A recent accident at a mine owned by the nation’s largest privately-owned coal company left one dead and two other workers injured. The accident was at the Murray Energy Coal Mine in West Virginia and is still under investigation by authorities. After any type of work accident, including mine accidents, victims and families could be eligible for workers’ compensation to cover medical expenses and other costs.
This particular accident was caused after a rib supporting the wall and the roof of the mine collapsed. The two workers who were injured were conscious after the accident, but they were taken to the hospital for treatment and observation. It is not clear exactly what factors contributed to the accident. West Virginia miners should be eligible for certain types of financial support through the workers’ comp system after an injury, regardless of how or why a work accident occurred.
Mining accidents have the potential to cause serious damage. Physical injuries, emotional trauma and lost wages from missed work are just some of the ways that a family can feel the impact for years to come. When a worker is killed on duty, remaining family members are left with end-of-life expenses, medical bills and the loss of income.
After an accident, the injured worker should file a workers’ compensation claim, which the employer has an obligation to process in a timely manner. The workers’ compensation system is complex, and sometimes, it can be difficult to get rightful benefits. When navigating this legal process, it can be useful to have the assistance of a lawyer who is knowledgeable in this area of law.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Murray Energy Coal Mine Accident In West Virginia Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured“, March 9, 2015
