our team has seen include:

• Thermal burns
• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns
• Natural gas burns
• Propane burns
• Industrial burns

These burn injuries can happen anywhere and in a variety of ways. One of the most common causes of burn injuries are gas explosions, which often injure gas and oil workers. These explosions are typically caused bye unsafe working conditions or manufacturing defects. Car accidents are another source of burn injuries, as it’s fairly common for gasoline to ignite and engulf cars in flames after a collision.

HOW OUR TEAM CAN HELP

Burn victims must seek medical attention immediately, as burn injuries are often classified as catastrophic, or more serious injuries that can become permanent and require lifelong care. Common treatments that are required for burns include skin grafts or flap procedures, surgery, amputation, antibiotics and antihistamines, and intravenous fluid. Medical bills can add up quickly as a result, and most people can’t afford the high costs.

Fortunately, our team can help. You may be eligible to seek financial compensation if you can prove your injuries were caused by negligence.

Through our hard work and perseverance, we’ve been able to recover the following damages for clients:

• Medical bills, such as surgeries, hospital stays, ambulance rides, and physical therapy
• Lost wages or future earning capacity from having to miss or quit work
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Burns are lingering and painful, but our lawyers can help shoulder some of your burdens so you can focus on resting and healing.

SEEKING JUSTICE FOR YOUR PAIN

At Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law, our team believes that no one should have to suffer from injuries caused by another party’s negligence. If you or someone you loved was burned in a fire or explosion, we’re here to investigate. Our burn injury attorneys have helped countless clients achieve justice by holding guilty parties responsible and securing the compensation they need to heal. Burn injuries can be expensive to treat, especially when surgery is needed, but through our fierce advocacy we can help you afford high-quality care. Whether you were injured in a car accident, gas explosion, or a chemical accident, we can be by your side in an instant.

For strong strategy and representation in your personal injury case, contact Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law online or by phone at {F:P:Site:Phone}. We offer free consultations and are committed to helping those suffering from serious injuries, like burns.

A San Antonio man was saved by two neighbors after an explosion at his home set it on fire. The explosion happened late Sunday night, according to firefighters, and by the time they arrived the home was fully engulfed in flames. The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he’s being treated for extensive burns.

After an investigation, fire officials have said it’s likely that a gas leak caused the fire. The home is totally destroyed, and a portion of the home next door was damaged. CPS Energy has been called to dig up the gas line to cap it.

TYPES OF EXPLOSIONS AND BURN INJURIES

According to our attorneys, LP or propane gas explosions aren’t accidents. Whether they occurred in a home or a vehicle, we’ve learned through years of experience that explosions are typically caused by manufacturing defects and negligence by the companies that produce them.

We’ve successfully represented clients who have been injured in the following types of explosions:

• RV explosions
• Mobile home explosions
• Natural gas explosions
• Camper propane explosions

Explosions can be caused by natural leaks, faulty detectors, or a lack of properly installed flame failure devices. Our team of explosion injury attorneys can investigate the scene of the accident and use our resources to pinpoint the exact cause, as well as who may be liable for damages.

If you’ve been injured in an explosion, chances are your burn injuries are serious. We’ve helped victims who have received thermal burns, electrical burns, propane burns, chemical burns, natural gas burns, and industrial burns. If you’ve been injured in an explosion, chances are, your burns are serious – the more serious they are, the more expensive they can be to treat.

Serious burns may cost thousands of dollars to treat through the following options:

• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Intravenous fluid
• Surgery
• Amputation
• Skin grafts or flap procedures

HOW OUR TEAM CAN HELP

Most individuals don’t plan for a devastating accident and thus don’t have the funds to pay for a life-saving surgery or hospital stay. As if suffering from the pain of your burns isn’t challenging enough, many victims find themselves in crippling debt from medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and property damage caused by the explosion or fire. Some even have to quit their job altogether if their injuries produce disabilities, losing their only source of income.

If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another, such as a manufacturing company, you deserve to be compensated properly for your suffering. No one should have to be burned as the result of another’s carelessness. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients who have received burns so they can pay for their treatments and begin the healing process. When you call us, you can rest assured knowing that the investigation process is entirely in your hands. While recovering from injuries can be an isolating experience, we can be by your side each step of the way until you can stand on your own two feet.

DEDICATED TO HELPING BURN VICTIMS

For more than 25 years, our attorneys have helped clients on the road to recovery through compassionate service and effective representation. Handling all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, we understand that this may be a difficult time for you, both physically and financially, which is why we don’t get paid until you do. We’re proud to have successfully recovered damages for clients who have received burns from car accidents, gas explosions, chemical accidents, and more. While you focus on healing, we can focus on pursuing justice on your behalf.

If you or someone you love is suffering from serious burn injuries after an accident, call our personal injury lawyers online for a free case evaluation. Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law is the premier law firm when it comes to severe burn injuries and explosion accidents.

On the weekend of February 7-9, 2020, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law hosted Region 8 of the annual National Trial Competition (NTC) at the Jefferson County Civil Courthouse. Our very own Glenda Cochran acted as one of the judges.

Each year, law students from around the nation participate in this prestigious mock trial competition in order to gain valuable, real-world experience in the courtroom. This year, the competition included 22 teams, 200 judges, over 40 witnesses, and 75 student volunteers from Cumberland. A total of 50 trials took place over the weekend, each with at least three judges.

The night before the final round, Glenda Cochran Associates hosted a dinner for all team participants and coaches. Ms. Cochran has been closely involved with the NTC for many years. She herself was a winner of the competition while she was a student at Cumberland, and she has remained active by judging and helping out with the competition over the years.

This commitment to setting up the nation’s future lawyers for success is something that our firm is fiercely dedicated to and we are proud to have been a part of the 2020 NTC. We send our regrets that this year’s finals had to be canceled and look forward to working with the participants in 2021.

Are you looking for an attorney in Birmingham? Glenda Cochran Associates specializes in personal injury cases, such as catastrophic and burn injuries, throughout Alabama. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

We are thrilled to announce that our founding attorney Ms. Glenda Cochran was selected for national membership into the American Trial Academy: Top Tier® Lawyers Class of 2020. Only 2% of attorneys in the United States were chosen for membership in the 2020 class. Ms. Cochran was recognized by the organization for her nearly 40 years as a leader in the field of personal injury law.

ABOUT ATTORNEY GLENDA COCHRAN

Ms. Cochran is an experienced trial lawyer who founded Glenda Cochran Associates Attorneys at Law in 1989. She has built a reputation of handling high-profile, newsworthy explosion injury cases. Throughout her career, she and her firm have represented countless victims of traumatic and catastrophic injuries, such as burns, loss of limb, and spinal cord injuries.

Ms. Cochran has won numerous awards over her career, including the coveted AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell® which is given only to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise and ethics.

THE TOP TIER® LAWYERS SELECTION PROCESS

The Top Tier® Lawyers are selected by the American Trial Academy each year to connect potential clients to the best attorneys in the nation. The rigorous selection process is administered by a group of professionals from both legal and non-legal fields.

The American Trial Academy selection process focuses on:

• Reviews from clients, colleges, and judges
• Results from cases, including settlement amounts and trial verdicts
• Contributions to the legal community
• Additional factors such as awards and publications

Please visit Oxford Heritage Institute’s The American Trial Academy website for additional information regarding this honor.

If you are looking for fierce, dedicated legal advocacy in the Birmingham area, contact Glenda Cochran Associates. Our firm has successfully fought for injured Alabamans for over 30 years. Call us at {F:P:Sub:Phone} or write to us online to schedule your free consultation.