Mining Accidents
WEST VIRGINIA MINING ACCIDENT LAWYER
Overview
Every day, millions of Americans are welcomed home by the warm glow of lights in the window, the soothing comfort of a hot meal, and the steadfast assurance that their families will be warm and safe for the night – all because of electricity generated from one of West Virginia’s most precious natural resources: coal.
But although the world has changed dramatically since the discovery of the energy-rich stone in the state’s foothills, the process of mining remains the same in many respects. It still takes the dedication of men who are willing to spend their days below ground in the dark so others can spend it above ground in the light and who are willing to risk the dangers of a high-risk injury.
Because of these daily dangers and sacrifices, no miner should ever face the prospect of paying thousands of dollars – sometimes all the savings he has – for medical expenses incurred by an on-the-job accident. Unfortunately, this is exactly what some of our clients face. At the Love Law Office, we fight for the rights of miners who have been injured on the job to be fairly compensated for their medical bills, lost work, and pain incurred. If this is you, we can help.
WHAT KINDS OF ACCIDENTS WARRANT COMPENSATION?
Some of the worst mining disasters in history have taken place here in West Virginia, which was also the number one state for mining fatalities from 2004 to 2014. Because accidents and fatalities are so frequent here, some unscrupulous companies try to avoid compensating their employees and contractors when things go wrong, padding their pocketbooks at your expense.
But make no mistake – anytime you are injured on the job – especially as a direct consequence of the work you perform – you are eligible for compensation.
Some examples of mining injuries and accidents we represent include (but are not limited to):
Powered haulage injuries
Machinery accidents
Injuries from falling, rolling, or sliding rock or other materials
Electrical injuries
Entrapment accidents
Injuries from exploding vehicles
Injuries from explosives or breaking agents
Injuries caused by the fall of a face, rib, side, highwall, roof, or back
Fire injuries
Injuries caused by handling materials
Hand tool injuries
Hoisting injuries
Gas or dust explosion or ignition injuries
Impoundment injuries
Inundation injuries
Non-powered haulage injuries
Injuries caused by striking, bumping, stepping, or kneeling on an object
If you were injured in any one of these ways, you are eligible for workers’ compensation and should talk to an experienced attorney right away.
DO I NEED A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY AFTER A MINING ACCIDENT?
Mining is a hazardous occupation; therefore it is reasonable to expect that injuries will occur in the normal course of business. The medical bills and lost pay incurred as a result of such injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation anytime you are injured on the job; however, both employers and insurance companies routinely dismiss legitimate claims or offer you a lower settlement than you deserve.
If any of the following are true, you may benefit from hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney – especially one with years of experience representing those in the mining field, such as the Love Law Firm:
Your claim was denied
Unscrupulous businesses and/or insurance companies may try to deny your claim, assuming that you won’t fight back. At the Love Law Firm, we fight for you to ensure that you receive the kind of compensation that you deserve.
Your claim was accepted, but your benefits are not being disbursed promptly
If your claim has been “accepted,” but your business, their insurance company, or both are causing you to pay out of your pocket for medical expenses without reimbursement for a long period of time, you may need an attorney to represent you and help get your payments issued in a timely manner.
Your claim was accepted, but your settlement does not cover your losses
Insurance companies often try to minimize their loss by offering you a lower settlement than you deserve. Never let your employer or an insurance company push you into accepting a settlement that puts you at a disadvantage. If you’re offered a settlement that does not cover all your medical bills and lost wages during your recovery, call an attorney immediately.
Your claim was accepted, but your employer retaliated
It’s against the law for employers to reduce your pay, demote you, harass you, or otherwise punish you for filing a workers’ compensation claim; however, this doesn’t mean some unscrupulous employers won’t try to do so, assuming that you have no recourse. If this happens, remember that you do have a recourse – the attorneys at the Love Law Firm will back you up against any unlawful retaliation.
Your claim is complicated, and you’re unsure how to handle your case
If you have a severe injury, especially one that requires surgery and/or may cause a permanent disability or ongoing medical bills, you should contact an attorney to make sure you get the kind of compensation you need to care your yourself and your family. If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are on social security, your claim may also result in added complexities that could benefit from an experienced professional.
How can a Charleston WV injury attorney help
At the Love Law Firm, we specialize in helping injured miners who have been unfairly denied the kind of compensation they deserve. We respect your work and the benefits it brings to us and will fight to win your case with no up-front cost to you. You pay only if you win!
Call (304) 344-5683 today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case, or fill out our online form by clicking here.
Phone:
(304) 344-5683
