Gillette Coal Mining Accident Attorney

Were You Injured While Working at a Coal Mine?

While great strides have been made toward making coal mining safer, it is still one of the most dangerous jobs an American can have. Strict federal regulations are in place to keep mine workers safe, but accidents still happen all too often.

Many times, these accidents happen because a mine’s owner has violated safety regulations and allowed a hazardous environment to exist. Other times, defective machinery or a negligent coworker is the cause. Regardless, an injured worker and his family deserve to be compensated for their losses.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a coal mining accident, you need to consult with a tough Gillette workplace injury attorney. The legal team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., knows all about the state’s coal mining practices and regulations, and we’re not afraid to stand up to large corporations and their insurers on behalf of coal mining accident survivors. Call us for a free case strategy session at (307) 257-7800.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Mining Accidents?

Most coal mining injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which your employer pays for. The problem? Workers’ comp is often adequate for minor injuries. So what happens when major medical bills, lost wages, and emotional agony are involved? In addition, your employer’s insurance company may try to minimize the losses the injury caused you and your family, or deny your claim entirely.

This is why you need a tough workers’ comp attorney beside you. Many survivors underestimate the long-term costs and life-altering effects of an accident. A skilled attorney can help you come up with a true estimate of your losses, and fight to get you the payment you deserve. Many mine workers are reluctant to file an injury claim against their employer or demand the compensation they are entitled to, fearing they’ll lose their jobs or be passed over for promotions. We want to remind you - it is illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee for filing an injury claim. And they won’t get away with it if you have a lawyer.

• Deliberative Intent Lawsuits and Punitive Damages: If the injury you suffered was the result of an intentional violation of safety regulations by your employer, or if your employer was aware of an unsafe condition and did not fix it, you can file a deliberative intent lawsuit against them. In such a case, you may be eligible for punitive damages, as well as additional compensation for your injuries.
• Third Party Claims: Third party claims are another source of compensation for a mining accident. If the cause of your injury was a defective tool or machine (or a part of that machine), the manufacturer of that tool, machine, or part can be sued. In addition, if the injury was caused by an independent contractor or subcontractor, a claim can be filed against him and his company.

What Damages Could You Get in a Coal Mining Injury Claim?

• Current medical bills
• Future medical bills related to the injury
• Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injury or disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Cost of household and vehicle modifications (wheelchair ramps, lifts, etc.)
• Lost wages
• Loss of career or earning capacity
• Loss of a limb
• Loss of sight or hearing
• Hedonic damages for loss of joy of life

In the unfortunate event that you lost a loved one in a coal mining accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for the following wrongful death damages:

• Medical bills
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
• Loss of future income
• Loss of future benefits (medical benefits, retirement, etc.)
• Loss of love, affection, companionship, guidance, marital consortium, etc.
• Loss of household services the deceased performed (childcare, repairs, yard maintenance, etc.)

Why Do You Need a Knowledgeable Attorney?

Because multiple parties may be involved in a coal mining accident, figuring out who’s to blame and filing a lawsuit against them can be extremely complicated. The last thing you need while recovering is trying to navigate the complex world of workers’ comp claims and injury litigation.

Leave that to an aggressive attorney who knows workers’ rights and will fight to protect them. The Campbell County law firm of Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., is committed to coal miners and their families. If you’re seriously injured, we want to help you. Call today for a free case strategy session at (307) 257-7800.

To find out more about our legal services, please reach out to our firm by calling (307) 257-7800!