Individuals who work within certain fields of employment may face certain levels of risk on a daily basis. Although safety protocols and equipment may have led to a significant increase in safety among professions such as mining, coal mine accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. A recent accident under similar circumstances has reportedly claimed the life of a 51-year-old man in West Virginia.
The man’s body was found on the surface of a mine on a recent Friday. The cause of death remains unknown, and several state and federal investigations into the incident are apparently underway. According to reports, the man lost a brother to a mining accident just over 10 years prior, and is survived by a wife and two kids, along with several grandchildren.
Even with advancements in workplace safety, mining accidents continue to be a serious concern. Officials have indicated that this is the sixth mining death this year in West Virginia alone, which is double the amount of deaths that occurred in the previous year. Those who lose a loved one in such a tragic way may find it challenging to accept, potentially leaving them in search of answers, and not knowing what happened could hinder their ability to find closure.
Along with the grief of such a loss, surviving family members may experience financial challenges following fatal coal mine accidents, perhaps especially if the deceased was a primary wage earner. A family could be entitled to relief through the workers’ compensation insurance system, but the process can be stressful and intimidating. When facing a similar situation, a family could speak with an experienced attorney for assistance in pursuing the full amount of compensation deserved through every applicable source.
Source: wajr.com, “Brother of Sago victim dead in Randolph County mining accident“, Aug. 26, 2017
