When a person is injured while working, workers’ compensation can help a person stay afloat financially during the recovery period. However, sometimes workers compensation is not enough, or the injury is so severe the worker cannot immediately return to work. In cases when the workplace injuries are severe or there was carelessness on the part of someone else, further legal action is taken. Cabell County readers may be interested in such as case that is happening now.
A man is suing his employer and a former co-worker for their parts in an accident which left him severely injured and unable to work. According to the lawsuit, the man is seeking over $4 million in damages.
The man, who is a miner, was injured when a co-worker used a pair on channel locks to pull the throttle cable. When this happened a rubber-tired man trip buggy started and pinned the man to the seam of the mine and injured his leg. The injury required surgery to repair both the man’s tibula and fibula, and will require more surgery at a later date. Unfortunately, the injury has left the man’s leg to weak for him to return to working in a mine. The man’s suit claims that his employer failed to provide a safe working environment.
The man has a right to seek compensation for his injuries, especially since they are of the nature that prevent him from being able to do his job. Once the case makes it to court, the man will be able to attempt and make the case that the company was negligent.
Anyone who is injured while doing their job has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. For those considering going this route, speaking with a legal professional can help them determine if filing such a case is in their best interests.
Source: WV Record, “Miner seeks more than $4M after alleged workplace accident” Thomas Kallies, Nov. 15, 2013