West Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney

Coal Mining Fatalities

Coal mining is one of our country's most dangerous occupations and despite efforts by miners and the government, safety and MSHA violations continue to occur, resulting in many types of injuries and miner fatalities. For the year 2010, MSHA reports that there were 8,523 injuries and 71 deaths to miners.

If a miner is killed by the negligent actions of another person or company, this is known as a wrongful death. Regardless of whether the fatality was willful or not, the heirs of the deceased and other beneficiaries may be entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the person or company who was liable for the accident. Survivors of a deceased miner frequently find themselves in need of financial assistance so that they can carry on with their lives and that is the purpose of this legal action.

If you feel that a loved one's death was caused by negligence, the Fitzsimmons Firm would like to help. They have been assisting individuals for over 3 decades who have been injured by the wrongful conduct of others. By using an accomplished West Virginia coal mining accident lawyer from the firm, you can know your legal options and have a team of attorneys who is willing to fight to see that you are correctly compensated for your loss.

Causes of a Wrongful Death in Coal Mining Accidents

In coal mining, fatalities can come from a number of sources including defective equipment, electrocution, methane gas explosions, a coal stockpile collapse, surface mining accidents and others. With a wrongful death lawsuit, the most important factor is to be able to prove the factual cause of the fatality and who was responsible. In addition, it must be shown who has suffered as a result of the wrongful death. Commonly, compensation can be awarded to a surviving spouse, children and other dependents.

The firm has received recognition by U.S. News as one of the "Best Law Firms" in the country and Bob Fitzsimmons was named one of the top 75 plaintiff lawyers in the U.S. For their clients, they have won over 110 million-dollar verdicts or settlements, including a $27 million settlement for a wrongful death, one of the largest ever awarded in West Virginia.

Contact a West Virginia wrongful death attorney when a coal mining accident, caused by another's negligence, has led to the wrongful death of a loved one.