Workplace accidents happen every day despite safety regulations being enforced on a state and federal level. But this is no excuse for preventable catastrophic injury and wrongful death to employees who dedicate their entire lives to a company. Several updates have been provided on a daily basis since the recent coal mine explosion in West Virginia took place. At least 25 workers have been killed.
Based on one Nevada Appeal news story, rescuers have drilled into the Upper Big Branch mine in an effort to release some of the poisonous gas that was released. Rescue crews are hoping to make a safe passage into the coal mine and search for any potential survivors of the explosion. At the time of the article’s release, four workers were reported missing.
In what is the most terrible mining accident in the United States within the last twenty years, family members of those who have been lost, other miners, government officials and citizens throughout the nation are left wondering what can be done to make sure a tragedy like this does not happen again.
According to reports, an accumulation of methane due to improper ventilation may have caused the explosion. What is especially unnerving is that the Upper Big Branch mine has previously been cited for issues with its ventilation system, which is supposed to accurately get rid of highly combustible gas. An Associated Press analysis of mine safety records stated that similar to several other operators of mines, owner Massey Energy Co. has often avoided serious fines by actively appealing safety violations at the mine. The Mine Safety and Health Administration has assigned a team of investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding this explosion.
Wrongful death caused by workplace accidents can devastate families and cause much sorrow. Because these tragic accidents are so unexpected, family members of wrongful death victims are left to cope with the loss of a loved one in addition to potential financial strain. Although no amount of money can ever replace the ones we love, Texas wrongful death claims may help families recover compensation for loss of consortium and companionship as well as financial damages.
