Property Contamination Lawyer San Antonio

Oil and gas drilling brings jobs and economic activity to Texas, especially in the Eagle Ford Shale. But when companies cut corners, careless drilling and disposal practices can damage land, pollute water sources and expose people to toxic chemicals. Daspit Law Firm represents landowners and families in San Antonio and South Texas who want to hold those companies accountable.

Our lead attorney, John Daspit, is a former insurance defense lawyer who worked on the defense side of a property contamination case for an oil and gas company. He understands how the other side approaches these claims and uses that knowledge for property owners.

How We Help Landowners With Contamination Claims

When you contact us, we listen to your story, review what has happened to your land, water and health, and explain your legal options. We work with qualified professionals to document the damage, and we pursue the responsible company through settlement talks or, where needed, in court.

We offer a free case consultation, and you do not pay us unless we win your case.

Claims we can help with

•         Tainted public or private water supplies

•         Land scarring

•         Reduced land value

•         Ruined vegetation

•         Violation of pipeline agreements

•         Toxic exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals

How Drilling Can Contaminate Property

Unfortunately, an oil or gas operator may have little regard for regulations and environmental policies. Contamination can follow spills, leaking wells or pipelines, improper waste disposal and other drilling-related activity, including fracking and exploration.

Effects on land and water

Soil can be damaged so badly that crops and vegetation will not grow, and property values can fall sharply. Water used for drinking, livestock or irrigation can become unsafe.

Effects on your health

Exposure to certain industrial chemicals has been linked to serious illnesses, including neurological problems. Whether a specific exposure caused a specific illness is a medical and legal question, which is why early documentation matters. Our chemical exposure and toxic tort practice handles these claims.

Compensation You May Be Able to Pursue

Every case is different, but a property contamination claim may seek:

•         Cleanup and remediation costs

•         Loss of property value and loss of use

•         Medical treatment costs for people harmed by exposure

•         Damage to crops, vegetation or livestock

•         Punitive damages in appropriate cases, where the conduct is serious enough and Texas law allows them, to penalize the company and discourage similar conduct

What to Do if You Suspect Contamination

•         Photograph and video the affected land, water and any visible damage

•         Keep dated records of odors, discoloration, illness and any drilling activity nearby

•         Arrange water or soil testing through a qualified professional

•         Save leases, pipeline agreements and letters from the operator

•         Get medical care for any symptoms and tell your doctor about the possible exposure

•         Speak with a lawyer before signing any settlement or release

Many Texas property damage claims are subject to a two-year limitations period, but the exact deadline can depend on the type of claim and when the damage was discovered, so do not wait. Oil and gas activity in Texas is regulated by agencies such as the Railroad Commission of Texas, and a lawyer can help you decide whether a complaint to an agency should accompany a lawsuit. See also our work on Eagle Ford Shale accidents.

Contact a San Antonio Property Contamination Attorney

We treat every case as if it were our own. If drilling activity has harmed your land, water or health, contact Daspit Law Firm for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, so you can reach out when it suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a property contamination claim?

It is a legal claim against a company whose activities polluted or damaged your land, water or air. In oil and gas cases, the claim may rest on negligence, nuisance, trespass or breach of a pipeline or lease agreement. The goal is compensation for cleanup, lost value and any related injuries.

Who can be held responsible for contamination?

Responsible parties may include the well operator, a drilling or service contractor, a pipeline company or a waste disposal company. Which party is liable depends on who controlled the activity that caused the harm, and your lawyer will investigate this early.

How do I prove my land or water was contaminated?

Proof usually involves testing by qualified professionals, records of the condition of your property before and after drilling began, and evidence connecting the contamination to a specific operation. Photographs, lab results and expert opinions all matter, so start documenting as soon as you notice a problem.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?

Many Texas claims for damage to property must be filed within two years, although the exact deadline can vary by claim type and by when the damage was or should have been discovered. Because contamination can be hard to date, speak with a lawyer promptly.

What does it cost to hire Daspit Law Firm?

The case consultation is free. We handle these claims on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay us unless we win your case.