West Virginia Leads Nation in Coal Mining Deaths - Again
The coal mining industry is rife with risks and potential hazards. For workers in this industry, there always exists the real risk of serious injury and, unfortunately, death. Families of workers who suffer injuries in the line of work are also forced to endure the burdens of these difficult experiences. In many cases, these injuries and deaths are preventable.
An article recently published in the Charleston Gazette profiled the dangers of the mining industry by revealing the fact that West Virginia once again led the U.S. in coal-related mining deaths last year. According to federal statistics from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), a total of six coal miners were killed on the job in 2013.
MSHA data shows that over the past 12 years, West Virginia has been home to the most coal mining deaths of any state in the country, far surpassing Kentucky's 87 fatalities with a total of 129. These figures include two large mining accidents - 12 deaths in the Sago Mine disaster in 2006 and 29 deaths in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in 2010.
The Rights of Injured Coal Miners
At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, our West Virginia personal injury lawyers are intimately familiar with the dangers of the coal mining industry. As long-time advocates for injured victims and their families, we have represented many miners throughout the years. We continue to offer our support, representation, and commitment to injured miners and families in need of obtaining justice and fair compensation.
The unfortunate fact is that far too many mining injuries and deaths are preventable if the mine operators follow simple safety measures. Instead, mining companies cut corners and safety inspections and fail to provide a safe work environment for workers, unnecessarily putting their lives and their young families at risk. Mining accidents are truly profit over safety situations - and they come at a profound price. Many times, the injuries are permanent and / or deadly.
Our legal team is dedicated to fighting passionately against injustice and to helping injured miners and their loved ones recover the compensation they deserve by asserting their legal rights and holding negligent mining companies liable. If you or your loved one has been injured in a mining accident in Charleston or anywhere throughout the state of West Virginia, place your trust in a passionate and proven firm to guide you through the personal injury or wrongful death claim process.
For more information about your case and how our firm can help, fill out a free case evaluation form or call (888) 720-1001 today.