While it might be no secret that coal miners in West Virginia and elsewhere may face a variety of risks as they operate within a mine, this might not always be their only concern. Above ground, workers may be tasked with using heavy-duty vehicles to transport materials and coal mine accidents involving similar machines can have cataclysmic results. One person has died following a recent incident involving service truck at a mine in a neighboring state.
The accident is said to have taken place at around 9:40 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. While many of the details pertaining to the incident remain unclear, officials have advised that a service truck crashed while hauling materials along a road at the mine. The driver of the truck was reportedly found unresponsive shortly thereafter and officials have advised that the worker passed away later on.
Although there are multiple agencies investigating the incident, no further information was provided as to how the accident might have occurred. When transporting materials near a mine, workers may encounter a variety of potential hazards, such as the instability of dirt roads and the risk of vehicle malfunction. Regardless of how it occurs, a fatal accident may leave surviving loved ones mourning over an unexpected loss and facing a variety of financial hardships.
In addition to the emotional toll involved, fatal coal mine accidents could leave surviving family members facing extensive end-of-life expenses and a potential loss of income. Those who encounter such hardships may be eligible for benefits through the workers’ compensation insurance system, and they could choose to retain the services of an attorney for guidance in the process. An attorney in West Virginia can evaluate the incident, along with the client’s financial needs, and assist in pursuing the full amount of compensation achievable through every applicable source.
