Mining companies generally consider the health of employees to be of the utmost importance and take steps to increase worker safety. However, coal mine accidents continue to occur despite increases to safety protocols and procedures, and these incidents run the unfortunate risk of ending in disaster. A recent accident at a coal mine in West Virginia has claimed the life of a 34-year-old man.
According to reports, the incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on a recent Friday as the man was operating a dozer on the surface of a mine. For reasons unknown, the vehicle suddenly fell off the side of a wall and fell an unspecified distance. Although emergency responders were likely notified and en route to the site of the incident, the man was unfortunately pronounced dead soon thereafter.
Officials within the state and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration will reportedly be launching an investigation into the incident. This investigation will likely seek to determine what may have caused it to occur. In a state that takes pride in the coal mining industry, such a loss is felt by many, perhaps none more so than the surviving family members of the deceased.
Along with the emotional grief of a similar circumstance, those who experience loss in fatal coal mine accidents may also face financial challenges that could prompt a need for relief. When facing a similar situation, a family in West Virginia could be entitled to relief through the workers’ compensation insurance system. Since the process can be complex, one could consult with an experienced attorney for guidance and assistance in pursuing the full amount of compensation to which he or she is entitled.
Source: wvmetronews.com, “Miner killed in Fayette County accident“, Chris Lawrence, Dec. 29, 2017
