West Virginia Coal Mining Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a surface mining accident?

Surface mining can be every bit as dangerous as mining done below the surface. Coal mining is part of the heritage of West Virginia and as the firm's attorneys were born and raised here, they understand the risks of the job and the types of injuries that can and do occur. For over 30 years, the Fitzsimmons Firm has proudly represented those who have been injured through no fault of their own. If you have been injured in a surface mining accident, retain an experienced West Virginia coal mining accident attorney who not only understands the laws and what it takes to win, but knows what you and your family are going through.

Surface mining accidents can be caused by defective equipment such as excavating machinery, explosives, blasting equipment, drilling equipment, scoops, roof bolting machines, timbers and others. Sometimes, vehicles such as shuttle cars, rock trucks, booms, bull dozers, coal trucks and clear cutting equipment can be improperly maintained or operated in unsafe conditions, causing accidents.

Safety and MSHA violations in terms of industrial accidents or miners being exposed to naphtha, creosote or other toxic chemicals are another source of surface mining hazards which can lead to injury or a wrongful death. In addition, drilling or blasting on the surface can cause the inhalation of silica dust which causes black lung disease.

Injured Miners

In the wake of a coal mining accident, both the victim and the person's family can suddenly be in the position of having large medical bills which they cannot possibly keep up with. The major wage earner in the family may be unable to work but the bills just keep piling up. In severe cases, an injured miner may not be able to make a wage for a lengthy period of time.

Over 216 times, the firm has produced verdicts or settlements for their clients of $1 million or more, including a $25 million settlement in a coal mine explosion and a $27 million settlement for a construction accident. This was one of the largest wrongful death settlements ever in West Virginia. The firm is here to help hard-working individuals, just like you, receive the compensation they need.

Injured in a surface mining accident? Now is the time to contact a West Virginia coal mining accident lawyer for assistance.