Overnight Harlan County Mining Accident Kills One Miner

According to Surfky.com, a mining accident in Kentucky’s Harlan County has claimed the life of one miner. The Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) reports that the 32-year-old Kentucky miner was killed while working near the community of Blair at the Timber Tree Mine, which is owned by Parton Brothers Mining. The worker was repairing a canopy, the protective covering over a shuttle car, when the canopy collapsed. The tragic accident was reported around 5:40 a.m. and no one else was hurt. The Harlan County Coroner confirms that the victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head and chest as a result of the collapse.

An investigation is being conducted by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing. This is the first mining fatality in Kentucky for 2012.

Mining is certainly one of the more dangerous industries a person can work in; however, workplaces accidents are far too common and can happen anywhere. With more than 3 million recorded cases in 2010 of workplace injuries and illnesses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is imperative workers understand they have legal rights when injured on the job. Oftentimes, workplace injuries are the result of defective products or malfunctioning equipment, or even the negligence of third parties. In the case of the above accident, it is possible that a negligent contractor cut corners during construction or constructed the canopy with substandard materials.

Kentucky work injury attorney Tad Thomas is dedicated to helping workers pursue the compensation they need to recover from a devastating workplace accident that was caused by a negligent third party. Attorney Thomas has extensive experience handling personal injury cases and works to ensure that those injured because of another party’s negligence receive the compensation they need to get back on their feet.