Two miners were killed on Monday, May 13th in an extremely unfortunate accident that occurred as the coal company was preparing a West Virginia mine for abandonment. The mine apparently has a long history of safety violations for which it has received many federal citations, and officials from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have initiated several actions commonly reserved for only the most serious violators. Fines levied against the mine for violations totaled more than $4.2 million dollars in 2013 and 2014 alone. Audits revealed that upwards of 35 injuries occurred at the mine yet were never reported to federal agencies.
This particular accident took place as the men were conducting retreat operations, which involved the removal of pillars previously used to prevent the roof from collapsing, so as to cause an intentional collapse in a section of the mine that is being abandoned. The collapse resulted in what is known as a "coal outburst" and is reported as the direct cause of the two fatalities.
If you have sustained serious injury or illness as a result of working at a coal mine, fracking site or other mining operation, you may be able to seek compensation with help from a skilled West Virginia personal injury attorney. Fitzsimmons Law Firm PLLC is a highly-regarded personal injury firm known for obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for the victims of coal mining accidents, fracking water pollution and more.
We are not afraid to go up against big businesses or fight for the rights of the worker. That is what we do. Our firm has recovered well over half a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including over 130 individual verdicts or settlements valued at more than a million dollars each. To find out whether you may have grounds to file a lawsuit or claim seeking damages for injuries you sustained, contact our firm.