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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sylvester man says he was injured in Coalburg mine

MADISON -- A continuous miner operator claims he was seriously injured in Signature Mining Services' Coalburg No. 1 underground mine when ordered to work despite adverse geological conditions.

Brent Runyon, a Sylvester resident, complains "severe adverse rib conditions" presented high risk of serious injury in the mine's 2 East working section Aug. 9, 2011.

Runyon says he notified management of safety concerns for the No. 6 entry of 2 East section. Victor Dale Richmond, complaint continues, was mine superintendent at the time and instructed him to continue working in the area.

"Shortly thereafter," says complaint,"... loose, overhanging rib or brow that plaintiff had complained of fell out ..." Runyon's entire lower body was covered by fallen material causing 23 fractures, according to suit, that included a pelvis broken in five places, broken tailbone, right foot fractured in three places, five broken ribs, and broken right femur, hip and pubis.

Defendants named are Signature Mining Services LLC, and Richmond. Charleston Attorneys D. Blake Carter, Jr., Timothy C. Bailey and J. Ryan Stewart filed suit May 31 seeking jury trial in Boone Circuit Court demanding judgment jointly and severally for compensatory and punitive damages, litigation costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, and any and all other relief ruled appropriate.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge William S. Thompson.

Boone Circuit Court case number 12-C-121

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