Natural gas drilling is prevalent in the state of Pennsylvania. Accordingly, it is an industry in which many people have found employment. The work can be dangerous however. The risk of being injured while working in the industry is illustrated in the recent death of a well driller employed by Patterson-UTI drilling which had been subcontracted by Seneca Resources.

The work accident that resulted in the death of the 24-year-old man took place in rural northwestern Pennsylvania a little over an hour outside of Pittsburgh. The man, along with other workers, was prepping the gas well site for drilling.

As several people were attempting to fit two pieces of pipe together, one of the pipes fell on top of him. He died as a result of being crushed between the pipe and beam. The corner indicated he died immediately.

While it is of course tragic anytime a person dies in an accident unexpectedly, it is particularly sad when the person who dies is so young. Though the man’s family is most likely trying to come to terms with the untimely death, they may ultimately decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the man’s employer.

This type of lawsuit is often filed when a death occurs as a result of another person’s negligence. A successful wrongful death lawsuit will look at the man’s life in financial terms and provide the family with financial compensation for what is determined to be the value of the man’s life. Though nearly all people would likely say that they would prefer their loved one still be with them, the compensation may make it easier for them to move forward with their lives.

Source: Tribune-Review, “Harrisburg man killed in drilling accident,” Associated Press, April 6, 2012