Propane

Propane is a multibillion dollar industry servicing businesses and millions of domestic households.  Different segments of the industry — producers, pipelines, wholesalers, and retailers; tank and equipment manufacturers; and odorant manufacturers — require a legal team with proven experience and extensive knowledge of the technical issues that are specific to the propane industry.   The firm’s attorneys have both the experience and the knowledge necessary to counsel all segments of the propane industry in all important areas.  Because of our broad and lengthy experience representing the industry, we offer practical advice to help our clients reach their goals.

Assisting with acquisitions

Our experience includes counseling management with respect to business acquisitions, reorganizations, and financing.  Following an acquisition, we continue to provide counsel by reviewing supply agreements, tariffs, and insurance coverage to ensure the broadest possible protections are available to the client. 

Resolving regulatory matters

Propane retailers can also rely upon the firm’s attorneys to provide counsel regarding industry practices and the multitude of state regulatory requirements. Our experience also includes counseling clients regarding reporting obligations under the Consumer Product Safety Act as well as working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission when a reporting requirement is triggered.

Counseling on best practices

The potential for catastrophic personal injury claims requires that our attorneys be well equipped to advise clients on accident avoidance as well as appropriately responding if an accident occurs.  Employee training, particularly involving the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) and the GasCheck program, can be an important aspect of accident avoidance.  Compliance with applicable codes and standards such as NFPA 54 and 58, DOT regulations, and ASME and National Board Inspection Code requirements also present issues that the firm’s attorneys are regularly asked to address. 

Leading the accident investigation

Our years of experience have familiarized us with a nationwide group of investigators and experts whom we can call upon whenever a propane accident occurs.   In the event of an accident, the firm’s attorneys routinely participate in and coordinate cause and origin and catastrophic accident investigations across the country, including investigations involving local and state authorities, OSHA and the Chemical Safety Board.  

Litigating personal injury claims

The firm is experienced in propane litigation when disputes arise in propane-related matters.  Our experience is nation-wide and includes claims regarding negligence, breach of warranty, and product liability, as well as industry specific issues including:

• Gas detectors
• “Out of gas” calls
• “Odor fade” claims
• Failure to warn claims

Defending a wide range of claims to protect our clients

Our attorneys have a wide range of experience litigating other issues that impact the propane industry, including:

• Insurance coverage counseling and litigation
• Contractual indemnity claims
• Bankruptcy
• Environmental claims
• Labor and employment issues, including discrimination and whistleblower claims (under both state and federal law)