West Virginia Coal Mining Injury Attorneys With Decades Of Experience
Coal miners are put in dangerous situations every single day, but the sad reality is that many of the dangerous situations that miners are subjected to could have been prevented. At Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, we represent injured coal miners and advocate for families after losing a loved one in a fatal coal mine accident.
Our attorneys will stand up for you and make sure that your best interests are protected. People throughout the Charleston area come to us because of our personal injury experience and our legal abilities. We aggressively fight for our clients, regardless of the circumstances of the case. When companies put profit and production over safety, we are here as your advocates.
Advocates For Coal Miners Throughout West Virginia
Most coal mining injuries are very serious. These are often orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, or amputations. In the most serious of cases, these accidents cause fatalities. We handle all types of coal mining disasters, including claims involving:
- Elevator collapses
- Defective work equipment
- Injuries from a lack of safety equipment
- Inadequate lighting
- Accidents from poor air quality and explosions
Families and injured miners are still reeling from the losses they suffered in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in 2010, as well as the Sago Mine disaster, the Aracoma Alma Mine disaster and numerous others. We understand the incredible impact that these disasters have on an individual and a family. Our firm works tirelessly to see that you are protected and gets the compensation you deserve.
Experienced And Trusted Representation
Unfortunately, accidents and injuries often occur due to the coal mining company’s preference for production over safety. It needs to be held responsible for this attitude and the damages that it causes. We do not back down from any opponent. Whether we are taking action against Massey Energy, Patriot Coal, Consol Energy, Murray Energy or any other mining company, we aggressively seek to hold mining companies responsible for their negligence.
Each of our eight attorneys has extensive experience in personal injury cases, as well as coal mine accident matters. You will work directly with your lawyer throughout all steps of the legal process and be able to get answers to your questions. From helping you get to be seen by a medical professional to dealing with lost wages from missing work, we are here to help you and your family.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Circumstances Of A Coal Mining Accident?
Common situations leading to personal injuries and deaths in surface coal mining and underground mining include:
- Explosions
- Toxic fume exposure
- Toxic chemical spills
- Electrical injuries
- Electrocution
- Roof falls
- Rib rolls
- Drowning
- Development of occupational diseases such as black lung death
Our team has experience obtaining maximum available compensation for people who have suffered injuries and loss of life in a wide range of coal mining accidents.
Is A Coal Mining Accident A Workers’ Compensation Claim, A Premises Liability Claim Or A Personal Injury Claim?
The type of recovery you are eligible for after a coal mining accident depends on many factors, such as whether you were working for an employer or hired as a contractor. These decide whether to pursue a workplace injury claim or another type of claim. A detailed investigation will help determine what legal avenues you have for recovering damages.
Who Can I Sue?
There is often more than one responsible party liable to compensate an injury victim after a coal mining accident. When defective equipment is involved, a manufacturer may be liable. When a supervisor failed to train workers properly, the coal mining company itself may be liable.
A West Virginia employer can be held responsible when a deliberate intent hazard existed. Deliberate intent hazard refers to a case where an employer knew of a particular hazard and did not take reasonable precautions to protect workers. If you can demonstrate that your supervisor was aware of an unsafe condition and did not notify you or train you adequately, you may be able to file a claim for compensation from the company that employed the supervisor.
Free Initial Consultation With A Coal Mining Injury Attorney
If you have questions, concerns or want to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, please contact us at 304-205-1810 or send us an email. Consultations can be made at a time that is most convenient for you.