Skip to content
If you live in West Virginia and have a family to feed, the mining industry provides many opportunities. However, working in a coal mine isn’t anybody’s idea of safe, easy work. The two most common causes of mining accidents are explosions and equipment crushings. Both can cause severe injuries or death.
If a mining accident injury leaves you unable to work and support your family, you may be eligible for compensation through workers’ compensation or a lawsuit. Warner Law Offices, PLLC, can help you take action and fight for your right to compensation. Contact us online or call (304) 345-6789 to learn more about your legal options in a free consultation.
Causes of Mining Accidents
Mining is one of the most dangerous jobs in West Virginia. The potential for workplace injuries in West Virginia is always present due to the many risks involved in extracting coal. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of mining accidents, injuries, and deaths.
Explosions
A lot can go wrong when using explosives. For example, if you have ever set off fireworks, you may know that they can fail to launch or ignite prematurely when you least expect it. The explosives used in mining are far more dangerous. Whether you are hit by flying debris, hurt by an old charge that did not detonate when meant to, crushed under falling rubble, or caught in toxic fumes, all explosives can be lethal.
Methane and Coal Dust Explosions
Methane and coal dust explosions are behind the most devastating accidents in mining history. The two worst accidents killed over 1,000 people each. The methane in coal mines can ignite if proper safety measures are not taken. In turn, it can set off a coal dust explosion with horrendous results. Employers must ensure all equipment is adequately maintained to avoid malfunctions, which could also trigger a blast.
Equipment Crushings
Some of the largest machines in the world are used to extract coal. These huge pieces of machinery can roll over, crushing or trapping workers. Sometimes, negligent equipment operators fail to see other workers and crush them during standard operation.
Gas Leaks
Mining equipment often relies on gas-powered engines to run. In the confined spaces of a mine, things can quickly turn dangerous if there is a gas leak. Carbon monoxide, a byproduct of coal combustion, can build up and poison workers within minutes. Other hazardous gasses include hydrogen sulfide and methane.
Electrocutions
Repairing and maintaining equipment is a constant necessity in mining. This equipment often features powerful, high-voltage electrical systems, and a wrong move can result in electrocution. Powerful electrocutions are often fatal.
If you’ve been injured in an accident contact Warner Law Offices, PLLC, named the top premier law firm in the U.S.
How Common Are Mining Accidents?
Coal mining accidents and deaths have become less common over time, but they still occur. In 2021, 89 workers died in the mining and quarrying industries. Ten of those deaths occurred due to coal mining accidents.
Between 2017 and 2021, an average of 11 coal miners died each year. Coal mining has the highest fatal injury rate of all mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industries—19.6 per 100,000 full-time workers compared to just 9.8 for oil and gas extraction.
Notable Mining Accidents in West Virginia
The state and federal governments track mining incidents, which illustrates the risks of mining. Here is a list of mining accidents that resulted in multiple fatalities that occurred in West Virginia in recent years:
- McElroy Mine Disaster – On January 22, 2003, three miners were killed and two were seriously injured in an explosion at McElroy Mine near Cameron, West Virginia.
- Sago Mine Disaster – On January 2, 2006, 12 miners lost their lives in a methane gas explosion at the Sago Mine near Buckhannon, West Virginia.
- Upper Big Branch Coal Mine Disaster – On April 5, 2010, 29 miners died in a massive coal dust explosion at Upper Big Branch Coal Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia.
These incidents should have never happened, and they serve as a reminder of the daily dangers miners face. If you or a loved one were involved in these or any other West Virginia mining accidents, you may have a strong case for compensation. Our skilled attorneys are here to ensure you understand your full legal rights and options.
"When I show up at a job site where one of my clients was injured, I bring a team of experts to determine how and why the accident happened. The experts can rebuild the case and find out whether state or federal regulations were violated [and] whether company policies were violated. Did the company know about the unsafe conditions? Call us. We'll build your legal team, and we'll win your case."
We're Ready to Help With Your Mining Accident Claim
Aggressive advocacy is crucial when you’re up against large mining companies and their insurers. When you turn to our firm, that’s exactly what you’ll get. We’ve been fighting for the rights of injured West Virginians and their families for decades. Let us put that experience to work for you.
Our coal mining accident lawyers in Charleston, WV offer free consultations to explore your legal options and answer your questions. Contact us online or call (304) 345-6789 to schedule yours today. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
