Mining Safety Violations
Coal mining is a way of life in West Virginia that has supported generations of families and entire communities. Our miners are among the hardest working people in the world, enduring difficult and dangerous work to provide for their families. However, many companies do not share the miners’ dedication to safe mining and routinely violate state and federal safety laws that are in place to ensure that no one dies for a paycheck. When disaster strikes because of a negligent violation of safety laws, it is important to seek legal advice about your rights and options. Our lawyers at the Huntington law firm of Duffield, Lovejoy & Boggs, Attorneys at Law, can help.
When bad things happen to good people, we’re here to help.
Since the tragedies at Sago, Aracoma and, most recently, Upper Big Branch, mine safety and
regulation has been at the forefront of public discussion. Congress enacted legislation in 2006 to update the 1977 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Act and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, often called the Coal Act. Likewise, the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training (MHST) has created regulations that apply to all
underground and surface mining in West Virginia.
Even with regulation and oversight, mining companies often violate the law, leading
to conditions that have caused the deaths, illnesses and injuries of our brave West Virginia miners. These violations have led to:
- High-wall accidents
- Explosions and fire injuries
- Longwall shield collapse
- Longwall shearer malfunction
- Roof falls
- Runaway mine cars
- Methane and other explosions
- Coal stockpile collapse
- Rib rolls
- Electrocution and electrical accidents
- Crush injuries
- Inhalation of silica dust and coal dust
Accidents such as these have been caused by failure to provide safety equipment, derailer and haulage track design defects, violation of roof control plans, violation of ventilation plans, defective or poorly maintained tools and equipment, improper operation of mining equipment, inadequate warnings, improper training and deliberate exposure to danger.
Our lawyers understand the concerns of our clients after coal mine disasters because we have lived here all our lives. We know that money is only part of what our clients need; however, we also know that being free from financial worry can help with the healing process. We know the regulations that govern the mining industry, and we fight for the full compensation our clients need and deserve after violations of these laws cause injury and death.
At Duffield, Lovejoy & Boggs, Attorneys at Law, we help clients who suffered mining injuries caused by violations of safety laws. Please contact our lawyers to learn how we can assist you.
Need help? We’re here. Call now, day or night.