Workers in West Virginia coal mines face dangerous situations on every shift. While most coal mine accidents are preventable, they continue to happen because worker safety is often compromised by the need for company profits and production. Every coal mining accident is serious, and those who are fortunate enough to survive often suffer catastrophic injuries, including amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord and orthopedic injuries.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration recently released a report concerning fatal mining accidents in the first nine months of this year, as well as the fatalities that were recorded in the 2015 fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30. From January through September of this year, 25 miners were killed in on-the-job accidents in the coal, metal and non-metal mining industries. Reportedly, 33 deaths were recorded for the same period last year.
Deaths in only coal mining accidents in FY 2015 were recorded as 14, which is four less that FY 2014; 23 died in metal and non-metal mining accidents in FY 2015, compared to 29 in FY 2014. Despite the fact that fewer miners lost their lives in this fiscal year, authorities emphasized safety awareness must be maintained, and effective programs to ensure the safety and health of miners must be established at all mines. It was noted that the men and woman who perform the physically challenging jobs in mines deserve proper protection.
West Virginia families who have lost loved ones in coal mine accidents will likely face several financial difficulties as the result of the tragedy. All workers are entitled to pursue claims for compensation for workplace injuries, and the covered dependents of those who have lost their lives have similar rights. Some families choose to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling claims arising out of coal mining accidents. Such a professional can explore all applicable options for pursuing compensation for end-of-life expenses, loss of income and other financial damages.
Source: elkodaily.com, “MSHA: Seven miners die nationwide in third quarter of 2015”, Oct. 27, 2015